Borscht

Borscht, also spelled borshch or borsch (Polish: barszcz, Russian and Ukrainian: борщ), is a type of hearty Eastern and Central European vegetable soup, the beet roots 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 potatoes and optionally cabbage. In Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish cuisine, the potatoes and cabbage are 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.

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.