Creamy red borscht: A twist on a classic soup

Creamy red borscht is an interesting alternative to traditional, clear borscht. It is ideal for a family dinner. The key element of this recipe is the addition of sour cream, which gives the soup a creamy consistency and mellows the intense beet flavor. The combination of aromatic meat and vegetable broth with the subtlety of creaminess gives this borscht a completely new character.

Creamy red borscht is a simple yet impressive way to diversify a traditional recipe. Sour cream, a key ingredient, gives the soup a unique taste and delicacy, making it ideal for family dinners. Try this recipe and discover how easily you can transform the taste of a classic soup, surprising your loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken quarters
• turkey neck and drumstick (or a soup portion)
• a piece of beef with bone
• soup greens (2 carrots, 1 parsley root, a piece of celery, leek)
• 6-8 beets
• a bunch of chives
• salt and pepper to taste
• allspice
• bay leaves
• juice from one lemon
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream

Preparation:

1. Place the meat in a large pot, pour about 2.5 quarts of water, and boil.
2. Skim off the foam, then add the peeled and chopped soup greens.
3. Slice the beets and add them to the pot. Add allspice, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender.
5. Strain the broth, set the beets aside, and season the borscht with lemon juice.
6. Mix the sour cream with a bit of hot borscht to prevent curdling. Stir it gently into the soup.
7. Serve with chopped chives as garnish.

Adding sour cream to red borscht not only makes it milder in taste but also enriches its texture, making the soup more creamy. The cream's sourness perfectly complements the intense flavor of the beets and the meat broth, creating a balanced composition.

Creaming the soup is also a way to introduce novelty to classic recipes, giving them a milder, more velvety character.

Creamy red borscht is an excellent soup for both a standalone dish and an addition to a hearty meal. Traditionally, it is served with either mashed or boiled whole potatoes, which perfectly absorb the creamy broth. Another option is adding meat pieces to the broth, making the soup more filling and satisfying even the largest appetites.

For variety, consider serving borscht with crispy bread, such as garlic croutons or a slice of country bread. You can also enhance it with herbs like dill or marjoram, which add freshness and aroma. For a more sophisticated version, sprinkle the soup with a bit of grated horseradish—it will add character and brilliantly highlight the beet flavor.