Traditional Doukhobor Borsch

Traditional Doukhobor Borsch

Dorthy Popoff, Grand Forks, B.C.

Ingredients

5 quarts water (into an 8 quart pot)

2 quarts canned tomatoes, mashed

12 medium potatoes, peeled (6 quartered and 6 diced)

1 large head of cabbage, finely chopped (about 2 quarts chopped)

1 medium sized beet, peeled, cut in half (grate ½ beet)

2 medium sized carrots (1 finely chopped, 1 grated)

3 large onions, finely chopped

1 large green pepper, finely chopped

2 stems of celery with leaves, finely chopped

⅛-¼ cup dill (fresh, dried, or frozen), finely chopped

1 small bunch of green onions, finely chopped

½ lb butter (1 cup)

2-3 Tbsp salt

1 cup cream

dash of black pepper (optional)

Directions

Boil water in an 8 quart pot.  Add 1 quart tomatoes, the half beet, and 6 quartered potatoes.  Add salt and let boil until potatoes are tender.

In a large frying pan add ¾ cup butter, chopped onions, grated half of the beet, 1 grated carrot, and a handful of cabbage.  Allow to simmer for 10 minutes, and then add half of the cabbage, half of the green pepper, and half of the chopped celery.  Allow to simmer for a minimum of 15 minutes,

Discard the half beet from the large pot.  Remove the cooked, quartered potatoes from the large pot and put into a separate bowl.  Add the remaining ¼ cup butter and mash potatoes well.  Add the cream and mash again.  Set aside.

Into the main pot add the chopped carrot, chopped celery, and the diced potatoes.  When the potatoes come to a rolling boil, add the remaining cabbage and bring to a boil.  Immediately add the mashed potatoes from the separate bowl.

Remove soup from heat and add the vegetables from the frying pan.  Add the remaining chopped green pepper, chopped green onion, dill, and black pepper (if desired).  Stir as little as possible, and take care not to overcook.  Leave the lid to the pot tilted to allow flavours to blend.  Serve hot.

Serve with cubes of cheddar cheese and fresh bread.

Home    |    Feature Article    |    Recipes    |    Past Covers     |    Christmas Dinner   |    Contact Us    |    Links

Back to Recipes