Ingredients:
2 cups beets, peeled and grated
1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or beef broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Microgreens for garnish (e.g., pea shoots or radish sprouts)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Vegetables:
Peel and grate the beets and carrots. Peel and dice the potatoes. Finely shred the cabbage. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Beets and Carrots:
Add the grated beets and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the vegetable or beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Drop in the bay leaf.
5. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beets are tender.
6. Add Potatoes and Cabbage:
Add the diced potatoes and shredded cabbage to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is cooked through.
7. Season and Serve:
Season the borscht with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Garnish with Microgreens:
When serving, ladle the hot borscht into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream (if desired) and a generous sprinkle of fresh microgreens, such as pea shoots or radish sprouts. The microgreens add a delightful burst of color, freshness, and nutrition to your borscht.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Microgreen-Infused Russian Borscht hot, along with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream, if you prefer. This hearty and nutritious soup is a true delight for the taste buds and the senses.
