Borsht
A warm, comforting borsht made with tender beef shank, fresh garden vegetables, and a touch of lemon for the perfect sour balance. This hearty soup is layered with flavor and finished with aromatic herbs like dill, lovage, and thyme. Serve hot with a spoonful of crème fraîche or yogurt for an authentic, soul-soothing meal.
Ingredients
- 500 gr beef shank bone in or not is fine
- 2.5 l water
- 2 pcs carrots finely chopped
- 1 pcs onion chopped
- 1 pcs red pepper (or green) chopped
- 100 gr celery stalk diced
- 300 gr cabbage finely shredded (julienne)
- 2 pcs potatoes peeled cubed
- 2 pcs tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 1-2 pcs lemons for lemon juice will be added to taste at very end
- 1 handful dill or parsley finely chopped
- 1 handful lovage (optional but traditional)
- 1 pinch thyme or dried thyme (or a sprig fresh)
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp Crème fraîche or yogurt for serving (optional but my favourite)
Instructions
- Boil the meat: Add the beef shank to a large pot with 2.5 liters of cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a spoon or skimmer.
- Prep the meat: Once the meat is tender and cooked through (approx. 45–60 minutes), remove it from the pot. Detach the meat from the bone, discard the bone, and cut the meat into bite-sized chunks. Return the meat to the pot.
- Build the broth: Add the diced carrots and chopped onion. Bring back to a boil.
- Add vegetables in stages: Once boiling again, add the chopped bell pepper, diced celery, and shredded cabbage. Let it return to a boil, then add the cubed potatoes.Bring to a boil again, then add the chopped tomatoes.
- Season the soup: Once the soup comes to a final boil and all vegetables are tender, season with salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice to achieve a balanced sourness.
- Add herbs and finish: Stir in the chopped dill, lovage (if using), and thyme. Turn off the heat and let the flavors infuse for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and optionally top with a tablespoon of crème fraîche or yogurt.
- Stir well! Bon appetite!
