- **Beetroot**: Freshly grated beetroot is the star of this vibrant soup, adding both color and flavor.
- **Cucumber**: Thinly sliced cucumbers bring freshness and a crisp texture to the dish.
- **Carrot**: Diced carrots add a sweet undertone that complements the sourness of the borscht.
- **Onion**: Finely chopped onions form the base, providing depth and richness.
- **Green Beans**: Tender green beans enhance the soup’s vegetable profile with their crunchy texture.
- **Radish**: Sliced radishes offer a peppery bite that cuts through the sweetness of other ingredients.
- **Potatoes**: Small diced potatoes ensure they cook evenly and add heft to the soup.
- **Celery Root (optional)**: This ingredient adds a unique flavor and a slight crunch, enhancing overall depth.
- **Tomato Paste**: A small amount can help thicken the soup slightly without overpowering flavors.
- **Horseradish**: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a touch of horseradish can be added for an authentic borscht taste.
- **Kvass (or Lemon Juice)**: The traditional use of kvass as the sour element is key. Alternatively, lemon juice can provide a similar effect.
- **Fresh Herbs**: A mix of parsley and dill can be used to garnish or blend into the soup for added freshness.
- **Vegetable Broth**: A good-quality vegetable broth sets the stage for all other flavors.
- **Salt and Black Pepper**: Essential for seasoning, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced.
**SEO Keywords**: cool summer borscht, borscht recipe, beetroot soup, green beans in borscht, horseradish borscht, traditional borscht ingredients, summer soup recipes, borscht with cucumber, authentic borscht flavors
Steps
### Cool Late Summer Borscht Soup: A Refreshing Recipe
Borscht soup is traditionally known as a hearty dish from Eastern Europe, but this late summer twist offers a refreshing and lighter version perfect for warm evenings. This recipe combines traditional borscht flavors with seasonal ingredients to create a vibrant, cooling soup that's both nutritious and delicious.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 large beets (red or golden), peeled and grated
- 4 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a few slices of sourdough bread for serving
#### Tools:
- Large pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare Vegetables**: Start by grating the beets, slicing the zucchini and yellow squash, and chopping the onions, garlic, green beans, carrots, and celery.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. **Add Vegetables**: Add the grated carrots, sliced zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. **Blend Partially**: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, blend some of the soup using an immersion blender until smooth; you can leave some parts chunky if you prefer.
5. **Add Beets & Cabbage**: Stir in the grated beets and shredded red cabbage. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow these ingredients to meld with the other flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. **Finish and Serve**: Garnish with fresh dill just before serving. For an extra touch, serve each bowl of soup with a slice of toasted sourdough bread.
7. **Optional Garnishes**: Consider adding a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche on top for added richness and creaminess.
### SEO Tips:
- Include relevant keywords like "late summer borscht," "cooling borscht," and "refreshing soup" to optimize the recipe's visibility in search engine results.
- Use descriptive language such as "vibrant, cooling soup" and "nutritious and delicious."
- Provide clear instructions using step-by-step guides to enhance user experience.
Enjoy your cool late summer borscht soup, perfect for those warm afternoons!