Borscht is a delicious and hearty filling soup that is popular in Eastern European countries. It is typically made with beet sour, beef, vegetables, and sour cream. The beetroot gives it its distinctive pink or red color.
This soup is perfect for a winter day, and it is also very filling. While borscht can be enjoyed on its own, certain dishes can be served alongside it to enhance the flavors of the soup.
But what is the best side to serve with borscht? Here are 16 complementary dishes that will take your meal to the next level.
16 Best Sides to serve with Borscht Soup for Dinner
1. Bread and Butter Pickles- Classic accompaniment to Borscht
Bread and butter pickles are a type of cucumber pickle that is made by pickling cucumbers in a vinegar-based solution.
The pickles are typically sweetened with sugar and spices such as onion, garlic, or mustard seed. Slather some butter on a slice of hearty rye bread and enjoy.
This dish is the perfect accompaniment to borscht because it provides a crunchy contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.
Additionally, the vinegar in the pickles helps cut through the borscht’s richness, making it more refreshing and palate-cleansing.
2. Beet Greens
Beet greens are the leafy green part of the beetroot plant. They can be eaten cooked or raw and are often used as an ingredient in salads.
When served with borscht, beet greens add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Their slightly bitter flavor also helps balance the beetroot’s sweetness in the soup.
3. Potato Pancakes
Potato pancakes are thin pancakes made by grating potatoes and mixing them with eggs, flour, and spices. They are then fried in oil until they are golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Potato pancakes pair well with borscht because they offer a crunchy contrast to the soup’s creamy texture. Plus, their starchy consistency helps to soak up any excess broth so you can enjoy every last drop of your borscht!
4. Spicy Roasted Potatoes
Spicy roasted potatoes make a great side dish for borscht. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread potatoes out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring, until crispy and golden brown.
5. Braised Greens
Braised greens are a perfect accompaniment to borscht. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium flame.
Add chopped greens (such as kale, chard, or collards) and sauté until wilted down. Add some broth or water to help steam the greens and cook until tender.
7. Try Chopped Fresh Dill For a Uniqueness
Chopped fresh dill adds a wonderful flavor to borscht side dishes like creamy potato salad or simple cucumber salad. It’s also a delicious way to add extra flavor to the soup.
Just stir some dill into your favorite dressing (try olive oil, vinegar, and honey) and toss with chopped salad ingredients.
8. Sprinkle Cheese
A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese can really elevate simple sides like roasted broccoli or green beans tossed in olive oil and sea salt. Feta pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of borscht too!
9. Pesto
Pesto is always a welcome addition to any meal – especially when paired with fresh vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli florets.
Make your own quick pesto by blending together 2 cloves of garlic, 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Read More- 12 Delicious Sides to Serve with Shakshuka
10. Dumpling- Out of the box
For something a little bit different, try serving borscht with dumplings. These pillows of dough are usually filled with meat or vegetables, making them a tasty addition to the soup.
11. Vinegar Slaw
Vinegar slaw is a classic side of borscht. To make it, mix together 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 1/2 pound of shredded cabbage and toss to coat.
12. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms make an excellent side for borscht as well. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium flame. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.
13. Grated Carrots
Grated carrots are another simple but tasty side of borscht. Just grate peeled carrots into a bowl and toss with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
14. Sausage
The cooked sausage adds another layer of flavor to the borscht. It’s also an excellent heartier option for those who want something more substantial.
15. Garnish with Smoked Fish
Smoked fish is another classic garnish for borscht. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
16. Sweet Treat
Finally, no meal is complete without a little something sweet! Sliced fruit like apples, pears, and oranges makes a refreshing and healthy end to any borscht feast.
Or try something heartier, like honey-roasted nuts or cinnamon sugar-baked apples.
My Opinion- The best way to enjoy Borscht
As you can see, many different dishes go well with borscht.
You can have a light meal or a more filling one, depending on your preferences.
So, next time you’re wondering what to serve with borscht, simply whip up some bread and butter pickles, beet greens, or potato pancakes. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
What to serve with cold borscht?
When serving borscht cold, I like to add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to each bowl. This helps balance the beets’ sweetness and gives the soup a bit of creaminess.
I also like to add chopped fresh dill or parsley for a touch of brightness. As for what to serve alongside cold borscht, I think simple is best.
A slice of crusty bread or a few crackers will do the trick. If you like to get a bit more creative, you can also try serving borscht with chilled salmon or herbed-boiled eggs.
What meat to serve with borscht?
For traditional Ukrainian borscht, beef is the best choice. The rich flavor of the beef pairs well with the earthy beets, and the fatty juices help to create a creamy and flavorful broth.
However, pork can also be used in borscht, which can be a good choice if you are searching for a leaner dish.
Lamb is another possibility, and it can add a touch of sophistication to the soup.
For a vegetarian option, mushroom or tofu borscht can be just as satisfying.
What wine to serve with borscht?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food and wine pairings. However, certain wines can help to enhance the flavors in certain dishes.
For example, borscht is a soup that is traditionally made with beef, beets, and cabbage. The rich, earthy flavors of the borscht pair well with a cabernet sauvignon or merlot.
The bold flavors of these wines can stand up to the hearty soup. In addition, the tannins in these wines can help cut through the borscht’s richness.
If you are looking for a white wine pairing, try a chardonnay. The creamy texture of the wine can help balance out the soup’s acidity.
Riesling is another good option because it has a touch of sweetness that can play off the beets’ natural sweetness.
Pairing borscht with a light white wine would be a mistake, as the soup’s bold flavors would overwhelm the delicate wine.
