On a side-note, the one-year-old and four-year-old in our home are also newly converted borscht fans. Hopefully your family will enjoy rainbow borscht as much as ours. If anything, make this dish for each Russian – or world citizen – of all colors, shapes, sizes, beliefs and beings of the rainbow.
The Curls and Carrots clan loves a rainbow.
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“Rainbow” Borscht
Loosely adapted from the Borscht recipe from The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
Ingredients:
- 8 low-sodium, organic vegetable cubes
- 8 cups water (or use 8 cups vegetable stock and omit the vegetable cubes)
- 2 1/2 cups organic tomato purée (one bottle)
- 2 tsp. caraway seeds
- 2 tsp. fresh dill, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 yellow, Vidalia or sweet onions, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
- 1 small head of radicchio cabbage, cut in fourths and thinly sliced
- 6 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large beets, peeled and diced
- 2 large turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 Tbsp. Earth Balance whipped, organic spread
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for roasting root vegetables
Ingredients to top:
- chopped, fresh dish
- low-fat Greek yogurt*
- diced, fresh tomatoes
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375•F.
- On two large cookie sheets, toss the beets, turnips, carrots and parsnips in enough olive oil to lightly coat the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes, until slightly soft and golden.
- In a large stock-pot, heat the olive oil and melt the Earth balance over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, red pepper and radicchio until tender, about ten minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for one minute more.
- Add the roasted beet, turnip, carrot and parsnip medley to the pot, along with the vegetable cubes, water, tomato purée, caraway seeds and dill.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and allow to simmer on low for at least thirty minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the broth is very flavorful. Add additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve immediately with chopped, fresh tomatoes; Greek yogurt and chopped, fresh dill. The soup is even better, reheated the next day. Enjoy!
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©Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward, shannaward.com (2013-2014), unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressed and written permission from this blog’s author, Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward, and/or owner is strictly and completely prohibited.
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Curls and carrots 
This looks like it has fantastic flavor. Love that it has 2 Vidalia Onions, yum!
Thank you, Jillian. Hubby loves Vidalia onions. He once bought a ten-pound bag at Costco. Georgia boy!
Rainbow borscht. Love it!
Thank you, Azita. Enjoy your Friday! Best, Shanna
I like how you’ve named the dish, it seems delicious. I like how you inform that yogurt in naturally lactose free 🙂
And, I like you beautiful, colourful and big photos! 😉 XXX
Sofia – A huge thank you to you, as well as Lidia, for helping me figure out the issue. It was a glitch in WordPress! Should I go through the other 85 posts in my blog and make all of the photos big? I appreciate your visit and sweet, enthusiastic comments! My thoughts are on “S”…. what to make??!! Besos – Shanna
I’m glad you found out the problem. 85 more posts,… whoa, thats up to you. I myself wouldn’t change it because on of the neat things is in the future you look through your own blog and see how you have improved in time. I cringe at all of my earlier posts, but hey, they make me realise all I’ve learnt since them. Then in one year I might be cringing at my present posts, haha 🙂
I have an S thought, just don’t know where to get the ingredients! If I can’t find them, shall have to think of another S!
Hmmm… Sofia… I could ship you some ingredients, but I wonder how long that might take? No problem, though. 🙂 We are both spinning our wheels on S! 🙂
Very nice Shanna! So flavorful and healthy. I love borscht since I was a toddler too, and this is a good one!
Oh, thank you, Fae. I would love to try your recipe for borscht, if you are willing to share. 🙂 You are certainly a culinary maven. Enjoy your night… Shanna
What a fabulous idea, to serve a rainbow borscht for the Olympics in Russia! When my husband first arrived in Ottawa from western Canada, he wanted to make borscht for Christmas, but didn’t have a recipe. So he walked right up to the Russian Embassy and asked for one. We still have it – delicious!
