Vegetarian Borscht Soup Recipe – Russian Special

Enjoy a hearty vegetable soup with this vegetarian borscht soup recipe, a meat-free Russian soup bursting with earthy beetroot, cabbage, and carrots in a fragrant broth. Topped with creamy sour cream (or vegan alternative) and fresh dill, this colorful beetroot broth is both nourishing and comforting—and comes together in just 30 minutes.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time20 min
  • Total Time30 min

Vegetarian Borscht Soup Ingredients :

  • 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with vegetable bouillon cubes)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance sweetness)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or vegan yogurt (optional, for topping)

How to make Vegetarian Borscht Soup :

1

Prepare the Vegetables:Grate the beets, carrot, and chop the onion and cabbage. Dice the potato into small cubes.

2

Cook the Base:In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

3

Add the grated beets and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4

Simmer the Soup:Add the diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5

Lower the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the beets and potatoes are tender.

6

Season the Soup:Stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and sugar (if using) to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

7

Serve:Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaves and serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream or vegan yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

8

Enjoy with crusty bread or a slice of rye bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Note :

This make-ahead soup tastes even better the next day—flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.

It’s a freezer-friendly meal—cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

For a flavor-enhancing tip, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bay leaf when reheating to refresh the tang and depth of the broth.