ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.seriouseats.com/dinner-tonight-vegetarian-borscht-recipe |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-09 17:40:28 (10 hours ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-05-06 00:36:33 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Vegetarian Borscht Recipe |
| Meta Description | Borscht almost always features beets and typically has meat in it, but this vegetarian version is light, hearty, and far greater than the sum of its parts. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | This vegetarian borscht is light, hearty, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
By
Blake Royer
Blake Royer is a former chef, food blogger, and food writer who contributed recipe ideas and Chicago-based content to Serious Eats from the website’s earliest days.
Updated December 20, 2025
(4)
Serious Eats / Blake Royer
Why It Works
Reserving some of the beet and grating it into the soup at the end brightens both the color and the flavor.
Warming the stock while the vegetables sauté keeps things moving, getting the soup on the table in just over half an hour.
A final squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the beets’ natural sweetness and brings the soup into balance.
Optional toppings like sour cream and fresh herbs let everyone tailor their bowl to taste.
Who's ready for another cheap soup recipe? This one is as economical and simple as they come, is ready in minutes, and is far richer and warming than it has any credit being. The recipe comes via the Estonian food blog
Nami-Nami
, where I was looking for ideas to put the epic amounts of cabbage and beets that are plentiful here in Estonia to good use. It is simply beets, onions, carrots, and cabbage, all cut into shreds and matchsticks, sautéed then simmered together until everything turns a beautiful pink.
Borscht is a popular soup in this part of Europe, with numerous hearty variations that almost always feature the earthy beet. The majority of the time the soup has meat in it, but I didn't miss it one bit (nor did I notice that the soup has hardly any fat). I made a huge pot and the leftovers have only grown tastier. The flavor is light and hearty at the same time, made gently sour by the addition of lemon juice, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
This recipe was originally published as part of the column "Dinner Tonight."
February 2009
Keep Screen Awake
1
pound
beets
(beetroot), peeled and cut into matchsticks (reserve a small piece to grate into the soup at the end)
2
medium
onions
, sliced into half-moons
2
large
carrots
, peeled and cut into matchsticks
3/4
pound
white cabbage
, cut thinly into shreds
2
tablespoons
olive oil
5
cups
vegetable stock
Juice
of
1/2
a
lemon
Salt
to taste
Coarsely
ground black pepper
Sour cream
(optional, omit for vegan soup)
Finely chopped
parsley
or
chives
(optional, for garnish)
Sauté onions, carrots, and beets over medium heat in the olive oil with a pinch of salt in a large soup pot, reserving a small amount of raw beet to grate and add near the end to enliven the color.
In the meantime, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. When the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes), add the shredded cabbage and the hot stock. Bring to a boil and simmer 15-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. With a few minutes left, add the reserved grated beet.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then squeeze in the lemon juice, aiming for a pleasing but subtle sour taste. Serve with freshly ground black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped parsley, if desired.
Special Equipment
Large soup pot
,
box grater
Read More
Shchavleviy Borsch (Ukrainian Green Borsch)
Hot Ukrainian Borscht
How to Make Great Vegetarian and Vegan Soups
Nutrition Facts
(per serving)
121
Calories
5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Ă—
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories
121
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
5g
6%
Saturated Fat 1g
4%
Cholesterol
0mg
0%
Sodium
838mg
36%
Total Carbohydrate
18g
7%
Dietary Fiber 4g
14%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein
3g
Vitamin C 34mg
169%
Calcium 61mg
5%
Iron 1mg
6%
Potassium 490mg
10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.) |
| Markdown | [Skip to Content](https://www.seriouseats.com/dinner-tonight-vegetarian-borscht-recipe#skip-to-content)
[My Saves](https://www.myrecipes.com/)
button
button
- [Recipes](https://www.seriouseats.com/all-recipes-5117985)
- [Recipes by Course](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-course-5117906)
- [Recipes by Ingredient](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-ingredient-recipes-5117749)
- [Recipes by Cuisine](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-world-cuisine-5117277)
