I was in charge of our book club this month and chose to have us read Enchantment by Orson Scott Card. The story is set mostly in the Ukraine so I wanted to do something related for our meeting. After a local restaurant didn't pan out, I decided to just cook myself. I made Ukrainian Borscht and it turned out really good!
Borscht is basically beet soup. I had never cooked with raw beets before. Aren't they beautiful? The color of beets is unreal. You almost can't believe that it is all natural. I had never even eaten borscht before so I had no idea what it was supposed to be like, but I found this recipe online and just omitted the sausage and added a bouillon cube for more flavor. (I also found it didn't need the extra sugar recommended in the recipe.) The beets turn all the other ingredients the same vibrant red. Gorgeous!
I garnished it with some parsley and splurged on some Greek yogurt. The next day we also added a bit of horseradish and it was super yummy that way too. I think next time I make it I will add white beans just to give it a bit more substance and protein.
ah... the soup of my ancestors! I love making borscht! And, there's really no wrong way to do it.. as long as you've got the beets. I think it's the Ukrainian version of clean out the fridge soup! My Ukrainian grandma taught me :) But, I never put sugar in it... Beets and horseradish are an AMAZING combo though!
ReplyDeleteOh that looks delicious! I am a bit of a beet junkie. I'll have to try the soup. Sad I had to miss book club this month :( It sounded like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteEnchantment is one of my all-time favs...it helps that the main charachter has our lovely name! I loved the story though...I need to go read it again. Your borscht looks divine! xoxo, trina
ReplyDeletep.s. weather isn't cooperating, we're pushing the zoo off another week. I'll keep you posted!
LOVED it. And I can't wait to make it. I hope mine turns out as good as yours did.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful and yummy. You've inspired me. I have the beets and I am off to make some of my own. I just found your blog through Olya's. Love your thoughts on birth and breastfeeding. I'm a doula in WA state. I've bookmarked you and will be back frequently!
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