Sharon, That is such a fabulous story! You seriously need to blog the recipe and the cute anecdote behind it. You and your blog have both been on my mind recently…I owe Vinny a visit. Stay warm up there in Canada. Thank you for your lovely and kind note. Warmest regards, Shanna
Hi Shanna,
Oh, how I love soup and your recipe looks amazing! So nice that your hubby was able to help out with the production. It warms my heart thinking that everyone was able to slow down enough to prepare and enjoy a meal together. It’s such a great feeling, isn’t it? Here’s to many more happy meals shared together with family! … GO TEAM! 😊
Oh, Linda, you have hit the nail on the head. There is nothing better than than festive, happy, hearty family meals. I feel so fortunate that “Abba” and I were able to make a meal together. He used to be quite the scientific, exacting, amazing cook… If my memory is correct. 🙂 Yes, we all need to slow down and enjoy those around us. Life just goes by too quickly. Thank you for your lovely words and visit. Take good care, Shanna
Shanna–That looks absolutely perfect for this cold weather. Truly beautiful colors. What a fantastic way to keep your family healthy.
Thank you so much, Janet. I know that you are an artist and a lover of color. Have a great day – and fun weekend! Warm wishes, Shanna
Rainbow Borscht…too awesome. Kudos to you.
Thanks, Bernadine. Enjoy your weekend! Best wishes, Shanna
yay, the borscht! Looks gorgeous. You are a brilliant lady 🙂 Love how you kept it lighter with the different veggies.
Hi, Liz – Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a sweet note. Yes, we do love our veggies in this house!!!! Roasting vegetables is my favorite preparation… caramelized and rich in flavor. Have a great Friday! – Shanna
Thoughts:
1. Beautiful Pics . . . artistry
2. Amazing ingredients, diverse and healthy
3. Wow, lots of stuff go into this recipe
Comments from borscht tasters:
Me: This borscht is amazing!
Wife: I really don’t like beets.
Me: OMGosh, you’ll love this!
Wife: WOW! This tastes like everything I love about vegetables, and it’s not beety.
Me: What’s beety mean?
Me: Dad, you want some borscht?
Dad: Hmmmm…. okay, I like beets but I’ve never had borscht. Can I add red chile?
Me: I guess, but it’s amazing as it is.
Dad(after eating a bowl): I love that it captures the earthy feeling of beets but has a really hardy taste. Can I have some more?
Me: Your dog bugs me.
Me: Eat some borscht! It’s so good and Shanna made it!
Daughter: Really?
Me: Yep.
Daughter: She is so nice.
Me: Too nice.
Daughter(After tasting): Yummy. Can I have some mac and cheese too?
Me: No. (in Russian accent) Finish your borscht.
Me(to Russian colleague): When’s the last time you had borscht?
Him: Last summer went I went to Russia. . . .(blah . blah . blah)
Me: Really, my last borscht was last night. It was delicious.
Him: Really, here in America?
Me: Yes. I rule.
Me: Borscht for dinner!
Son#1: Really? Does it have vegetables in it?
Me: No.
Son#1: Wow, this is good.
Conclusions: This is truly a “go to” soup recipe. The ingredients are diverse and healthy and really synergistic. People who don’t think they like beets will love this. People who know they like beets will see it in a whole new light. It captures the robust earthy nature of the beet without being overpowering or sweet. The soup is as hardy as most meat stews and perfect for a cold winter’s dinner. Also beets are ridiculously healthy(Google it everyone). I can see now why this dish is a staple in Russia. . . .
Amazing post, recipe, result, timing!!!! Thanks Shanna!!!!
Garth, Thank you for the incredibly generous and kind words. I appreciate the time you took to visit and comment! Your little prose was hilarious… I read it twice. SO, so funny. If you quit your day job, I see a future in comedy/writing for you. Keep the inspiration coming to Curls and Carrots (in Russian accent). Best wishes, Shanna
Yay for rainbow eating! :3
Thank you, Gina! Enjoy your weekend. Best wishes, Shanna
That looks amazing!! I love all the vegetables :)))
Thank you, Elaine! You are quite savvy when it comes to the veggies. 🙂 Enjoy your Friday. – Shanna
I’m a bit ignorant on borscht though…I thought it contained meat!!!
There are so many delicious and vegetarian recipes out there! 🙂
Cool! Yours looks so good 🙂
Wow Shanna ,very nice colors and presantion witha such nice pictures….I didn’t know this kind of soup,I guess all the athletes need this soup in that cold,but I will try too,because I like to try new things.
Thank you for sharing ,and enjoy the week end,Shanna!
