Borsch

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Have you heard about Borsch?

Borsch, Borshch or Borsht is one of the few truly national completely Ukrainian foods. I hate when people think that Borsch originated in Russia because we already have so many dishes in common with them. The Borsch is beets soup, which must have some main ingredients to be called a real Ukrainian Borsch and not a Russian or Lithuanian Borsch. The main ingredients are: potatoes, cabbage, onions, garlic, dill, sour cream and of course beets. Borsch can be served and cold but it tastes way better when it’s warm and has a spoon of cold sour cream floating on top of it. The beets give Borsch the amazing red color and the sour cream may be mixed in to make up a lighter red. Borsch is the first thing I eat every time I come back to Ukraine and nothing makes me feel more at home. There is a saying in Ukraine which articulates that every household has it’s own Borsch, I completely agree with this statement. My mother’s Borsch is a whole lot different then the Borsch they serve at restaurants and it is even different from my grandpas Borsch even thought he is the one who taught her how to cook it. My mothers Borsch s of course my favorite. Her special ingredients are: potatoes, beef cut in large pieces, carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic, dill and some called sour cream on top. Nowadays you can find borsch in instant packs that can be made in 3 minutes just like the Rammen noodles. I brought some of these packs to Kent and when I was cooking them people would come up to me and they would tell me that they know what Borsch is. I think it’s amazing that some people in the US know the National Ukrainian food. The next time you decide to stop by Ukraine make sure you try a plate of delicious Borsch.