Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian beet soup known for its deep, vibrant color and hearty, earthy flavor. This vegan version is packed with root vegetables like beets, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, simmered in a tangy tomato broth for a warming and nourishing meal. It’s not only simple and budget-friendly, but also incredibly nutritious and freezer-friendly, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1 medium russet potato, diced

• 3 medium red beets, peeled and shredded

• ¼ medium green cabbage, shredded

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh dill and sour cream (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Cook Vegetables: Stir in carrots and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add shredded beets and cabbage. Mix well.

3. Add Tomato Paste & Broth: Stir in tomato paste, then pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

4. Season: Stir in vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Remove bay leaves. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh dill.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving — serves 6)

• Calories: ~150 kcal

• Protein: ~3g

• Fat: ~5g

• Carbohydrates: ~23g

• Fiber: ~5g

• Sugar: ~9g

• Vitamin C & Folate: High (from beets and cabbage)

• Sodium

A Celebration of Eastern European Culinary Heritage

Borscht has long been considered a staple in Ukrainian households and is often enjoyed across Russia, Poland, and other neighboring countries, each with their own spin on the recipe. Historically, it was a peasant dish—made from ingredients readily available in root cellars during the long, cold winters. This heritage explains its deep comfort and sustaining qualities. Vegan borscht captures the heart of that tradition while embracing a modern, plant-forward lifestyle.

Despite its humble origins, borscht has evolved into a dish enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, served at everything from everyday meals to holiday gatherings. Its iconic color and robust flavor make it both a visual and culinary centerpiece, showcasing the brilliance of seasonal, whole-food ingredients.

Vibrant Flavor from Simple, Whole Ingredients

The magic of borscht lies in its ability to turn basic ingredients into something rich and layered. Beets provide a subtly sweet, earthy base and are the driving force behind the soup’s signature color. As they simmer, their color intensifies and infuses the broth, while their natural sugars deepen in flavor. Carrots complement this sweetness, while potatoes add creaminess and body without the need for dairy or fat-laden ingredients.

Cabbage introduces a slightly bitter, savory balance to the sweeter vegetables and holds its texture well during simmering. Tomato paste and vegetable broth provide a rich umami base, making the soup feel satisfying and complex. The finishing touch of vinegar or lemon juice lifts the flavors, adding brightness and contrast that keeps the soup from tasting too heavy or one-dimensional.

Aromatics like onions and garlic form the flavor foundation, gently sautéed to bring out their sweetness and mellow sharpness. Bay leaves add a subtle herbal note that lingers in the background, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully. When topped with dill and sour cream, the soup becomes a sensory delight—herbaceous, creamy, and deeply savory.

Wholesome, Nutrient-Dense, and Naturally Gluten-Free

Beyond its vibrant color and rich taste, vegan borscht is a powerhouse of nutrition. Each bowl is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals thanks to the variety of root vegetables and greens. Beets are an excellent source of folate, manganese, potassium, and nitrates that support cardiovascular health. Cabbage and carrots bring in ample vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.

The moderate calories and high fiber content make it a satisfying option for anyone watching their weight or seeking healthier meal choices. At just around 150 calories per serving, it’s a low-fat dish that still feels hearty and filling. Because it’s free of dairy, meat, and gluten-containing grains, this soup is naturally suitable for a wide range of dietary needs—including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and whole-food plant-based diets.

Perfect for Meal Prep, Freezing, and Batch Cooking

One of the most convenient aspects of vegan borscht is how well it lends itself to meal prep and freezing. The flavor actually improves over time as the ingredients have a chance to mingle and deepen. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of a busy week or to portion out and freeze for later use.

Stored in airtight containers, borscht can last for up to five days in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer. When reheated, it maintains its texture and flavor beautifully, making it a go-to comfort meal on cold days or when you need something nourishing with minimal effort.

To freeze, let the soup cool completely, divide into portions, and seal tightly. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s an ideal solution for anyone looking to minimize food waste while maximizing nutrition and flavor.

Affordable and Pantry-Friendly for Everyday Cooking

This vegan borscht recipe is made almost entirely from basic pantry and produce staples, making it one of the most affordable and accessible soups you can prepare. Most of the ingredients—beets, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage—are inexpensive and available year-round in most grocery stores. These ingredients also have a long shelf life, which means they can sit in your pantry or fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Because of its affordability and scalability, borscht is a great option for feeding a crowd or for keeping meals budget-friendly throughout the week. You don’t need any special tools or expensive components—just a pot, a knife, and some time to let the flavors build.

Flexible and Customizable to Suit Your Taste

While this version of borscht is vegan and traditional in flavor, the recipe is endlessly customizable. You can add white beans or lentils for extra protein and heartiness. If you like a bit more spice, add crushed red pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. To make it even more filling, consider stirring in cooked grains like barley or farro.

For those who enjoy a richer texture, try blending half the soup and mixing it back in to create a creamier consistency while retaining some of the hearty chunks. If you have access to fresh herbs beyond dill—like parsley or thyme—feel free to add those in for extra aromatic flair.

Whether you prefer your borscht hot, room temperature, or even cold (a popular summer option known as cold borscht or “kholodnik”), this recipe adapts to every season and preference.

Conclusion

Vegan Borscht is more than just a soup—it’s a bowlful of tradition, comfort, and vibrant nutrition. Its combination of earthy beets, hearty vegetables, and zesty tomato broth creates a deeply satisfying dish that honors its cultural roots while embracing plant-based simplicity. Whether you’re new to borscht or grew up with a pot always simmering on the stove, this version delivers on all fronts: flavor, nourishment, and ease.

Perfect for cold nights, nourishing lunch breaks, or meal prepping ahead of a busy week, vegan borscht offers comfort without compromise. Its deep color and bold taste make it a standout dish that’s as beautiful to serve as it is rewarding to eat. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it’s a healthful choice that proves you don’t need meat or cream to create something rich and satisfying.

Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire. Whether served with a slice of rye bread, a swirl of vegan sour cream, or just on its own, vegan borscht invites you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the nourishing warmth of home-cooked food.