Hi, Massi – I hope that you try this soup. It is delicious. Feel free to add some potatoes, as well, since you are a fan. Your last potato post looked scrumptious. Have a great weekend – and thank you for the generous comments! Best, Shanna
Look at all that color in those pictures! Beauty.
Thank you, “Cita.” Enjoy your weekend! Best, Shanna
What a wonderful version of borscht. We will have to try it sometime. Can’t remember if we got seeds for beets this year, we have had them in the garden before. I am not a huge fan but done right they are good. I did enjoy the golden beets.
I agree, Gretchen, golden beets are just delicious. They are such a lovely color and have great flavor. Last night, we made a salad of roasted beets, haricot vert, oranges, walnuts, chevré and balsamic vinaigrette. Beets are delicious when prepared well! I am still scarred from childhood memories of canned beets…. 😦 Have a lovely weekend, and thank you for your kind words! Best, Shanna
Love the idea of “Rainbow Borscht” for this Olympics! I find it so interesting that there are so many versions of borscht. My mom’s did not include potatoes. My own vegetarian version doesn’t either. But they are ALL delicious!
Hi, Merril! Thank you for your visit and sweet note. I am so curious as to your mother’s borscht recipe – and your vegetarian one. It seems that we have a “borscht” connection in common, among other things. Have a lovely weekend! Best, Shanna
Shanna, I wrote about borscht a couple weeks ago on my blog. So yes, we do have that in common, too! (As you can tell, I’m behind on both posting and responding.)
All best,
Merril
Merril, I will check out your borscht recipe and post! We often seem to be on the same food wavelength! 🙂 I am happy you stopped by and wish you a lovely day! Warmest wishes, Shanna
Same delicious food wavelength! 🙂
Best,
Merril
What a cute idea for Olympics!If I have to make it, I’ll sure include potatoes! Seems so good and healthy!me too I’m waiting for Olympics, I like to watch it!Hugs – Cris
Yes, Cris, include potatoes and any vegetable that you desire. Thank you so much for the sweet and generous words. Enjoy the Games! Warmest wishes, Shanna 🙂
Great borscht, Shanna! Love the rainbow theme 🙂 (Did you see Google today. Very cool indeed. Eat that, Putin!) What is Earth Balance spread and can I just omit that?
Hi, Stefan –
I appreciate the visit and generous comment! The Swedish Pop Band showed me Google last night; one word: AWESOME! 🙂 Eat that, Putin, indeed! What a schmuck.
So, Earth Balance is an organic, whipped spread commonly sold in the states at Whole Foods or specialty stores. It is dairy-free and tastes like butter, but is made from olive oil and plant seeds. It is a lactose-free/dairy-free alternative for those who can’t consume butter. But, really, just use the butter in its place. In the recipe, I use a combination of butter and olive oil while cooking – the olive prevents the butter from burning and imparts nice flavor. However, you could also just use the clarified butter in that you make so well in place of both the oil and Earth Balance. 😉
Enjoy your weekend! – Shanna
This looks delicious–so hearty and healthy! How nice that you got a chance to cook a wonderful meal with your hubby 🙂
Thank you, Ada. Have a lovely weekend! Best, Shanna
YUM! This looks amazing. I hope Dr. Tennis is excited that Sharipova will be leading the US pack into the olympics. I love borscht – Mrs. Tennis, Esq. 🙂
Hi, Amanda! Thanks for the lovely comment. Glad to find another tennis fan in the blogging world. 🙂 Did you enjoy the Australian Open? Have a great weekend. Best, Shanna
I loved the Australian Open. That commercial for Melbourne has me loving for summer and travel.
I would love to see Melbourne some day. There is an Australian show called “Offspring” filmed in Melbourne. The city looks fun and pretty.
