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Krakow (Poland)
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Soup
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
150kcal
4gProtein
30gCarbs
1gFat
6gFibre
300 mlServing
* Per serving · 300 ml. May vary.
Borscht
How to order / say it
Say it
Barszcz — [barshch]
Order
I'd like the barszcz, please.
Locally
Proszę barszcz.
Say locally
A sour beet soup often served with dumplings.
Why try it?
Barszcz is a vibrant testament to Polish culinary history, reflecting the use of locally grown ingredients. It's a staple at Christmas Eve dinners, representing the heartwarming simplicity of Krakow's traditional dishes.
How it tastes
This soup has a distinctive ruby-red color, with a tangy, slightly earthy flavor from the beets. The aromatic warmth of garlic and spices enrich the broth, while optional dumplings add a soft texture.
Origin & History — first documented: 1300
Originating from Eastern Europe, barszcz became a cherished soup in Poland as early as the 14th century. Its affordability and nutritious value made it a common meal in Polish hearths, eventually becoming synonymous with Polish culture.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 500 g beets
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic
- 50 ml vinegar
- 🥣 1 l broth
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🧂 0.5 tsp pepper
- 🌿 2 bay leaf
Method
- 1 Simmer beets in broth until tender.
- 2 Add garlic, vinegar, salt, and bay leaves; season with pepper.
- 3 Simmer for another 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- 4 Strain and serve hot, optionally with dumplings.
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