When the sun is shining and the temperature is rising, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing bowl of Summer Borscht to cool you down and revitalize your taste buds. This vibrant, chilled soup is not only a delightful treat but also a nutritious addition to your summer menu. Made with beets and a hint of lemon juice, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream, making it a customizable option for everyone at the table. So, let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to prepare this cooling Summer Borscht that serves six.
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 ½ cups cooked beets, shredded
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon celery seed
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine and Slow Cook: In a 4-quart slow cooker, place all of the ingredients together. This includes the shredded cooked beets, diced onion, salt, sugar, lemon juice, celery seed, Vegetable Broth, and water. Once everything is in the slow cooker, cover it, and choose your cooking method. You can either cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Chill and Serve: After the slow cooking is complete, it’s time to let the flavors meld and the soup cool down. Refrigerate the Summer Borscht for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. Serving this soup cold is what makes it perfect for those hot summer days.
- Garnish and Enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to add your preferred dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional or plant-based option like Tofutti Sour Supreme, it adds a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet and tangy borscht.
Can’t Beat Beets: Beets, also known as beetroot, are incredibly versatile and nutritious. They can be peeled, steamed, cooked, pickled, and even shredded, making them a culinary favorite. Despite having the highest sugar content among vegetables, beets are surprisingly low in calories, with just one beet containing approximately 75 calories. They are also rich in folate, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy choice for this delightful summer soup.
This Summer Borscht is a celebration of the vibrant flavors of beets and lemon, delivering a refreshing and satisfying experience for your palate. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish at your next summer gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Serve it cold, garnished with your choice of sour cream, and savor the bright and invigorating taste of summer. Enjoy!