- [Recipes by Method](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-method-5117399)
- [Recipes by Diet](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-diet-5117779)
- [Recipes by Holiday & Season](https://www.seriouseats.com/holiday-season-recipes-5117984)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/all-recipes-5117985)
- [How-Tos](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-tos-5118034)
- [Techniques](https://www.seriouseats.com/techniques-5118032)
- [Tips & Troubleshooting](https://www.seriouseats.com/tips-trouble-shooting-5118014)
- [Grilling Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/grilling-guides-5118026)
- [Stovetop Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/stovetop-guides-5118016)
- [Baking Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/baking-guides-5118031)
- [Entertaining](https://www.seriouseats.com/entertaining-5118033)
- [The Food Lab](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-food-lab-5118015)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-tos-5118034)
- [World Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/world-cuisine-guides-5117177)
- [African Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/african-cuisine-guides-5117176)
- [Asian Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/asian-cuisine-guides-5117164)
- [Caribbean Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/caribbean-cuisine-guides-5117113)
- [Central American Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/central-american-cuisine-guides-5117136)
- [European Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/european-cuisine-guides-5117108)
- [Middle Eastern Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/middle-eastern-cuisine-guides-5117157)
- [North American Cuisine Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/north-american-cuisine-guides-5117134)
- [Oceanic Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/oceanic-cuisine-guides-5117084)
- [South American Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/south-american-cuisine-guides-5117118)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/world-cuisine-guides-5117177)
- [Ingredients](https://www.seriouseats.com/ingredients-guides-5118013)
- [Chicken Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/chicken-guides-5118008)
- [Drink Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/drink-guides-5181286)
- [Egg Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/egg-guides-5118005)
- [Fruit Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/fruit-guides-5118003)
- [Noodle Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/noodle-guides-5117999)
- [Pantry Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/pantry-guides-5181287)
- [Pork Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/pork-guides-5117995)
- [Rice & Grain Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/rice-grain-guides-5117992)
- [Seafood Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/seafood-guides-5117991)
- [Vegetable Guides](https://www.seriouseats.com/vegetable-guides-5117987)
- [Taste Tests](https://www.seriouseats.com/taste-tests-5117986)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/ingredients-guides-5118013)
- [Equipment](https://www.seriouseats.com/equipment-5117081)
- [Coffee & Tea](https://www.seriouseats.com/coffee-tea-5118050)
- [Cookware](https://www.seriouseats.com/cookware-5118049)
- [Knives](https://www.seriouseats.com/knives-5118044)
- [Tools & Gadgets](https://www.seriouseats.com/tools-gadgets-5118041)
- [Grilling & Outdoor](https://www.seriouseats.com/grilling-outdoor-5118046)
- [Electric Appliances](https://www.seriouseats.com/electric-appliances-5118048)
- [Seriously Good Gear](https://www.seriouseats.com/seriously-good-kitchen-gear-7255050)
- [Bakeware](https://www.seriouseats.com/bakeware-5118053)
- [Kitchen Basics](https://www.seriouseats.com/kitchen-basics-5118045)
- [Storage & Organization](https://www.seriouseats.com/storage-organization-5118043)
- [Barware](https://www.seriouseats.com/barware-5118052)
- [Tableware](https://www.seriouseats.com/tableware-5118042)
- [Books](https://www.seriouseats.com/books-5118051)
- [Seasonal & Gifts](https://www.seriouseats.com/gifts-5118047)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/equipment-5117081)
- [Features](https://www.seriouseats.com/features-5118040)
- [Dining Out](https://www.seriouseats.com/dining-out-5118039)
- [Food History](https://www.seriouseats.com/food-history-5118037)
- [Food Industry](https://www.seriouseats.com/food-industry-5118038)
- [Food Science](https://www.seriouseats.com/food-science-5118036)
- [Personal Essays](https://www.seriouseats.com/personal-essays-5118035)
- [View all](https://www.seriouseats.com/features-5118040)
- [About us](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006)
- Newsletter
- [My Saves](https://www.myrecipes.com/)
- Get fresh recipes, cooking tips, deal alerts, and more\!
