Name: Ukrainian Borscht
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 人分
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 500 g beef shank, cut into chunks; 2 liters water; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 medium carrot, grated; 2 medium beets, peeled and grated; 1 medium potato, diced; 1 small head of cabbage, shredded; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp vinegar; 1 bay leaf; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh dill, for garnish; Sour cream, for serving

Ingredients

500 g beef shank, cut into chunks

2 liters water

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, grated

2 medium beets, peeled and grated

1 medium potato, diced

1 small head of cabbage, shredded

3 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp vinegar

1 bay leaf

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Fresh dill, for garnish

Sour cream, for serving

Steps

In a large pot, combine beef shank and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clear broth.

After 30 minutes, add chopped onion, grated carrot, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.

In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add grated beets and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and vinegar, cooking for another 5 minutes to preserve the color of the beets.

Add the sautéed beets, diced potato, and shredded cabbage to the beef broth. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill and a generous dollop of sour cream.

Why this works

Creating a deep, flavorful broth is key to authentic Ukrainian Borscht. By simmering beef with aromatic vegetables, you extract rich flavors that serve as a robust base. The technique of sautéing beets separately with vinegar helps retain their vibrant color, ensuring the soup remains a striking ruby red rather than fading to brown. Vinegar not only balances the sweetness of the beets but also adds the necessary sour note that characterizes this dish. If you find your borscht lacks brightness, a splash of vinegar can elevate the flavor and color. Remember, the balance of flavors is essential, so taste as you go to ensure your final dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory. This attention to detail will result in a visually stunning and delicious bowl of borscht that honors its Ukrainian roots.