Ingredients

8 cups beef stock
1/2 head cabbage , finely shredded ( or equivalent amount of spinach )
3 medium potatoes , cut into 1 inch cubes
1 large red beet , shredded
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon bacon fat
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions , finely chopped
2 peeled tomatoes , chopped
1 carrot , sliced
1 parsley roots or 1/2 parsnip
6 peppercorns
3 allspice berries
3 bay leaves
1 head garlic , peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons bacon fat
fresh parsley , chopped
sour cream
Latvian borscht is a traditional soup that is popular in Eastern Europe, specifically Latvia and Ukraine. It is also known as Ukrainian Borshch. This soup's rich flavor comes from the mix of ingredients that make it up. The soup is made with beef stock, cabbage, potatoes, beets, onions, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, and a mix of herbs and spices. It is often served with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream on top. Although there are many variations of this soup, it's a crowd-pleaser that is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a meal on its own.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring the beef stock to a boil.
2.Add the shredded cabbage (or spinach) and cubed potatoes. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
3.In a separate frying pan, sauté the shredded beet with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of bacon fat, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Once tender, add to the soup pot.
4.In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the chopped onions, peeled tomatoes, sliced carrot, parsley roots or parsnip, peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and chopped garlic. Once caramelized, add to the soup.
5.Cook the soup for another 30-40 minutes or until all ingredients are tender and soup is flavorful. Remove bay leaves.
6.Serve with fresh parsley and dollop of sour cream on top.

PROS

Latvian borscht is a comforting and satisfying soup with a rich and complex flavor profile from its mix of ingredients.
It utilizes a variety of vegetables and herbs which make it a nutrient-rich soup with a range of health benefits.
Plus, it is a great way to sneak a few extra vegetables into your diet.

CONS

Since this soup is often made with beef stock and bacon fat, it can be high in cholesterol and sodium, which means it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It also takes time to prepare with many ingredients.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals. Cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C and K, while beets are high in fiber, folate, and Vitamin C. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, while carrots are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin A which have been linked to supporting vision, immune function, and skin health. Garlic has been used for centuries to help fight off illness, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. All these ingredients combined make it a nutrient-rich soup.

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