Magda's Cauldron

Everyone loves to share their favorite holiday dishes, like pierogi, sauerkraut with peas, and makowiec. But what about the ones you might just politely pass on? When I shared my kompot z suszu recipe (that smoky dried fruit drink), it felt alright to say, ‘not for me’. It’s definitely a niche, acquired taste kind of thing. But barszcz? It’s almost the national soup! The first course on Wigilia tables all over Poland. Growing up in a barszcz-loving family, I’d smile and pass the plate. Childhood ‘yuck’ memory? Maybe. Now I can make it, eat it, and even make it look pretty for photos. But I’m still not its biggest fan.

This year, I’m sharing my recipe with you. Because it’s really a staple and I can understand why people love it. And I want you to give it a try. And no worries, since I don’t have much experience making it, I tested the recipe on my two friends, and they both agreed it was delicious and asked for recipes, so trust me, you are in good hands.

Polish Christmas red borscht soup

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
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Clear red beet soup for Christmas Eve. Traditional with zakwas, dried mushrooms & overnight rest.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg beets
• 1 parsley root,
• 3 small carrots
• ½ celery root
• 1 leek
• 2 charred onions
• ½ garlic head
• 2 dried wild mushrooms
• 4 dried plums
• 3 bay leaves,
• 3 allspice berries,
• 2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1.5-2 liter water
• 2 cooking apples
• to taste: salt, pepper, lemon juice
• 200 ml beet kvass or sauerkraut brine (optional)
• 200 ml water from soaking dried mushrooms (optional)

Directions

1. Peel beets, parsley root, carrots, celery. Cut beets into chunks.
2. Add all veggies (including leek, charred onions, garlic) to a large pot with mushrooms, plums, bay, allspice. Cover with water.
3. Simmer gently 1 hour.
4. Add apples and cook for another 30 minutes.
5. Stir in beet kvass, and crushed marjoram. Cool overnight.
6. Strain, reheat, season with salt, pepper, lemon juice. Some families like they barszcz on a sweet side, others like it more sour. So seasoning as usual is to your taste.
7. Serve clear with uszka (mushroom dumplings) if you like!