- - [About Us](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006)
- [Contact Us](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006#toc-contact-us)
[Tired of losing recipes? Save your favorites on MyRecipes for free](https://www.myrecipes.com/authentication/login?regSource=p1z6s1&isMyrecipes=true&utm_source=seriouseats&utm_medium=sitewidebanner)
- [Recipes](https://www.seriouseats.com/all-recipes-5117985)
- [Recipes by World Cuisine](https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes-by-world-cuisine-5117277)
- [Europe](https://www.seriouseats.com/europe-recipes-5117236)
- [Eastern European](https://www.seriouseats.com/eastern-european-recipes-5117235)
# Vegetarian Borscht
This vegetarian borscht is light, hearty, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
By
[Blake Royer](https://www.seriouseats.com/blake-royer-5118571)
![Blake Royer is a contributing writer at Serious Eats. ]()
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__mt-static__support__uploads__blake-royer-1-10356637d94042e0abd83688bc0af2d6.jpg)
[Blake Royer](https://www.seriouseats.com/blake-royer-5118571)
Blake Royer is a former chef, food blogger, and food writer who contributed recipe ideas and Chicago-based content to Serious Eats from the website’s earliest days.
Learn about Serious Eats' [Editorial Process](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006#toc-editorial-guidelines)
Updated December 20, 2025
(4)
Save
[WRITE A REVIEW](https://www.seriouseats.com/dinner-tonight-vegetarian-borscht-recipe)
Close
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20090212vegetarianborscht-77b1b171b9e747049d3550d6418a0764.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20090212vegetarianborscht-77b1b171b9e747049d3550d6418a0764.jpg)
Serious Eats / Blake Royer
Jump to recipe
### Why It Works
- Reserving some of the beet and grating it into the soup at the end brightens both the color and the flavor.
- Warming the stock while the vegetables sauté keeps things moving, getting the soup on the table in just over half an hour.
- A final squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the beets’ natural sweetness and brings the soup into balance.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and fresh herbs let everyone tailor their bowl to taste.
Who's ready for another cheap soup recipe? This one is as economical and simple as they come, is ready in minutes, and is far richer and warming than it has any credit being. The recipe comes via the Estonian food blog [Nami-Nami](http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/2007/09/recipe-for-healthy-and-delicious.html), where I was looking for ideas to put the epic amounts of cabbage and beets that are plentiful here in Estonia to good use. It is simply beets, onions, carrots, and cabbage, all cut into shreds and matchsticks, sautéed then simmered together until everything turns a beautiful pink.
Borscht is a popular soup in this part of Europe, with numerous hearty variations that almost always feature the earthy beet. The majority of the time the soup has meat in it, but I didn't miss it one bit (nor did I notice that the soup has hardly any fat). I made a huge pot and the leftovers have only grown tastier. The flavor is light and hearty at the same time, made gently sour by the addition of lemon juice, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
###
This recipe was originally published as part of the column "Dinner Tonight."
### February 2009
Recipe Details
## Vegetarian Borscht Recipe
Cook 35 mins
Total 35 mins
Serves 6 servings
Save
Keep Screen Awake
## Ingredients
- 1 pound beets (beetroot), peeled and cut into matchsticks (reserve a small piece to grate into the soup at the end)
- 2 medium onions, sliced into half-moons
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 3/4 pound white cabbage, cut thinly into shreds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Salt to taste
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- Sour cream (optional, omit for vegan soup)
- Finely chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
## Directions
1. Sauté onions, carrots, and beets over medium heat in the olive oil with a pinch of salt in a large soup pot, reserving a small amount of raw beet to grate and add near the end to enliven the color.
2. In the meantime, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. When the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes), add the shredded cabbage and the hot stock. Bring to a boil and simmer 15-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. With a few minutes left, add the reserved grated beet.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then squeeze in the lemon juice, aiming for a pleasing but subtle sour taste. Serve with freshly ground black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped parsley, if desired.
