A Hearty Instant Pot Borscht with a Twist
Hello there, foodies! As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I constantly try to explore new dishes and flavors that bring people together. Today, I am excited to introduce you to my Instant Pot Borscht Recipe.
Borscht is a hearty and nutritious soup hailing from Eastern Europe. Traditionally made with beets, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and beef, this soup is rich in flavor and nutrients. However, the classic recipe can take hours to cook on the stove.
That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! With this recipe, you can enjoy a quicker and more delicious version of the classic Ukrainian cabbage and beet soup in no time. It is a perfect dish for cold weather, make-ahead meals or when you need something comforting after a long day of work.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever found yourself craving a hearty and comforting soup on a cold winter day? Look no further because my Instant Pot Borscht recipe is exactly what you need! This beet soup, also known as borscht, is a beloved Ukrainian and Russian dish that has been passed down from generation to generation.
But why will you love this recipe? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make thanks to the magic of the instant pot. Just toss in the ingredients, set it to high pressure, and let it work its magic! In less than an hour you’ll have a delicious pot of borscht waiting for you.
But that’s not all – my version of borscht is quicker and more delicious than the traditional recipe! Instead of beef, I use sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor. This also makes my recipe meatless and vegan-friendly. Don’t worry though, if you’re not ready to give up your meat just yet, feel free to add some beef into the mix!
But wait, there’s more! This borscht recipe is also incredibly versatile. Switch out some of the veggies or spices to make it your own. Want even more variation? Serve it hot or cold depending on your preference – either way it’s sure to hit the spot.
In short, my Instant Pot Borscht recipe is simple, quick, nutritious, and perfect for any dietary need or preference. Go ahead and try making it at home today – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this Instant Pot Borscht Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of broth
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil
Optional Ingredients for variations:
- Cabbage: Replace sweet potatoes with a small head of cabbage (coarsely chopped).
- Meat: Add beef to make a traditional Ukrainian borscht or goat cheese for a vegetarian Borscht.
- Vinegar: Add a dash of red wine or apple cider vinegar for additional tanginess.
This recipe’s main ingredients include vibrant root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots, which add earthy sweetness and depth to the soup. Onion, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and olive oil lend savory notes while also building up the broth’s structure. Plus, feel free to mix it up with additional ingredients based on your personal preference!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – cooking! Fire up your Instant Pot and let’s get started.
Step 1: Sauté the onions
First, set your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and heat up some olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent.
Step 2: Add the vegetables
Next, add in your diced carrots, diced sweet potatoes, and chopped beets to the Instant Pot. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, followed by salt and tomato paste.
Step 3: Cook on high pressure
Once everything is in the pot, press the “cancel” button to stop sautéing mode. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Quick release and serve
Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release by carefully venting any remaining pressure. Remove the lid, stir well, and taste for seasoning. You can add more salt or vinegar as you like it.
Optional: Garnish and toppings
For an extra kick of flavor, I usually top mine with chopped dill or sliced green onion. Another topper could be a dollop of Greek yogurt or goat cheese for added creaminess.
And there you have it! A delicious bowl of borscht made quick and easy thanks to your trusty Instant Pot.
Substitutions and Variations
Not a fan of a few of the ingredients in this borscht recipe? No problem! I am all for adaptation and substitutions in cooking, so feel free to make changes if needed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Meatless vegan option: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, simply omit the beef or replace it with crumbled tofu or chickpeas. You could also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
– Instant Pot vs. Stove Top: While this recipe is for an Instant Pot borscht, it can also be made on the stove top. Simply follow the same steps but let it simmer for 1-2 hours on low heat instead of using high pressure on the Instant Pot.
– Goat Cheese: For an extra tangy twist, sprinkle a little bit of crumbled goat cheese on top of each bowl before serving. The creaminess pairs deliciously with the sharpness of the beets and tomatoes.
– Different Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes or carrots, try substituting them with other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips or celeriac.
– Russian Borscht: If you want to create a more traditional Russian borscht, replace the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes and use sour cream instead of goat cheese for a richer taste.
– Cabbage Soup: For an even heartier soup, add shredded cabbage to your borscht recipe. It will give it an extra crunch and make it more filling.
Whatever substitutions and variations you decide to make in your borscht recipe, just remember to keep tasting as you go and adjusting seasonings as needed to find your perfect balance.
Serving and Pairing
After cooking your flavorful Instant Pot Borscht, it’s time to serve and pair it with other foods. This classic soup can be served alone or accompanied by a variety of dishes for added depth and diversity.
To fully appreciate the flavor of borscht, serve it hot in a deep bowl garnished with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt. You can also add chopped fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives, and a sprinkle of ground black pepper. This will not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also the flavor profile.
Pairing borscht with bread is also a great way to balance the flavors while adding an extra element of texture to the meal. Try serving it with crusty sourdough bread, rye bread, or even toasted baguette. For a gluten-free option, consider buckwheat groats, quinoa, or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
If you want to add some protein to your meal, consider pairing borscht with boiled eggs, grilled chicken or beef. Meatless options like roasted mushrooms or tofu can be great alternatives too.
