Light Summer Borscht with Rye Crispbread
The queen of Eastern European soups — reimagined lighter. Ruby-red, fresh, under 220 calories, and genuinely satisfying.
- raw beetroot, grated 150g
- potato, diced small 1 medium
- white cabbage, shredded 1/4 small
- carrot, grated 1 medium
- onion, finely diced 1/2
- tomato paste 1 tbsp
- vegetable stock 500ml
- olive oil 1 tsp
- lemon juice 1 tbsp
- fresh dill, chopped 2 tbsp
- low-fat sour cream (optional) 1 tbsp
- 1
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 2
Add grated carrot and beetroot, then tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until deep and fragrant.
- 3
Add vegetable stock, diced potato, and shredded cabbage. Bring to a boil.
- 4
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes until potato is tender and cabbage is soft.
- 5
Add lemon juice, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately topped with fresh dill and a spoon of sour cream if using.
Borscht is the dish that defines Ukrainian cuisine — and it’s been tragically misunderstood in the West. Real borscht isn’t the heavy, rich stew you might imagine. Summer borscht, in particular, is light, bright, and intensely fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Is summer borscht served hot or cold?
Either. Chilled is classic in summer; hot works any time of year. It's 210 kcal per bowl either way.
How do I keep the beet colour vivid?
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon at the end and avoid hard boiling — long cooking dulls the crimson.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, up to 3 months — freeze without the yogurt topping and add it fresh after reheating.
lunch Pearl Barley & Mushroom Soup
A thick, warming Eastern European soup with pearl barley, chestnut mushrooms, dried porcini, and aromatic vegetables. 195 kcal per serving — deeply satisfying and completely plant-based.
lunch Belarusian Kholodnik – A Chilled Pink Beet & Kefir Soup for Summer Days
This vibrant Belarusian chilled beet soup, known as Kholodnik, is made with kefir, fresh dill, and crunchy cucumber. It's a refreshing, low-calorie meal packed with probiotics to support gut health.
lunch Bulgarian Green Bean & Egg Salad (Salata ot Zelen Fasul s Yaitsa)
This classic Bulgarian salad combines tender green beans and hard-boiled eggs in a creamy, garlicky yogurt dressing. It's a satisfying, high-protein lunch that's perfect for staying full and managing your weight.