Borscht
From Freepedia
Borscht (also borsch or borshch) (Polish: barszcz, Russian and Ukrainian: борщ ▶(?), Romanian: borş), is a type of hearty Eastern and Central European vegetable soup, the beetroot being the defining ingredient.
The type of the soup that is named borscht differs slightly by culture:
- In Russian cuisine, all borscht has beets and cabbage and optionally potatoes.
- In Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish cuisine, the potatoes and cabbage are both optional. Boiled potatoes may be served on the side with borscht.
- In Mennonite cuisine, borscht refers generically to soup and may not have beets at all. Other common ingredients, depending on the cuisine, include: tomatoes, carrots, pork, chicken, beans, onions, cucumber, and mushrooms.
- In Romanian cuisine, borscht does not necessarily include beetroot, but often refers to any soup which is sour, as well as the ingredient used for souring (fermented wheat bran).
Borscht can be prepared and served either hot or cold. It can also be served either uncreamed or with some sour or whipping cream blended in. In Russia the most commonly used product is smetana, a type of dairy product similar to crème fraîche.
