As the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Summer Cold Borscht to cool you down and invigorate you with healthy nutrition. This vibrant, chilled soup is a traditional Eastern European dish that showcases the earthy flavors of fresh beets, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant dill. Preparing this summer soup is a breeze. It’s a wonderful addition to any summer gathering or a quick weekday meal.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course, cold borscht is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of summer. Not only is this dish refreshing and satisfying, but it also aligns with various diets, including vegan, gluten-free and low-calorie options. Enjoying a bowl of Summer Cold Borscht is a fantastic way to incorporate more whole, healthy and vibrant foods into your diet while celebrating the joys of summer!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Nutrient-dense.
- Quick and easy prep.
- Colorful presentation.
- Make-ahead friendly.
- Great for entertaining .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cold borscht ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance. Just refrigerate it to let the flavors meld.
What can I serve with cold borscht?
It pairs well with crusty bread, a light salad, or boiled potatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze cold borscht?
It’s not recommended to freeze it, as the texture may change when thawed.
What’s the best way to serve cold borscht?
Serve it chilled, garnished with fresh dill, vegan sour cream or yogurt and chopped cucumber and beet.
How can I adjust the flavor?
You can add more lemon juice for acidity, herbs for freshness, or seasonings like garlic for added flavor.
What type of beets should I use?
You can use either red beets or golden beets, depending on your flavor and color preference.
Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
Yes, canned beets can be used for convenience; just rinse and drain them before adding.
What is the best way to boil beets?
Boil whole, unpeeled beets in water for about 30-45 minutes until tender. Let them cool before peeling.
How can I enhance the color of the soup?
Use fresh beets and avoid over-blending to maintain a vibrant color. Adding a splash of beet juice can also help.
Can I make this soup without a blender?
Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients and mix them together for a chunkier texture.
What herbs can I use besides dill?
Fresh parsley, chives, or mint can also complement the flavors nicely.
Is cold borscht served hot?
No, it’s traditionally served chilled to enhance its refreshing quality.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
Use less or more vegetable broth or water when making the soup.
Cooking Tips:
- If the soup is too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- The splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the flavors. You can start with a little and adjust to your taste.
- For a smooth soup, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier texture, pulse a few times to leave some vegetable pieces intact.
- Add salt and pepper gradually while tasting to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Chill thoroughly. Allow the soup to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors and enjoy it cold.
- Garnish Creatively to enhance the presentation. Use garnishes like extra dill, cucumber slices, or vegan sour cream or yogurt to add visual appeal and flavor to each bowl.
- Serve in chilled bowls for an extra refreshing experience. Simply chill your serving bowls in the refrigerator before ladling in the soup.
- Before serving, taste the borscht again and adjust seasonings or acidity as needed.
Serve with:
- Bread, rye bread, sourdough or garlic bread
- Avocado toast
- Potato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Burgers or sandwiches
- Salad
Make-ahead and Storage Tips
- Airtight Containers: Store the cold borscht in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Refrigeration:
- Keep the borscht refrigerated at all times. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Freezing:
- It’s not recommended to freeze cold borscht as the texture may change upon thawing. The vegetables can become mushy.
- Taste and Adjust After Storage:
- Before serving leftovers, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may mellow during storage.
- Separate Components:
- If you’re making a large batch, consider storing the soup and garnishes separately to maintain freshness and texture.
- Use Glass Containers:
- If possible, use glass containers for storage. They are less likely to absorb odors and stains compared to plastic.
More Delicious Soup Recipes
- Sweet Corn Gazpacho
- Zucchini Soup with Lemon and Basil
- Vegan Gazpacho
- Roasted Tomato Soup
- Broccoli Pesto Soup
Vegan Summer Cold Borscht
Ingredients
- 5 medium beets, boiled and peeled
- 2 carrots, peeled
- 2 medium cucumber, seeded, peeled and diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon coconut vinegar (optional)
- 2 cup vegan yogurt or sour cream (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
- ¼ cup green onion
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped + 2 tablespoons for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the beets and carrots into cubes and put in a pot. Boil in water until tender, about 35 minutes.
- Remove beets and carrots with a slotted spoon and allow to cool. Then put in a blender with vegetable broth, cucumbers, green onion, lemon juice, vegan yogurt or sour cream, dill, and coconut vinegar if using. Blend well.
- Refrigerate the soup for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to become chilled. Ladle the cold borscht into bowls and garnish with extra beet shavings, sour cream, or more fresh dill, if desired.
