Borschts with Plums

Borschts with plums is a delightful twist on the classic beet soup, renowned for its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavor. This version elevates the traditional recipe with the addition of dried plums and a hint of blackcurrant jam, offering a sweet and tangy element. Fresh beets, carrots, potatoes, and spices create a colorful and nutritious base, enhanced by the earthy flavors of adzuki beans. A touch of ginger or chili adds warmth, while a splash of lemon brings brightness to the dish. The recipe is straightforward, allowing even beginner cooks to produce a beautiful, vibrant soup. Rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day, it can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with crusty bread. Simple yet sophisticated, Borschts with plums is sure to impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Beet
• Carrot
• Potato
• 1 liter of water
• 4 tablespoons adzuki beans
• 6 dried plums

Spices and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon blackcurrant jam
• Slice of lemon
• Piece of fresh ginger or chili
• Pinch of coriander
• Small clove of garlic
• 2 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Oil
• Herbs for garnish

Preparation Time

• Total time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot. Add the adzuki beans directly to the water, and let them cook for about 20 minutes. These beans do not require pre-soaking, and mung beans can be used as an alternative if preferred.

2. While the beans are cooking, peel and finely grate the fresh beet and carrot. Then, cut the potato into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

3. In a saucepan, heat a small amount of oil and briefly sauté all the spices: ginger or chili, coriander, garlic, cloves, and bay leaves. This helps release their full flavor and aroma.

4. Add the grated carrots to the sautéed spices, cooking them until they become more vibrant in color. It enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup.

5. Combine the sautéed vegetables and spices with the cooking beans. This step starts the melding process of the flavors.

6. Toss in the dried plums with the soup. You can chop them into smaller pieces if desired, which will help them integrate more fully into the soup’s texture.

7. Sauté the grated beets in the saucepan until they begin to release their juices. This step intensifies the beet's earthy flavor before it’s added to the pot.

8. Add the sautéed beets to the pot, followed by the diced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.

9. Finish the soup by stirring in the blackcurrant jam and squeezing juice from a lemon slice into the pot for a delightful contrast of flavors.

10. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped herbs to bring an additional layer of freshness.

Tips

• Substitute adzuki beans with mung beans if desired.
• Incorporate a pinch of chili if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for a varied taste.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 3g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but for an extra protein boost, scatter with toasted nuts.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is inherently gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a vegan alternative for added richness.
• Accompany with crusty rye bread or whole-grain crackers.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Best Places

1. Café Pushkin - A luxurious Russian restaurant offering exquisite borschts in an opulent setting. Location: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia.

2. The Russian Tea Room - Iconic dining with traditional borschts in a classic New York atmosphere. Location: 150 W 57th St, New York, NY, USA.

3. Bernardazzi - Known for its fine selection of Eastern European dishes in a historic venue. Location: Bunina St, 15, Odesa, Ukraine.

4. Mari Vanna - A charming space presenting homestyle Russian offerings including borschts. Location: Draycott Ave, Chelsea, London, UK.

5. Odessa Restaurant - Celebrated for its hearty Eastern European cuisine with comforting borschts. Location: Deribasivska St, 7, Odesa, Ukraine.

6. Kvartira 44 - Offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Russian flavors and borschts. Location: Bolshaya Nikitskaya St, 22/2, Moscow, Russia.

7. Bors Hata - Popular for its wide selection of borschts and relaxed ambiance. Location: Area Square, Kyiv, Ukraine.

8. Sadko - Offers a taste of Russian classics, including borschts, amidst a warm environment. Location: Saint Isaac's Square, 4, St. Petersburg, Russia.

9. Perlovka Bar - Features modern Russian cuisine with a unique twist on traditional borschts. Location: Arbat St, 1, Moscow, Russia.

10. White Rabbit - Famous worldwide for its gourmet approach to Russian traditional dishes. Location: Smolenskaya Square, 3, Moscow, Russia.