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Botwinka (Polish Vegetable Soup with Beet Greens)

Botwinka, also known as Polish vegetable soup with beet greens, is a traditional and beloved dish in Polish cuisine. This vibrant and hearty soup is made using fresh beet greens, which are the leafy tops of beets, as well as a variety of other seasonal vegetables. The soup is often enjoyed during the spring and summer months when beet greens are abundant and at their peak freshness.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

55 mins

Servings:

Yield:

3 servings

Ingredients

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 parsnip, peeled and diced

½ celery roots (celeriac), peeled and cubed

1 leek, sliced

cold water to cover

5 beets with leaves and stems - beets peeled and chopped, leaves sliced

3 potatoes, diced

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 dash lemon juice, or to taste

salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 eggs, hard boiled

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Combine carrot, parsley root, celeriac, and leek in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and stock cube. Add beet and beet leaves and cook until beet and beet greens are tender, about 25 minutes. Season with sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer until flavors are well combined, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Combine cream, flour, and 3 tablespoons of soup and mix until smooth. Add to pot and stir in well. Place pot back on stove and bring to a boil. Add dill and remove from heat.

Step 3

Divide hardboiled eggs among 3 bowls. Ladle soup on top of eggs and garnish with dill.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

482

Calories

11g

Fat

84g

Carbs

16g

Protein

Complement

Botwinka is not only delicious, but also nutritious, as it is packed with vitamins and minerals from the beet greens and other vegetables. The soup is typically made with a base of vegetable or chicken broth, and may also include potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. The combination of flavors and textures creates a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as a main course, Botwinka is a delightful way to savor the flavors of fresh, seasonal produce in Polish cuisine.