## Special Equipment
[Large soup pot](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-cast-iron-dutch-ovens-equipment-review), [box grater](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-box-grater)
## Read More
- [Shchavleviy Borsch (Ukrainian Green Borsch)](https://www.seriouseats.com/shchaveloviy-borsch-ukrainian-green-borsch-recipe-7566367)
- [Hot Ukrainian Borscht](https://www.seriouseats.com/hot-borscht-beet-meat-soup-recipe)
- [How to Make Great Vegetarian and Vegan Soups](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-vegan-experience-how-to-make-great-vegan-soups)
- [Eastern European](https://www.seriouseats.com/eastern-european-recipes-5117235)
- [Vegetarian Mains](https://www.seriouseats.com/vegetarian-main-recipes-5117754)
- [Braised & Stewed Vegetables](https://www.seriouseats.com/braised-stewed-vegetable-recipes-5117363)
- [Soups](https://www.seriouseats.com/soup-recipes-5117814)
- [Fall Mains](https://www.seriouseats.com/fall-main-recipes-5117978)
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 121 | Calories |
| 5g | Fat |
| 18g | Carbs |
| 3g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
Ă—
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 121 |
| % Daily Value\* | |
| Total Fat 5g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 4% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 838mg | 36% |
| Total Carbohydrate 18g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 11g | |
| Protein 3g | |
| Vitamin C 34mg | 169% |
| Calcium 61mg | 5% |
| Iron 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium 490mg | 10% |
| *\*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.* | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
#### More Serious Eats Recipes
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__11__20150916-chicken-paprikash-kenji-30-9c547e27226e4a7da43020f5794da1c5.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__11__20150916-chicken-paprikash-kenji-30-9c547e27226e4a7da43020f5794da1c5.jpg) The Best Chicken Paprikash Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-chicken-paprikash-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/polish-potato-kielbasa-cabbage-soup-kapusniak-recipe-hero-dad000c852d043798beab9972471ff48.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/polish-potato-kielbasa-cabbage-soup-kapusniak-recipe-hero-dad000c852d043798beab9972471ff48.jpg) Kapusniak (Polish Potato, Kielbasa, and Cabbage Soup)](https://www.seriouseats.com/polish-potato-kielbasa-cabbage-soup-kapusniak-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2018__03__20180305-vegan-lasagna-bolognese-seitan-mushrooms-vicky-wasik11-626266884a56412c800f7f6fc9ad7c48.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2018__03__20180305-vegan-lasagna-bolognese-seitan-mushrooms-vicky-wasik11-626266884a56412c800f7f6fc9ad7c48.jpg) Vegan Seitan and Mushroom RagĂą Bolognese Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/vegan-bolognese-sauce-with-seitan-and-mushrooms)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20161212-borscht-vicky-wasik-13-a57b9fc72b0d40f8a4a10e79a9ab78dd.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20161212-borscht-vicky-wasik-13-a57b9fc72b0d40f8a4a10e79a9ab78dd.jpg) Hot Ukrainian Borscht Recipe (With Beets, Beef, Pork, and More)](https://www.seriouseats.com/hot-borscht-beet-meat-soup-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__09__20160922-chicken-cacciatore-vicky-wasik-13-5698e9bd478e41e1951089714ceed8cb.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__09__20160922-chicken-cacciatore-vicky-wasik-13-5698e9bd478e41e1951089714ceed8cb.jpg) Chicken Cacciatore With Mushrooms, Tomato, and Onion Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/chicken-cacciatore-mushrooms-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__02__20160201-ribolita-vicky-wasik-019-7cdf1e0e7e5744aaa96b1c8af644d51c.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__02__20160201-ribolita-vicky-wasik-019-7cdf1e0e7e5744aaa96b1c8af644d51c.jpg) Ribollita (Hearty Tuscan Bean, Bread, and Vegetable Stew) Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/ribollita-tuscan-italian-vegetable-soup-stew-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__images__2014__10__20141027-pumpkin-lasagna-food-lab-32-e1827c0243994c03af3563ab7048347f.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__images__2014__10__20141027-pumpkin-lasagna-food-lab-32-e1827c0243994c03af3563ab7048347f.jpg) The Best Squash Lasagna](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-squash-lasagna-food-lab-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__03__20150309-spinach-artichoke-dip-pierogi-inside-shot-morgan-eisenberg-f8e13dc8616043cba205fec6fae46152.