Monday, May 21, 2012

Back to the Roots: Beets





If I have to rank my favorite root vegetables, the list would definitely start with beets. From a reach dark ruby color to a delicate taste I love it all in the beets. 






My culinary experience with it is wide: beet juice, pickled beets, raw beets salad, baked beets salad, stews, and the king of all -  the borscht. 
This summer version of the borscht is great either cold or warm.


When I was babysitting last week, I made borscht from the ingredients that were available in the kitchen. Actually, all you need for summer borscht are beets.  




The Borscht


Ingredients:

  • 5-7 medium beets, baked, then peeled and shredded
  • 1 medium size onion, chopped
  • 2 Russet potatoes (or any other), peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cabbage head, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2-3 liters water or stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste



1. In a large bowl combine shredded beets, apple cider and the sugar. Mix and set aside.
2. Start in a large pot you will be cooking borscht with heating the olive oil, then add onions and saute it until golden brown.
3. Add beets and stir it 2-3 minutes.
4. Add water or stock of your choice (I prefer to use water for this summer version), bring it to a boil. Less water will make the borscht thick, so you choose how much water to add.
5. Add potatoes and cabbage, reduce heat to a medium and simmer until potatoes are done (about 15-20 minutes).
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Enjoy it warm, with a dollop of sour cream on top, or cold (my personal favorite to eat it cold next day when all the flavor  blends).






He loves the smell of the borscht too... 





See you,
Marina

38 comments:

  1. Never thought I would enjoy beetroot in any form but you are making me rethink - this looks wonderful :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    1. Thank you! Beets are super delicious if you cook them right. If you never had it, I would advise to bake them, and you'll most definitely love it! :)

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  2. The borscht looks delicious and the smell must be amazing! I agree with your cat...

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    1. Lol, thanks! It tasted good too, I need to make another one. :)

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  3. I love beets but I've never had borscht. I must try it!

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  4. I LOVE beets! they are nature's candy! I love them roasted, they just turn into the most wonderful things ever! Beets and dates (medjool) - plants at their finest!

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    1. I agree, the roasted beets are the best, that's what I use for my borscht, and any other beet involving meals. :)

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  5. I absolutely adore beets as you do. I like them baked and I eat them this way most of the time with various additions and spices. But I also adore borscht. My granma prepares the best borscht :-)

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    1. Do you know the recipe for your grandma's borscht? I am sure it's delicious!

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  6. I love beets but I never taste any borscht. I will, it's a promise!

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    1. Please, let me know if you like it! It is very easy to make, about 20-25 minutes of your time and you have a perfect meal for a hot summer day (I like it cold during the summer).

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  7. Always wanted to try to make beetroot soup. Thank you for this great recipe X

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  8. Beets are so sweet when they are fresh from the garden or in season at the stores. What a good wholesome recipe! I'd love to try this! Thanks!

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    1. Diane, there are many variety of beets on the market, some sweeter than other. Any beets can be used for borscht, make sure you bake them first. :)

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  9. This beetroot soup looks amazing! A must try.

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    1. Thanks Asmita! Yes, try it and let me know how you like it. :)

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  10. Thanks Marina!! I have always wanted to make Borscht, but never had had enough beets or a good recipe to try! I love that cat, he is soooo pretty!

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    1. Thanks Jane, it's actually my friend's cat. :) You don't need many beets for a borscht. You can make it with one or too. The reason I use more is to make that rich color...:)

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  11. Love the recipe for Borscht..i love beets and can eat them every single day!

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  12. This is something I love and always wanted to make thank you for sharing you recipe.
    Rita

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    1. You are welcome, Rita. I hope you would enjoy it! :)

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  13. Oh wow you do have a wide range of experience using beets :-) I love beets for their colour....I just cannot get enough of that rich red colour....

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  14. One unique combo! The photographs are just mind blowing.

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  15. I love beetroot and beetroot soup. I've just started playing around with cold soups so I think this is one for the late summer.

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    1. I hope you enjoy it. Cool it down over night in the refrigerator and try it next day: heavenly good! :)

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  16. I'm scared to try it, but you did an amazing job with the borscht.

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    1. Make a small portion, or just bake some beets and try it, see if you like it as it's the main ingredient. :)

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  17. Really nice recipe. You can do so much with Borscht! This is a nice, light version. I've been seeing good beets in the market lately, so I need to get busy. Good post - thanks.

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    1. Thank you! Oh those fresh beets first in the season are so delicious! I buy a lot of it. :)

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  18. Oh, Marina! I love, love your borscht, your amazing photos, your kitty...so, so cute!
    Love the recipe, and thanks for sharing!
    I am posting your blog on my blog list, so I will not forget to check out your latest. Also would like to pin some of your photos on Pinterest:DDD

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    1. Thanks Elisabeth! You are so kind! I already follow you in my Google reader. :) Although I am a little behind with all my projects...:)

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  19. This is one of my favourite ever soups! And I love your kitty, he has the funniest expressions :D

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    1. Thank you! It is actually my friend's cat, and yes, he is the cutest creature! I am making post soon about this cat. :)

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Your warm comments put a smile on my heart.