If you’re on the hunt for a soul-warming, nutrient-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, this Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with vibrant colors, cozy textures, and layers of fresh, wholesome flavors, this borsch elevates the traditional beet soup by adding nourishing quinoa, kale, and a few secret touches that make each spoonful a celebration of superfoods. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe balances health and heart in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that pack a nutritional punch and complement each other perfectly. Each component contributes to the vibrant color, earthy flavors, or hearty texture that make this soup so irresistible.
- 12 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory and rich base; veggie or beef broth works well too for different flavor profiles.
- 1 medium or 1/2 large onion (peeled and halved): Offers natural sweetness and depth when simmered.
- 3 medium potatoes (sliced): Adds a creamy texture and makes the dish satisfyingly filling.
- 1/4 cup quinoa: Packs in protein and a lovely nutty bite along with superfood benefits.
- 3 medium beets (peeled and grated): The star ingredient giving borsch its signature earthy sweetness and beautiful red hue.
- 2 good handfuls of chopped kale leaves: Brings a nutrient boost and lovely green contrast.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses the broth with subtle herbal flavors.
- 3/4 cup sliced carrots: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and bright color.
- 1 Tbsp Mrs. Dash seasoning: Enhances flavor without extra sodium.
- 3 Tbsp ketchup: Balances acidity and adds subtle tanginess.
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with fresh citrus notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe
Step 1: Begin with a Flavorful Broth
Start by filling a large soup pot with 12 cups of your chosen broth—chicken broth offers a rich base, but veggie or beef broth works just as well. Place it over medium-high heat and toss in the halved onion; this will slowly infuse the broth with a delicate sweetness and aromatic depth that makes all the difference in your Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe.
Step 2: Add Hearty Veggies and Quinoa
Once the broth reaches a simmer, it’s time to toss in the sliced potatoes, quinoa, and carrots. These ingredients will contribute both substance and texture to the soup. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the quinoa to start puffing up and the potatoes to soften just a bit, setting the foundation for a wonderfully filling bowl.
Step 3: Incorporate Beets and Greens
Now, add the star of the show—the grated beets—along with a couple of bay leaves and two generous handfuls of chopped kale. If you have beet greens on hand, add those too for an extra boost of greenery and nutrition. Stir everything to combine, bringing the mixture up to a gentle boil. Let cook uncovered for about 20 minutes so all the flavors marry together and the veggies soften to just the right tenderness. Feel free to discard the cooked-onion halves at this point; they’ve done their job!
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Finishing Touches
To brighten and season your soup, add in 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Mrs. Dash or your preferred seasoning blend, and 3 tablespoons of ketchup. Bring the pot back to a boil, then taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as you like—about 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper works beautifully. Serve hot, accompanied by a dollop of creamy sour cream or a touch of mayo for richness.
How to Serve Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of this vibrant borsch isn’t complete without some garnishes that bring both flavor and texture contrast. Consider adding a generous spoonful of sour cream or a swirl of rich mayo to add creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for herbaceous notes, and even a few crackles of freshly ground black pepper for a bit of bite. These finishing touches elevate the experience, making your Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty rye bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up that luscious broth. For a lighter option, a simple crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the earthiness of the soup perfectly. These sides turn your Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe into a complete and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or shake things up? Try serving the borsch in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel that adds texture and extra flavor. Another idea is layering it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts on top for added crunch. No matter how you present it, the vibrant colors and inviting aroma will make it the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just transfer your cooled soup into airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor. The flavors often deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this superfood-packed soup even on your busiest days, freezing is a great option. Portion the cooled borsch into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to dive back in.
Reheating
Reheat your borsch gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to regain its perfect consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously once reheated to keep the bright flavors balanced and the veggies tender.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and omit any toppings like sour cream or mayo, or replace them with plant-based alternatives. The quinoa and kale ensure it remains protein-rich and hearty.
What’s the purpose of adding ketchup?
Ketchup adds a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the earthiness of the beets and deepens the soup’s overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
Can I use canned or cooked beets instead of fresh?
Fresh grated beets offer the best vibrant color and a slightly crisp texture, but in a pinch, canned or cooked beets can work. Just reduce cooking time slightly since they’re already soft.
Is quinoa necessary in this recipe?
While quinoa adds a lovely texture and extra protein that makes the soup more filling, you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional borsch or want to keep it lighter.
What other greens could I substitute for kale?
Swiss chard, spinach, or collard greens are all great substitutes. Just add them towards the end of cooking since some greens wilt faster than kale.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It manages to be packed with nutrition while staying wonderfully comforting and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, whether as a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping potluck contribution. Your taste buds and body will thank you!
Print
Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Superfood Borsch Recipe is a vibrant and nutritious Eastern European soup featuring beets, kale, quinoa, and potatoes simmered in a flavorful broth. It balances earthy sweetness with tangy and savory notes, delivering a hearty, wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 40 minutes, it offers a healthy twist on the traditional borsch by incorporating superfoods and reduced sodium broth for a guilt-free comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Broth Base
- 12 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (beef or veggie broth is also acceptable)
- 1 medium or 1/2 large onion (peeled and cut in half, ends removed)
Vegetables & Grains
- 3 medium potatoes (sliced)
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 3 medium beets (peeled and grated)
- 2 good handfuls of chopped kale leaves (including beet greens if using)
- 3/4 cup sliced carrots
- 2 bay leaves
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Sour cream or mayonnaise for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Fill a large soup pot with 12 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth and place it over medium-high heat. Add the halved onion to the pot to infuse flavor as the broth heats. (Alternatively, you can use 12 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of reduced sodium Better than Bouillon paste.)
- Simmer vegetables: Once the broth reaches a simmer, add the sliced potatoes, quinoa, and sliced carrots. Allow these ingredients to cook together for about 5 minutes, beginning the softening process.
- Add beets and kale: Stir in the grated beets, bay leaves, and two large handfuls of chopped kale leaves including beet greens if available. Bring the soup to a light boil and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes, until all vegetables are tender. Remove and discard the cooked onion halves from the pot if desired.
- Season and finish: Incorporate the lemon juice, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and ketchup into the soup. Bring the mixture back to a boil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preference (about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon sea salt as a guideline). Serve hot, optionally garnished with sour cream or mayonnaise for added creaminess.
Notes
- Using reduced sodium broth helps control salt levels, making this soup healthier.
- You can substitute chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
- Adding quinoa boosts the protein and fiber content of the soup, making it more filling.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup before adding the kale.
- Serving with sour cream or mayonnaise adds richness and balances the acidity of the beets and lemon juice.
- Discard the onion halves after cooking as they are mainly used for flavoring the broth.