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__03__20150309-spinach-artichoke-dip-pierogi-inside-shot-morgan-eisenberg-f8e13dc8616043cba205fec6fae46152.jpg) Spinach and Artichoke Dip-Filled Pierogi Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-spinach-artichoke-dip-pierogi-dumplings-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__01__20160205-beef-goulash-hungarian-recipe-food-lab-26-603da3113a1d47b2a114d1a2fa2497d4.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__01__20160205-beef-goulash-hungarian-recipe-food-lab-26-603da3113a1d47b2a114d1a2fa2497d4.jpg) Goulash (Hungarian Beef and Paprika Stew)](https://www.seriouseats.com/hungarian-goulash-beef-paprika-stew-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__images__2014__03__20140318-287069-sweet-cheese-pierogies-ae59d1cfd8664cefa84a166e03158447.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__images__2014__03__20140318-287069-sweet-cheese-pierogies-ae59d1cfd8664cefa84a166e03158447.jpg) How to Make Fried Sweet Cheese Pierogi](https://www.seriouseats.com/fried-sweet-cheese-pierogi-polish-russian-dumplings-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2018__11__20181102-Hobak-beombeok-vicky-wasik-15-7a260a288e214675a1993c23b35dbcde.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2018__11__20181102-Hobak-beombeok-vicky-wasik-15-7a260a288e214675a1993c23b35dbcde.jpg) Hobak Beombeok (Korean Squash, Sweet Potato, and Bean Porridge)](https://www.seriouseats.com/hobak-beombeok-korean-squash-sweet-potato-and-bean-porridge)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__02__20150218-butternut-squash-ravioli-niki-achitoff-gray-3780c79257c840f6a2a9ea007583a232.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2015__02__20150218-butternut-squash-ravioli-niki-achitoff-gray-3780c79257c840f6a2a9ea007583a232.jpg) Homemade Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese Ravioli With Sage Brown Butter Sauce Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/butternut-squash-ravioli-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2014__08__20140818-tomato-sauce-vicky-wasik-3-5a82a74045764203a01410754b129601.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2014__08__20140818-tomato-sauce-vicky-wasik-3-5a82a74045764203a01410754b129601.jpg) The Best Fresh Tomato Sauce](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-fresh-tomato-sauce-for-pasta-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__07__20160524-beet-sandwich-vicky-wasik-6-3d142ee93a1045a3827cfe188b2a106b.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2016__07__20160524-beet-sandwich-vicky-wasik-6-3d142ee93a1045a3827cfe188b2a106b.jpg) Roasted-Beet Sandwiches With Ginger, Fennel, and Goat Cheese Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/beet-sandwich-goat-cheese-fennel-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20161219-choucroute-vicky-wasik-20-1b0f2a05d09841db9f545faab081a62f.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20161219-choucroute-vicky-wasik-20-1b0f2a05d09841db9f545faab081a62f.jpg) Choucroute Garnie Ă l'Alsacienne (Alsatian Braised Sauerkraut With Mixed Meats and Sausages) Recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/choucroute-garnie-alsatian-braised-sauerkraut-meat-sausage-recipe)
[:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20170123-pozole-verde-chicken-mexican-soup-hominy-green-15-579578d1f9de40eab09ba77ca68ea087.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__2017__01__20170123-pozole-verde-chicken-mexican-soup-hominy-green-15-579578d1f9de40eab09ba77ca68ea087.jpg) One-Pot Pozole Verde de Pollo (Green Mexican Hominy and Chicken Soup)](https://www.seriouseats.com/pozole-verde-de-pollo-green-mexican-hominy-and-chicken-soup-recipe)
Get fresh recipes, cooking tips, deal alerts, and more\!
- [Recipes](https://www.seriouseats.com/all-recipes-5117985)
- [How-Tos](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-tos-5118034)
- [World Cuisines](https://www.seriouseats.com/world-cuisine-guides-5117177)
- [Ingredients](https://www.seriouseats.com/ingredients-guides-5118013)
- [Equipment](https://www.seriouseats.com/equipment-5117081)
- [Features](https://www.seriouseats.com/features-5118040)
- [About Us](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006)
- [Advertise](https://www.people.inc/advertising)
- [Terms of Service](https://www.people.inc/brands-termsofservice)
- [Careers](https://www.people.inc/careers)
- [Editorial Guidelines](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006#toc-recipe-development-and-testing)
- [Sweepstakes](https://www.seriouseats.com/sweepstakes)
- [Contact](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006#toc-contact-us)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.people.inc/brands-privacy)
Serious Eats is part of the [People Inc.](https://www.people.inc/) publishing family.
