This vegetarian soup is popular in Western Canada. Some borscht recipes are full of beets. This cabbage version is rich with vegetables and has a creamy base. This makes a large pot; you'll be glad you made it. #cabbageborscht
Ingredients
3 quarts water
3 large potatoes, halved
4 beets, medium, whole
2 tbsp butter
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, medium chopped
bay leaf
5 cups canned tomatoes, drained
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup water
5 cups thinly sliced 3" long cabbage, green
3 cups chopped celery
3 cups chopped carrots
5-7 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 cup whipping cream
bunch green onion
bunch tt dill
tt salt and pepper
pickle juice (optional)
Instructions
1. In a very large pot add 3 quarts of salted water and add halved potatoes and 3-4 whole beets and bring to a boil. The potatoes may take some time to fully cook.
2. In a medium pot lightly saute onion and garlic with butter and bay leaf and thyme until translucent. Now add 5 cups tomatoes. Stir and cook on low.
3. In another pot, melt butter, and add 1/4 cup water. Add carrots, celery, and cabbage. Scoop a few ladles of tomato mixture into this pot. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and set aside.
4. Add diced potatoes to large pot of water then remove the whole potatoes once they are fully cooked and place in a wide bowl suitable for mashing. Season potatoes with salt, pepper, and thyme. Slowly add whipping cream and add a ladle of tomato mixture and blend together. It will become liquidy. Leave the beets in the large pot.
5. Slowly pour the mashed potato/cream/tomato into the large pot and bring to a boil. Check the tenderness of the diced potatoes. Now add cabbage mixture and bring to a simmer.
6. Remove the whole beets. If desired you may add to this soup or set aside for another meal.
7. Sprinkle soup with green onions and dill. if you like pickle juice you may wish to add some; taste and season accordingly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chef Notes
This soup needs plenty of salt. Traditionally sour cream is added on top just prior to serving.
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