Say hello to a bowl of pure comfort — Chicken and White Bean Borsch! This Ukrainian gem brings together tender chicken, velvety white beans, and the earthy sweetness of beets, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll warm your heart.
What’s the secret? The slow simmering of chicken with aromatic herbs creates a base that’s pure magic. Add in the beans for creaminess, the beets for natural sweetness, and a touch of garlic for that irresistible kick. It’s not just a soup. It’s a hug in a bowl.
Serve it hot with crusty bread or traditional pampushky, and watch it disappear from the table. Let’s get cooking!
Directions
0/0 steps made- Start with the chicken. Add a drizzle of oil to your crockpot and place the chicken thighs inside.
- Prep the veggies. Peel and finely chop the onion, beetroot, carrot, and potatoes. Toss them into the crockpot with the chicken. Let everything sauté for about 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to bring out the flavors.
- Add the sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the rich, tangy flavors to coat the ingredients.
- Time for the beans. Add the white beans straight from the can (no need to rinse) and stir everything together.
- Simmer it up. Pour in 2 liters of water and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cabbage finale. Add the chopped cabbage and continue simmering for another 15 minutes until everything is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Serve it right. Ladle the steaming borsch into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it hot with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort.
This Chicken and White Bean Borsch is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a way to explore authentic Ukrainian cuisine.
Cooking Time
Prep Time. 15 minutes
Cook Time. 60 minutes
Total Time. 1 hour 15 minutes
This Chicken and White Bean Borsch is a delightful balance of efficiency and flavor, taking just over an hour to prepare and cook. Here’s the breakdown.
Prep Time. Spend around 15 minutes peeling and chopping the vegetables — onion, beetroot, carrot, and potatoes — while heating a drizzle of oil in your crockpot. It’s a quick step that sets the stage for the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.
Cook Time. The cooking process is straightforward and rewarding. Start by sautéing the chicken thighs with the prepared vegetables in the crockpot for 10 minutes.
This step helps build the dish’s savory base. Add the tomato sauce, letting it simmer for another 5 minutes to enhance the flavor. After this, add the white beans and pour in 2 liters of water.
Let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken, beans, and veggies to meld into a rich, flavorful broth. Finally, toss in the shredded cabbage and cook for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring all the flavors come together beautifully.
Benefits of Chicken and White Bean Borsch
Chicken and White Bean Borsch isn’t just a comforting, flavorful dish — it’s also packed with nutritional goodness. This hearty soup provides a wholesome mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
The chicken thighs offer a rich source of protein, which helps to build and repair tissues, support immune function, and keep muscles strong.
The white beans, with their creamy texture, are full of fiber and plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for digestive health and heart wellness. Fiber helps regulate digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full longer.
The beets and carrots bring a natural sweetness to the dish, while also being rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Beets are particularly known for their high levels of folate and manganese, which support brain function and energy production.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A — vital for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function.
The addition of cabbage brings even more nutritional value, offering vitamin C and fiber that help boost immunity and support digestive health.
The tomato sauce adds a dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention.
This borsch is a nourishing meal that can help support your health in multiple ways while providing the comfort of a homemade, traditional dish.
Risks of Chicken and White Bean Borsch
While Chicken and White Bean Borsch is a nutritious and comforting dish, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
For those with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities, chicken thighs may not be suitable. Some individuals may need to avoid poultry due to allergies or personal preferences, such as vegetarians or those following plant-based diets.
In this case, substituting chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh can offer a similar texture without compromising the flavor.
The use of white beans is another factor to consider. While beans are an excellent source of fiber, they can cause digestive discomfort, especially for individuals who are not accustomed to high-fiber foods.
Gas, bloating, or stomach cramps may occur if beans are consumed in large amounts, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs. It’s always a good idea to gradually increase fiber intake and ensure proper digestion.
The dish also contains tomatoes, which can trigger acid reflux or heartburn in some people, especially when consumed in large quantities. If you have a history of acid reflux or other digestive issues, you may want to limit your intake or avoid the tomato sauce altogether.
Equipment for Chicken and White Bean Borsch
Crockpot (Slow Cooker). This is the star of the recipe. A crockpot allows you to cook the borsch slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and the ingredients to meld together. It ensures tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables without constant attention.
Sharp Knife and Chopping Board. You’ll need a sharp knife to chop the vegetables—onion, beetroot, carrot, and potatoes. A good chopping board will make the cutting process safer and more efficient.
Measuring Cups and Spoons. These are essential for accurately measuring the liquid and tomato sauce, ensuring the right balance of ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula. A wooden spoon or spatula will be needed to stir the ingredients in the crockpot as they cook. It helps ensure even cooking without damaging the pot.
Can Opener. Since you’ll be using canned white beans, a can opener is necessary to open the can easily and safely.
Serving Bowls. Once the borsch is ready, you’ll need serving bowls to ladle the hot soup into, along with a spoon to stir in the sour cream and parsley before serving.
Tips for this Recipe
Use Fresh Beets. Fresh, tender beets will give your borsch a richer flavor. Look for beets with smooth, firm skin and vibrant color for the best results.
Pre-cook Beets. If you prefer a smoother texture, consider boiling or roasting the beets separately before adding them to the pot. This step can also help enhance their natural sweetness.
Season to Taste. Borsch can vary in flavor depending on the seasonings. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to find the perfect balance for your taste.
Add a Dollop of Sour Cream. Serving borsch with a spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess and a bit of tang, which complements the earthiness of the beets.
Herbs for Extra Flavor. Garnish your borsch with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They’ll add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Leftovers Taste Better. Like many soups, borsch often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Make a larger batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner the following day.
Where to Buy Beets
Beets are essential for making the perfect borsch. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Ukrainian borsch or a creative variation, getting the freshest beets is key. Here’s where to find them:
Local Farmers’ Markets. For the freshest beets, head to your local farmers’ market. It’s the best place to buy seasonal, high-quality produce directly from farmers.
Supermarkets. If convenience is your priority, supermarkets are a reliable choice. Beets are available year-round in most large grocery stores. Look for beets with vibrant, smooth skins and firm texture.
Many supermarkets also offer pre-cleaned and packaged beets for added ease. This applies to countries like the USA, UK, and Australia, where beets are widely available.
Online Stores. For those who prefer shopping from home, many online grocery services deliver fresh beets directly to your doorstep. Platforms like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or local delivery services often stock beets, including organic varieties.
What is Ukrainian Borsch?
Ukrainian Borsch is a rich, flavorful soup that has become a symbol of Ukrainian cuisine. This hearty dish is made primarily from beets, which give it a deep red color, along with a variety of other vegetables, including cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
The soup often features a blend of savory and tangy flavors, thanks to ingredients like garlic, vinegar, and sometimes a dash of sugar.
Traditionally, borsch is prepared with meat, typically pork or chicken, which adds depth to the flavor.
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There are also vegetarian versions, where beans or mushrooms can replace the meat. The soup is often simmered for a long time to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Whether served at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a comforting meal on a chilly day, Ukrainian borsch is a dish that brings people together.
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