Finally, for those who enjoy a glass of wine with their meal, try pairing red wine with this soup. A light Burgundy Pinot Noir or Beaujolais would work wonders here. Alternatively, if you prefer white wines go for something acidic like a Sauvignon Blanc which balances well with the soup’s flavors.
Overall borscht holds up well on its own but be adventurous and pair it up for delightful results that will tantalize your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re looking for a satisfying and comforting meal that you can prepare in advance, the Instant Pot Borscht recipe is perfect! It’s an ideal make-ahead soup that tastes even better the next day. The flavors intensify as the soup sits overnight. Plus, it’s simple to store and reheat.
To make ahead, let the soup cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and heat it up on the stove or microwave until hot.
When reheating borscht, using the stove or microwave are both great options. On the stove, gently heat the soup over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so that it heats evenly without boiling. In the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe dish and put it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Sometimes, after refrigeration or freezing, the soup can become thick due to starch released by potatoes during cooking. To fix this, add some more broth to thin out your borscht while reheating on the stove.
Remember that soups taste better when they sit for longer. Therefore, if possible, make this borscht recipe in advance and allow the flavors to mesh together before reheating it. Your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have everything ready to cook the Instant Pot Borscht Recipe, there are a few things you can do to make sure it comes out perfectly. Here are some tips and tricks for a delicious and flawless borscht!
1. Don’t overcook the vegetables: To keep the vegetables from getting too mushy, cook them just until they’re tender. Overcooking can ruin the texture of the soup and all your efforts.
2. Cut the vegetables evenly: By cutting the beet, sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots into uniform pieces, they’ll cook evenly, ensuring that they’ll be ready at the same time.
3. Use low-sodium broth or homemade broth: Too much salt in your broth can spoil your borscht. You can always add salt later to adjust for taste.
4. Add tomato paste and vinegar towards the end: This way, you will be able to control the acidity and thickness of your borscht and avoid overcooking those ingredients.
5. Adjust liquid quantity as needed: Depending on how juicy your veggies are, or how thick or thin you like your borscht to be, add more or less broth/liquid to achieve that ideal consistency.
6. Use the correct function for your Instant Pot: Be sure to use the High-Pressure function according to your recipe’s instruction; otherwise, your soup may not cook correctly.
7. Release pressure carefully: When using a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, make sure you follow safety procedures when releasing pressure from your pot.
8. Experiment with toppings: For added flavor (and health benefits), try topping each serving of borscht with fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, or even crumbled goat cheese.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be enjoying a mouth-watering bowl of borscht in no time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make a delicious and healthy Instant Pot Borscht recipe, let’s dive into some commonly asked questions about this recipe. Don’t worry, I will answer all your doubts and queries so that you can get the most flavor out of this dish without any confusion or stress. So, let’s get started with our FAQ section!
What is the difference between Russian and Ukrainian borscht recipe?
Borsch, a popular soup in Eastern European cuisine, can be made in different variations. One recipe, attributed to Mikoyan, includes ingredients like meat, beetroot, cabbage, root vegetables, onions, tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian-style borsch features meat, cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, tomato paste, carrot, parsnip, onion, bacon, butter, vinegar, and garlic, topped with sour cream and chopped herbs.
What is the difference between borsch and borscht?
There’s no denying the popularity of Borshch, which is often described as a beet soup that’s served chilled. However, after delving into its cultural roots, we uncover that it’s spelled without a ‘t’ (Borshch) and typically served piping hot during the frigid Russian winters.
Is borscht good for high blood pressure?
Recent research has suggested that beet or borscht soup and beet juice consumption may lead to a decrease in high blood pressure. This is said to be due to the high nitrate content present in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body after ingestion.
What is the key ingredient in borscht?
The term “borscht” is usually used to describe a soup that originates from Ukraine and contains red beetroots, which play a significant role in giving the dish its unique red hue.
Bottom Line
With this Instant Pot Borscht recipe, you have the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, healthy ingredients, and a meal that’s easy to prepare. Not only is this soup nutritious and delicious, but it’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed as a vegetarian and vegan option. So whether you’re in the mood for a hearty beef borscht, or a vegetable soup with goat cheese on top, this recipe is sure to impress.
In conclusion, with the use of an Instant Pot, you can cook this borscht quicker and enjoy a delicious version of a classic Ukrainian cabbage and beet soup at home. With many variations available such as meatless and vegan options or adding tomato paste vinegar or borsch, this recipe is not only traditional but adaptable to today’s dietary needs. So why not try making your own bowl of borscht for dinner tonight? You won’t regret it!
Instant Pot Borscht Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs stew meat
- 3 large beets, diced
- 6 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups broth
- 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Mix beets with a little oil to coat and season with salt. Wrap in foil packet.
- Mix carrots and sweet potatoes with a little oil to coat and season with salt. Wrap in a second foil packet.
- Place meat, broth, tomatoes, and onion in instant pot. Put foil packets on top.
- Set for 55 minutes. Natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil packets and open carefully, transferring contents to instant pot. Stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with sour cream if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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