So colorful! Great photo!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Dan. Have a great weekend! Best, Shanna
That sound so tasty .. I never try this one .. BUT WILL BE ON MY LIST …I LOVE TURNIP
Thank you for the visit and kind note, Amal. Let me know when you give the recipe a go. Enjoy your weekend! Best wishes, Shanna
Have wonderful weekend you too
Oh lovely, beetroot 🙂 I had a big bowl of zingy beetroot salad with my lunch today. The weather in the UK is so miserable at the moment that a warming dish like this looks perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Chava, We love beet salads. So delicious! 🙂 I hope that your weather warms up. It has been quite miserable in New Mexico, as well. Warm wishes to you and yours! Thanks for the lovely note. Best, Shanna
Shanna, nothing is more comforting than a bowl of warm, delicious, healthy vegetable soup, especially in winter days. 🙂
~Best, PRCCSS
Thank you, Anna. We have already made two soups this week, and a chili! I am planning to make yet another next week. MMM, Soup. Have a great Saturday! Best, Shanna
Mm..soup indeed. I feel like making some, but I’m exhausted. You know family responsibilities. Plus, I was in the kitchen preparing breakfast and lunch. We had a late start today. I just sat down to rest and check messages then I’m going back there again to make dinner in an hour. Goodness! I feel all I do is cook lol…
What beautiful colors! I’ve never made borscht! Wish I could taste it…
Thank you, Mimi. I really thought that you had made everything… you have such a wide-knowledge of all things culinary. Have a lovely Saturday… Shanna
Well thank you, but that’s what keeps me going. There’s always more to learn, to cook, to try…
That looks lovely! 🙂
This sounds great, Shanna, and what a beautiful dish to serve! Please don’t take away my blogging privileges — though if you must, this is the time to do it, I’m a month behind — but I’ve never made nor tasted borscht. I need to remedy that. I’ve never met a soup I didn’t like. 🙂
Thank you, John, for the lovely comment. I hope that you give borscht a try soon. It is so hearty, yet nutritious and somehow light. The soup is definitely a feel-good meal. I enjoyed your most recent post and look forward to more in the future. Have a lovely Sunday! Best wishes, Shanna
I love borscht and this version looks so tasty Shanna! Thanks for putting a bit of a spin on a traditional dish – I like how you think!
– Melissa 🙂
Thank you, Melissa! Have a lovely day. Best wishes, Shanna 🙂
Hi Shanna,
Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe full of herbs and spices. I love roast vegetables and I love eating soup too. This is a great time for soup. Cold weather, tonnes of snow and no desire to go outside. I’m afraid I’ve probably added some kilos…The photos look great and the presentation is very nice too. I hope Dr. Tennis enjoyed the soup too. My best regards to your family. I wish you a lovely week. Best….Liz
Thank you for your wonderful, warm comments, Liz. I hope that you continue to stay warm. Have a lovely day! Best wishes, Shanna
Resize one photo per post. That way you’ll get through them. It’s kinda daunting. I’m re-editing practically all of my photos! Only a couple every day. Makes me feel better. Now I’m embedding the print thing. Hah, such fun.
Like the Olympics. I could care more.
Borscht I’ve missed! Even though I’ve been to several European countries. I’m just not big on beets. Trying to eat them, though. Just not with sour cherries. 🙂
That’s a great idea, Johnny. A little at a time! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a nice note :-). Enjoy your night! Best, Shanna
You have inspired me so, Shanna! I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve made up any borscht, but now I’m *craving* it, and—conveniently enough—I have a couple of friends coming for lunch this week. Guess what I’m going to make! Thanks for the lightbulb moment!!!
xo!
Kath
Hi, Kathryn, I am so glad to hear that this post has given you a bit of culinary inspiration. It is your blog’s Foodie Tuesday, after all. 🙂 Enjoy your lunch with friends, and thank you so much for your most lovely note. Best, Shanna
yummy lovely!
Thank you! Best wishes, Shanna
Oh, I see you’re getting into the Olympic spirit as well Shanna. That’s great! I am watching and cheering and loving! And what a delicious soup to enjoy it all with!
Thank you, Lidua. Yes, I love the Winter Games and am having *SO* much fun sharing them with my hubby. These athletes are just incredible. Thank you for your warm words! Best wishes, Shanna
Your photos are wonderful! Very beautiful borscht! Love anything that has dill in it. Have a good weekend!
Thank you for your wonderful compliments – especially coming from a quite professional and amazing blogger, such as yourself. Oh, I do love fresh dill – especially paired with beets – or some home-cured gravlax or a nice store-bought smoked salmon. It is a lovely, bright herb with such a earthy and completely distinct flavor. Have a lovely Sunday night, Kiyo!