Vegetarian Borscht Soup Recipe

This colorful vegetarian borscht soup is loaded with earthy beets and fresh vegetables for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Jump To Recipe
A bowl of vegetarian borscht soup with beets, potatoes, and cabbage, garnished with sour cream and dill on a rustic table.
Suitable for Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free diets
Pin this recipe

Why I Love Making Vegetarian Borscht

There’s just something special about a steaming bowl of borscht after a long day. The combination of sweet, earthy beets and hearty vegetables makes this soup deeply flavorful and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Making vegetarian borscht reminds me why I appreciate classic dishes that let ingredients shine. You get vibrant colors, complex flavors, and a real sense of comfort with every spoonful.

A big bonus is how customizable this soup is. I often swap in different root vegetables or toss in some bell pepper or zucchini when I want a change. And don’t skip the sour cream or fresh dill — they really take the borscht to another level.

My favorite ways to enjoy borscht:

  • With a thick slice of crusty bread for dunking
  • Chilled on a hot day — surprisingly refreshing
  • Paired with a light salad for a complete meal

The best part is, it holds up well in the fridge, so making a big batch means I’ve got satisfying lunches for days.

A bowl of vegetarian borscht soup with beets, potatoes, and cabbage, garnished with sour cream and dill on a rustic table.

Vegetarian Borscht Soup


Total Time:60 minutes
Yield:6 servings

Rich Ukrainian-inspired soup with beets, cabbage, and potatoes simmered in a tangy tomato broth.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. 1

    Prep the Ingredients: Peel and grate the beets and carrots, chop the onion, and dice the potatoes.

  2. 2

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

  3. 3

    Add Beets and Carrots: Stir in the grated beets and carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Broth: Add the diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, roast the beets before grating.

Vegan version: serve without sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.

Keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight.

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Category:Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine:Ukrainian, Eastern European

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 6 servings

Calories Per Serving: 150

Total Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 3 g

Did you love this recipe?

I'd love if you would leave a rating or review below! Your feedback helps others find the recipes that are fan-favorites!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make vegetarian borscht ahead of time?

Absolutely! Borscht actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Is vegetarian borscht healthy?

Yes. This soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and low in calories, especially when you skip or use a vegan substitute for the sour cream or yogurt topping.

What can I use instead of beets if I don’t have any?

Beets are essential for classic borscht, but if you’re out, you could use extra carrots and a bit of red cabbage for color and sweetness, but note the flavor will change.

Can I freeze vegetarian borscht?

Yes, borscht freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How do I make it vegan?

Simply serve without sour cream or use a dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for a vegan option.

More Earthy and Hearty Vegetable Soups

Leave a comment

First Name *
Email *
Website
Comment *
Recipe rating

Sign me up for recipes, please!

All the food, right to your inbox.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *