25. Red Borscht

In Australia, fresh horseradish is not always readily available. Jar horseradish or horseradish cream is usually already pickled, but if you have fresh, then pickle in a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, sugar and salt first. Crème fraiche can be substituted for sour cream.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat butter until melted, and add onion, celery and leek. Sweat until translucent, then add garlic, tomato paste, paprika, caraway, celery seeds, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.

Step 2

Add stock and diced carrot, potato, and beetroot, and cook until soft, about 20 minutes. Then add cabbage, which will only take a couple of minutes to cook. Check seasoning and add the apple cider vinegar - check the acidity and add a little more if needed.

Step 3

In a seperate bowl, combine horseradish (see recipe description note) with crème fraiche. Ladle out completed soup in bowls, dolloping some horseradish cream on top and garnishing with chives and tarragon. Serve with crusty bread.