Quick Vegetarian Borscht with Beans

Quick Vegetarian Borscht with Beans

Classic DishBorscht

Prep: 20 min • Cook: 40 min. A speedy and lighter version of borscht, this vegetarian delight uses canned beans for protein and quick cooking, combined with a vibrant mix of beetroot and garden vegetables for a satisfying meat-free meal. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors characteristic of traditional borscht, made accessible for a weeknight dinner.

Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
40 min
Total time
1 hr
Servings
6

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. 2Stir in grated carrots and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
  3. 3Add minced garlic and grated beetroot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

Cooking the Borscht

  1. 1Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  2. 2Add the diced potatoes and shredded cabbage. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
  3. 3Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
  4. 4Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving

  1. 1Ladle the hot borscht into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley.
  2. 2Serve with a dollop of sour cream or vegan alternative, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories
251 kcal
Protein
12 g
Fat
8 g
Carbs
35 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories251 kcal
Protein12 g
Fat8 g
Carbs35 g

Tips

  • To save time, use pre-shredded cabbage and grated carrots from the store.
  • For a richer flavor, let the borscht sit for an hour after cooking, or even overnight, then reheat.
  • A slice of rye bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this hearty soup.

By Chef Michael Ilin