Cooking and Meal Prep Recipes Russian-Style Red Beet Borscht By Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD LinkedIn Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master's in clinical nutrition. She focuses her efforts on digital health communication. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 11, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN LinkedIn Twitter Kristy is a licensed registered dietitian nutritionist and trained culinary professional. She has worked in a variety of settings, including MSKCC and Rouge Tomate. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD (20 ratings) Total Time: 75 min Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 60 min Servings: 6 (2 cups each) Nutrition Highlights (per serving) 224 calories 6g fat 40g carbs 6g protein Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings: 6 (2 cups each) Amount per serving Calories 224 % Daily Value* Total Fat 6g 8% Saturated Fat 1g 5% Cholesterol 1mg 0% Sodium 441mg 19% Total Carbohydrate 40g 15% Dietary Fiber 10g 36% Total Sugars 13g Includes 0g Added Sugars 0% Protein 6g Vitamin D 0mcg 0% Calcium 136mg 10% Iron 4mg 22% Potassium 1209mg 26% *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. The deep red and purple hues of beets, a root vegetable that's available year-round, offer more than a pretty color to dishes. They come packed with phytonutrients called betalains—antioxidants that fight to reduce inflammation in your body. Paired with a variety of other colorful veggies like onions, bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, this classic borscht recipe is a mixture of good-for-you ingredients that show off just a taste of what Russian-style cuisine has to offer. The dish is also completely vegetarian, perfect for a Meatless Monday meal that'll help you lower your intake of saturated fat for the week, and your cholesterol and heart disease risk in turn. Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 large green bell pepper, small chopped 2 small beets, peeled and shredded 4 medium carrots, peeled and shredded 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 small head green cabbage, shredded 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 medium potatoes, peeled and halved 2 cups parsley, chopped (about 1 small bunch) 4 bay leaves 3 garlic cloves, crushed 6 tablespoons sour cream, optional, for serving Preparation Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sautee until onion is starting to become translucent. Add shredded beets and carrots and continue to sautee another 4 to 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and stir until well incorporated. Continue to heat for another 2 minutes, then turn the heat off. Add shredded cabbage and salt and pepper to a separate large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add the halved potatoes to the pot of cabbage. Cook, covered, until the potato is about halfway cooked. Transfer the saute mixture to the pot with the cabbage. Add parsley, bay leaves, and crushed garlic. Boil for another 2 to 3 minutes and turn off the heat. Ingredient Variations and Substitutions This is a vegetarian (and vegan, if you leave out the sour cream) dish. The ingredients listed are classic in traditional cookings. However, you can also add in chunks of cooked, cubed beef for additional protein and a meatier texture. Cooking and Serving Tips This dish is filling enough on its own, served with a slice of warm whole wheat bread. The variety of vegetables included offer an enriching, healthy meal. You can serve this dish hot or cold. The sour cream provides a nice creaminess and presentation, but is completely optional. You can use Greek yogurt instead. You'll likely find beets sold in a bunch with the greens attached. Some supermarkets may stock them loose. Regardless, choose beets that are firm with smooth skin. If they come with greens, cut them off about an inch above where they attach to the beet (you can use them and any leftover beets to make goat cheese ravioli). Don't wash the beets until you're ready to grate them. Scrubbing them well help get rid of any clinging dirt. Rate this Recipe You've already rated this recipe. Thanks for your rating! By Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master's in clinical nutrition. She focuses her efforts on digital health communication. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from companies that partner with and compensate Verywell Fit for displaying their offer. These partnerships do not impact our editorial choices or otherwise influence our editorial content.