Borscht, a hearty, warming soup that hails from Eastern Europe, has numerous variations depending on the country and even the household you visit. This recipe, however, has a modern twist. It's a vegan version that's made in an Instant Pot®. It's quick, easy, and just as satisfying as its traditional counterparts.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, you might need to look for a few. Beets, a main component of borscht, are often available year-round in the fresh produce section. Whole beets are preferable for this recipe. Secondly, this recipe calls for bay leaves, which are commonly found in the spice section. Lastly, you may want to pick up a green bell pepper, which gives the soup a delightful crunch and fresh flavor.
Ingredients for Your Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht
Canola oil: A neutral oil that won't overpower the flavors of the other ingredients.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup.
Water: The base liquid for the soup.
Cabbage: Adds a delicious crunch and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Beets: Gives the borscht its distinctive color and sweet, earthy flavor.
Potatoes: Adds heartiness to the soup and thickens it slightly.
Carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness.
Green bell pepper: Provides a fresh, crisp texture.
Bay leaves: Adds a subtle, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and ground black pepper: Enhances the flavors of the soup.
One reader, Hunfredo Holley says:
This vegan borscht recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the Instant Pot makes it so easy to prepare. The vibrant colors and hearty vegetables make it a perfect winter warmer. I love how versatile and nutritious this dish is. It's a definite winner in my book!
Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht
How to sauté the onions: Heat the canola oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, stirring occasionally.
How to cook under pressure: After adding all the ingredients to the Instant Pot, close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions and set the timer for 40 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
How to release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions, which should take about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
How To Make Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht
This recipe for Instant Pot® vegan borscht makes up to 6 liters of tasty beet soup. If you love meal prep, this dish is for you.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspcanola oil,or as needed
- ½large onion,diced
- 8cupswater,divided
- ½medium head cabbage,finely shredded
- ¾lbbeets,grated
- ½lbpotatoes,cut into small cubes
- 2carrots,grated
- 1green bell pepper,chopped
- 3bay leaves
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker and select Saute function. Add oil and onion. Cook, stirring often, until translucent for 3 to 5 minutes. Add a splash of water to stop cooking.
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Add 8 cups water, cabbage, beets, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Close and lock the lid.
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Select high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions; set timer for 40 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
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Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
Nutrition
- Calories: 57.63kcal
- Fat: 1.36g
- Saturated Fat: 0.14g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.77g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.39g
- Carbohydrates: 10.85g
- Fiber: 2.96g
- Sugar: 4.26g
- Protein: 1.66g
- Sodium: 630.94mg
- Calcium: 37.65mg
- Potassium: 306.34mg
- Iron: 0.78mg
- Vitamin A: 89.78µg
- Vitamin C: 27.88mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht
When preparing your beets for this borscht recipe, it's important to peel them before adding to the Instant Pot. This not only makes them easier to eat in the finished soup, but also helps to release their vibrant color and sweet, earthy flavor into the broth. Additionally, be sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Remember, larger pieces will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegan Borscht
Plan ahead: Prep all your ingredients and have them ready to go before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by using pre-cut vegetables, or consider using a food processor to quickly chop the veggies.
Multi-task: While the borscht is cooking in the Instant Pot, use that time to clean up and prepare other components of your meal.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality knife can make chopping and prepping vegetables much faster and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative to canola oil and adds a rich flavor to the borscht.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle complexity to the borscht.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth will enhance the overall flavor of the borscht and add depth to the dish.
cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a nutritious substitute for cabbage, providing a slightly different texture and a boost of vitamins.
beets - Substitute with red radishes: Red radishes can provide a similar earthy flavor and vibrant color to the borscht, while adding a unique peppery note.
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a creamier texture, complementing the other ingredients in the borscht.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a similar earthy sweetness and a hint of nuttiness to the borscht.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor to the borscht.
bay leaves - Substitute with dried dill: Dried dill can be used as a substitute for bay leaves, imparting a fresh and aromatic flavor to the borscht.
salt and ground black pepper - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness to the borscht, enhancing its overall taste.