Myrecipes Dialog |
| Readable Markdown | This vegetarian borscht is light, hearty, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
By
[Blake Royer](https://www.seriouseats.com/blake-royer-5118571)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__mt-static__support__uploads__blake-royer-1-10356637d94042e0abd83688bc0af2d6.jpg)
Blake Royer is a former chef, food blogger, and food writer who contributed recipe ideas and Chicago-based content to Serious Eats from the website’s earliest days.
Updated December 20, 2025
(4)
Serious Eats / Blake Royer
### Why It Works
- Reserving some of the beet and grating it into the soup at the end brightens both the color and the flavor.
- Warming the stock while the vegetables sauté keeps things moving, getting the soup on the table in just over half an hour.
- A final squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the beets’ natural sweetness and brings the soup into balance.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and fresh herbs let everyone tailor their bowl to taste.
Who's ready for another cheap soup recipe? This one is as economical and simple as they come, is ready in minutes, and is far richer and warming than it has any credit being. The recipe comes via the Estonian food blog [Nami-Nami](http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/2007/09/recipe-for-healthy-and-delicious.html), where I was looking for ideas to put the epic amounts of cabbage and beets that are plentiful here in Estonia to good use. It is simply beets, onions, carrots, and cabbage, all cut into shreds and matchsticks, sautéed then simmered together until everything turns a beautiful pink.
Borscht is a popular soup in this part of Europe, with numerous hearty variations that almost always feature the earthy beet. The majority of the time the soup has meat in it, but I didn't miss it one bit (nor did I notice that the soup has hardly any fat). I made a huge pot and the leftovers have only grown tastier. The flavor is light and hearty at the same time, made gently sour by the addition of lemon juice, and far greater than the sum of its parts.
This recipe was originally published as part of the column "Dinner Tonight."
February 2009
Keep Screen Awake
- 1 pound beets (beetroot), peeled and cut into matchsticks (reserve a small piece to grate into the soup at the end)
- 2 medium onions, sliced into half-moons
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 3/4 pound white cabbage, cut thinly into shreds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Salt to taste
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- Sour cream (optional, omit for vegan soup)
- Finely chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
1. Sauté onions, carrots, and beets over medium heat in the olive oil with a pinch of salt in a large soup pot, reserving a small amount of raw beet to grate and add near the end to enliven the color.
2. In the meantime, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. When the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes), add the shredded cabbage and the hot stock. Bring to a boil and simmer 15-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. With a few minutes left, add the reserved grated beet.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then squeeze in the lemon juice, aiming for a pleasing but subtle sour taste. Serve with freshly ground black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped parsley, if desired.
## Special Equipment
[Large soup pot](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-cast-iron-dutch-ovens-equipment-review), [box grater](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-box-grater)
## Read More
- [Shchavleviy Borsch (Ukrainian Green Borsch)](https://www.seriouseats.com/shchaveloviy-borsch-ukrainian-green-borsch-recipe-7566367)
- [Hot Ukrainian Borscht](https://www.seriouseats.com/hot-borscht-beet-meat-soup-recipe)
- [How to Make Great Vegetarian and Vegan Soups](https://www.seriouseats.com/the-vegan-experience-how-to-make-great-vegan-soups)
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 121 | Calories |
| 5g | Fat |
| 18g | Carbs |
| 3g | Protein |
Ă—
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 6 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 121 |
| % Daily Value\* | |
| Total Fat 5g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 4% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 838mg | 36% |
| Total Carbohydrate 18g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 11g | |
| Protein 3g | |
| Vitamin C 34mg | 169% |
| Calcium 61mg | 5% |
| Iron 1mg | 6% |
| Potassium 490mg | 10% |
| *\*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.* | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.) |
| Shard | 43 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 3385208949286065243 |
| Unparsed URL | com,seriouseats!www,/dinner-tonight-vegetarian-borscht-recipe s443 |