The Green Borscht with Spinach Soup is a beautiful ode to the flavors of Eastern Europe. With a refreshing blend of vegetables, this vibrant green soup captures the spirit of a traditional recipe while embracing modern accessibility—swapping classic sorrel with spinach and a hint of lemon to replicate that signature tang. Light yet hearty, this dish is perfect for any season. Whether you’re sipping it on a summer afternoon or enjoying it as a warming bowl during winter, the combination of fluffy potatoes, tender zucchini, fresh herbs, and hard-boiled eggs makes this soup a wholesome, feel-good experience. Add a dollop of sour cream, and you’ll discover why this has been a cherished family staple for generations.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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64 oz chicken or vegetable broth
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, minced
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1 medium carrot, grated
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3 large potatoes, cubed
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1 zucchini, cubed
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4 cups spinach, chopped
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3 tbsp lemon juice
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4 hard-boiled eggs, cubed
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½ cup parsley or dill, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Sour cream, for serving
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the broth to a boil. Add cubed potatoes and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes.
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While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and grated carrot for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the sautéed vegetables, zucchini, and spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped herbs.
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Remove from heat and serve hot with a generous spoonful of sour cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 307 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Green Borscht with Spinach Soup: A Wholesome Tradition Reimagined
Few dishes carry the warmth of tradition and the benefits of seasonal eating quite like Ukrainian Green Borscht. Though its cousin—the bright-red beet borscht—is more globally recognized, Green Borscht (Zeleny Borscht) is a staple in many Eastern European households, especially during spring and summer. This version uses spinach as a modern, accessible substitute for the traditional sorrel, offering a similar tang and rich nutritional profile.
If you’re searching for a nourishing, quick, and satisfying soup that bridges generations of home cooking with modern-day dietary needs, look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about this vibrant soup—from its history and health benefits to its flexible, family-friendly nature.
A Little History: From Ukrainian Gardens to Global Kitchens
Green Borscht has deep roots in Ukrainian culinary heritage. Traditionally made with sorrel, a slightly sour leafy green, this soup was a seasonal delicacy, enjoyed in late spring and summer when fresh herbs and garden vegetables became abundant after a long, harsh winter. In rural Ukraine, many families grew sorrel in home gardens alongside parsley, dill, and onions. It was cherished for its tart flavor and high vitamin C content—an important supplement in a time when fresh fruits were limited in colder months.
Though its preparation varies by region and household, Green Borscht typically includes:
- A light broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Potatoes
- Root vegetables like carrots and onions
- Fresh herbs (usually dill and parsley)
- Boiled eggs
- Sour cream
The use of spinach instead of sorrel is a brilliant adaptation for modern kitchens, where sorrel may not be readily available. Spinach replicates the green freshness of sorrel, while a splash of lemon juice adds the sour note that makes this soup unique.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Version for Modern Kitchens
There are many Green Borscht recipes, but this one stands out for several key reasons:
1. Easy to Make
This version takes just 35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights. There’s no need for exotic ingredients or specialized cookware.
2. Readily Available Ingredients
No sorrel? No problem. Spinach, zucchini, and lemon juice are easy to find in any supermarket, making this recipe accessible year-round.
3. Highly Nutritious
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, fiber, and antioxidants, this soup nourishes your body while keeping calories in check. At only 307 kcal per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
4. Customizable
Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth. Keto? Swap out potatoes for cauliflower. Want more protein? Add shredded chicken. This soup adapts to your needs while maintaining its comforting base.
5. Flavorful Without Being Heavy
Unlike cream-based soups, this borscht has a light, clear broth. The lemon, herbs, and sour cream create a balanced, layered flavor profile—tangy, herby, and smooth.
The Health Benefits of Ukrainian Green Borscht
This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly good for you. Each ingredient brings something valuable to the table:
Spinach
- Rich in iron, vitamin K, magnesium, and folate
- Supports blood pressure and bone health
Carrots
- High in beta-carotene and antioxidants
- Boosts eye and immune health
Potatoes
- Excellent source of potassium and fiber
- Keeps you full without adding fats
Zucchini
- Low-calorie and water-rich
- Great for digestion and hydration
Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Add complete proteins and healthy fats
- Increase satiety
Lemon Juice
- High in vitamin C
- Enhances iron absorption from greens
Olive Oil
- Provides heart-healthy fats
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Altogether, Green Borscht is a well-balanced meal that supports gut health, immunity, energy, and even weight management.
Pro Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
1. Use Homemade Broth if Possible:
While store-bought broth works fine, homemade chicken or veggie stock gives your soup deeper flavor and lets you control salt levels.
2. Don’t Overcook the Spinach:
Add it toward the end to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
3. Add Lemon Juice Gradually:
Taste as you go. The right amount adds brightness, but too much can overpower the herbs.
4. Customize the Texture:
Prefer a heartier soup? Add shredded chicken or beans. Want it silky? Blend part of the soup before adding eggs.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Sour Cream:
Don’t skip the final dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley or dill. It ties the dish together and honors its traditional presentation.
Serving Suggestions: How to Elevate the Experience
Ukrainian Green Borscht is typically served with a slice of crusty yeast bread or rye loaf, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. You can also:
- Garnish with sliced boiled egg halves
- Serve with sour cream on the side for guests to mix in themselves
- Pair with a simple tomato and cucumber salad for a fuller meal
- Offer with pierogies or varenyky if you want to lean into a full Slavic dining experience
This dish is excellent both hot and lukewarm, making it ideal for thermos lunches or picnics.
Can You Store or Freeze It?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
Refrigerator:
- Lasts 4–5 days in an airtight container
- Flavors develop more after a day
Freezer:
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Avoid freezing with eggs and sour cream—add those fresh when reheating
To reheat, simply simmer over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add your hard-boiled eggs and sour cream right before serving for the best texture.
Dietary Variations
Low Carb / Keto:
- Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets
- Skip carrots or use sparingly
- Use full-fat sour cream for healthy fat boost
Vegan:
- Use vegetable broth
- Omit eggs and sour cream or substitute with plant-based options
Gluten-Free:
- Naturally gluten-free
- Just be cautious about store-bought broth labels
Fun Cultural Facts
- In Ukraine, Green Borscht is sometimes served as part of Easter meals, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
- The sour flavor of the soup was traditionally enhanced with fermented rye flour or kvass, a fermented drink made from bread.
- In Russian and Polish cuisines, similar green soups are called “schav” (sorrel soup), but they don’t typically include eggs or potatoes.
Conclusion
This Green Borscht with Spinach Soup is more than just a soup—it’s a celebration of seasonality, resourcefulness, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots, introduce your family to new flavors, or simply enjoy a clean, comforting bowl of food, this recipe delivers. What makes it truly special is its ability to feel both rustic and refined. It’s a dish you can serve to your grandma, your kids, or your health-conscious friends and be met with the same smile of satisfaction every time. So go ahead—grab your Dutch oven, a bunch of fresh greens, and give this timeless favorite a try. Your kitchen is about to smell like Eastern European comfort food magic.