Best Way to Present Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht
Elevate the plating: When presenting the borscht, consider using a beautiful, deep bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the soup. The deep reds and purples of the beets and the bright orange of the carrots will pop against a clean, white background.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing the borscht with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh dill. The aromatic herb will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or a swirl of coconut milk on top of the borscht to create a visually appealing contrast in texture. This will also add a creamy element to the dish.
Artful drizzling: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artful drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the surface of the borscht. This will not only enhance the presentation but also add a touch of richness to the soup.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the borscht with a side of freshly baked, crusty artisan bread. This will not only elevate the overall presentation but also provide a delightful accompaniment to the hearty soup.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Borscht in an Instant Pot®
Multi-functional pressure cooker (such as instant pot®): A versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
Knife: Essential for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables.
Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring the water and other ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Vegetable peeler: Necessary for peeling the beets and carrots.
Tongs: Useful for handling hot ingredients and releasing pressure from the pressure cooker.
Ladle: For serving the borscht once it's ready.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Vegan Borscht
- Once the borscht has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a large soup pot with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the borscht, let it cool completely to room temperature. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the borscht in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed borscht in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- If the borscht appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated borscht and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
How to Reheat Leftover Vegan Borscht
The best way to reheat leftover vegan borscht is to use a saucepan on the stovetop. Pour the desired amount of soup into the pan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the vegetables and other ingredients are evenly warmed without becoming overcooked or mushy.
Another option is to use the microwave. Transfer the desired portion of borscht to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the cover, as the steam can be hot.
If you have leftover borscht that has become too thick after refrigeration, you can easily adjust the consistency while reheating. Simply add a small amount of vegetable broth, water, or even a splash of plant-based milk to the soup while it's warming up. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve your desired consistency.
For a quick and easy lunch, reheat leftover vegan borscht and serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or a scoop of cooked quinoa for a satisfying and nutritious meal. You can also garnish the reheated soup with a dollop of vegan sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add extra flavor and visual appeal.
If you have a large batch of leftover borscht, consider freezing it in individual portions for later use. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you're ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it using one of the methods mentioned above.
Interesting Trivia About Vegan Borscht
Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is known for its vibrant red color, which comes from the beets used in the recipe. This hearty and nutritious soup is often enjoyed during the cold winter months and is a staple in Eastern European cuisine.
Is Making Vegan Borscht at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegan borscht recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With simple and affordable ingredients like cabbage, beets, and potatoes, it offers a budget-friendly meal option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10, making it an economical choice. The hearty and nutritious nature of this dish, combined with its low cost, earns it a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
Is This Vegan Borscht Healthy or Unhealthy?
The instant pot vegan borscht recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, beets, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, which provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of canola oil adds a small amount of healthy fats to the recipe. Additionally, the absence of meat or animal products makes this recipe suitable for vegans and those following a plant-based diet.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Add more protein-rich ingredients, such as beans, lentils, or tofu, to increase the protein content of the dish
- Include more leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient density of the borscht
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt
To further elevate the health benefits of this vegan borscht, consider the following suggestions:
- Serve the borscht with a dollop of non-dairy yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added protein and healthy fats
- Pair the dish with a slice of whole-grain bread to increase the fiber content and provide a source of complex carbohydrates
- Prepare a side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers to add more fresh vegetables to the meal
- Garnish the borscht with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Borscht Recipe
This vegan borscht recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of beets, potatoes, and cabbage creates a hearty and satisfying dish, while the addition of carrots and bell pepper adds a lovely sweetness and crunch. The cooking method in the Instant Pot ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and nourishing soup. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this recipe a wonderful option for a quick and wholesome meal.
Enhance Your Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Instant Pot® Vegan Borscht Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious vegan twist on the classic borscht. With a perfect blend of beets, potatoes, and cabbage, it promises a hearty and flavorful experience. The use of canola oil ensures a healthy cooking method, while the bell pepper adds a pop of color and freshness. The inclusion of bay leaves infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe to enjoy a comforting and satisfying plant-based meal.
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