Grandma's Borscht (Print Format)

This flavorful beet soup blends hearty vegetables with broth, served traditionally with sour cream and a slice of rye.

# Ingredients:

01 - 12 cups low-sodium vegetable or beef broth.
02 - 5 cups thinly sliced green or red cabbage.
03 - 1 large chopped onion.
04 - 3 medium carrots, diced.
05 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
06 - 3 big beets, peeled and cut into thin strips.
07 - 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes.
08 - 6 ounces of unsalted tomato paste.
09 - 2 teaspoons of salt.
10 - 3 bay leaves.
11 - 1 tablespoon vinegar (white works best).
12 - A tiny bit of sugar or a dash of maple syrup.
13 - 3 cloves of garlic, freshly grated.
14 - Black pepper to your liking.
15 - 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley or dill.
16 - Rye bread, yogurt, and sour cream for serving.

# Steps:

01 - Heat up the broth with bay leaves in a big pot until it starts boiling.
02 - Toss in the cabbage, cover it up, and let it gently cook for about 20 minutes on low heat.
03 - Cook onion and carrots in a skillet with oil for five minutes, then toss in the beets and cook a few more minutes.
04 - Pour the cooked veggies into the pot along with potatoes, tomato paste, and salt. Let it cook for an additional 20 minutes.
05 - Mix in the vinegar, sugar, garlic, and a little black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes, then sprinkle on the dill.
06 - Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and some rye bread on the side.

# Tips:

01 - Swap in beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
02 - Stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days.
03 - For a meatier option, start by boiling beef bones.
04 - Sauerkraut adds a nice tangy kick!