Description
Ukrainian Green Borscht is a vibrant and comforting soup made with fresh spinach, zucchini, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs in a flavorful chicken or vegetable broth. This hearty yet light soup combines sautéed vegetables with tender potatoes and a tangy hint of lemon juice, finished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Broth and Vegetables
- 64 oz chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated on a large grater
- 3 large potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 zucchini, cubed
Finishing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 eggs, hard-boiled and cubed
- 1/2 cup parsley or dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes until tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and grated carrot, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion and carrot mixture to the pot with the potatoes. Then add the cubed zucchini and chopped spinach. Continue cooking the soup for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the zucchini to soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Final Touches: Stir in the lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped parsley or dill. Mix gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Remove the soup from heat and serve immediately. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and tang.
Notes
- Hard-boiled eggs add a classic richness and texture to the soup; to boil eggs perfectly, place eggs in boiling water and cook for 9-12 minutes, then cool and peel before cubing.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for authentic flavor; you can substitute with fresh cilantro if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit eggs or substitute with tofu cubes.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end to suit your taste preference.
- Serve with rye bread or crusty bread for a complete traditional meal.