Name: Borscht
Cook time: 45 minutes
Yield: Makes 2 quarts
Ingredients: 2 quarts beef, chicken, or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 onions, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried marjoram; 2 celery stalks, trimmed, thinly sliced; 2 parsnips, peeled, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, peeled, thinly sliced; 1 leek, white and light green parts, thinly sliced; 1/2 head savoy cabbage, shredded; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 2 beets, peeled, grated; 1/4 cup dill, minced; 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or as needed; 1/2 cup sour cream

Image may contain Bowl Dish Food Meal Soup Bowl and Soup

BorschtCIA/Keith Ferris

Borscht is one of those soups that has dozens of variations. This version of the classic Russian beet soup uses lots of vegetables and a touch of bacon for extra flavor. You can leave the bacon out and use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian soup. Grating the beets into the soup releases maximum beet flavor. Though this recipe calls for the borscht to be served hot, it is also delicious when served cold.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.