Few dishes are as visually stunning or deeply satisfying as a steaming bowl of ruby-red borscht. This modern version pairs tender beef with the earthy sweetness of beets and a warm blend of aromatic spices, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner. Whether you are looking to brighten up a rainy afternoon or want a hearty meal that yields plenty of leftovers, this vibrant stew is sure to become a household favorite.

Recipe Details

  • Yields: 8-10
  • Prep Time: 30-45 min
  • Cook Time: 90 min
  • Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef tenderloin, or stew meat if you are frugal
  • 1 onion
  • 3 carrots
  • 2 large beets (or 3 medium beets)
  • 4 celery shoots
  • 2 large potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred, but any quality potatoes work)
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 4 cups of beef stock (or quality beef bullion such as "Better than Bullion" or equivalent and 4 cups water)
  • 1/2 head of cabbage
  • 1 heaping tbsp Cumin
  • 1 heaping tbsp ground Coriander
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Olive Oil
  • Butter
  • Fresh (or dehydrated) dill
  • Salt / Pepper
  • Sour Cream (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, carrots, beets, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cabbage and finely mince the garlic.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil and a knob of butter over medium-high heat. Add your beef and onions, searing the meat until it is browned on all sides and the onions have softened.
  3. Incorporate the carrots, beets, and celery into the pot, stirring to combine them with the meat.
  4. Pour in the beef stock and the canned tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and bay leaves, then season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately lower the heat. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 60 minutes.
  6. Carefully add the potatoes and shredded cabbage to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
  7. Just before serving, stir in the minced garlic and a generous sprinkle of dill to provide a fresh finish.

Tips for Success

If you are looking to keep your grocery bill down, using standard beef stew meat is an excellent alternative to tenderloin; it will become wonderfully tender during the long simmer. For the best texture, seek out Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well, though any high-quality potato will do in a pinch. To serve, a dollop of cool sour cream on top of each hot bowl provides a perfect creamy contrast to the robust spices.

Ladle this vibrant, spiced stew into deep bowls and enjoy a taste of tradition updated for the modern kitchen.