Hot beet borscht, or cold
The day American democracy withstood an attack on the seat of its government, Jan. 6, 2020, I decided to make a festive meal — after all Jews have created whole holidays over much less. But what food goes with this celebration? Beet borscht, I decided. It’s comforting, fast (so we can get back to guarding Congress against all enemies domestic and…domestic), and full of nourishment— for the long fight ahead. Serve hot every Jan. 6, or cold, on July 4.
Beet Borscht
4 medium beets, peeled and quartered
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 T. chopped fresh dill
salt and pepper
1 t. lemon juice, kvass or apple cider vinegar, or to taste
Place all the ingredients except vinegar in a large pot or Instant Pot. Add cool water just to cover. Bring to boil then cover and simmer until the vegetables are very soft, about an hour. In an Instant Pot this takes 30 minutes.
Remove cover and using a stick blender or regular blender, puree until very smooth. Add vinegar. Taste and adjust for salt, pepper and vinegar. Serve hot or cold with a plop of sour cream or yogurt and some fresh dill.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO