What To Serve With Borscht (24 Perfect Pairings!)

Borscht, the hearty soup renowned across Eastern Europe, has a rich flavour profile, making it a comfort food staple especially during the cold months.

Its main ingredient, beetroot, imparts a vibrant colour and a sweet, earthy taste that’s well-balanced with the tang of tomatoes and a hint of sour cream.

Originally a dish of Ukrainian origin, borscht has seeped into the culinary fabric of various Eastern European and Slavic nations, each adopting the hearty soup and adding their unique touch over generations.

In Ukraine, it’s traditionally made with beetroot as the main ingredient, giving it a deep red hue.

Move towards Russia, and you might find a green variant made with sorrel.

In Poland, white borscht (barszcz biały) takes the stage during Easter, made with fermented rye flour and horseradish.

In this guide, we’re going to explore the best pairing and accompaniments. 

Here’s the short answer… 

Some of the best ideas for what to serve with borscht include sour cream, fresh herbs, rye bread, braised meats like beef brisket or lamb shank, pork sausages, pickled veggies, and potato pancakes. 

Keep reading for more ideas and serving suggestions for this vibrant, colourful bowl of goodness… 

Traditional Accompaniments

When you sit down to enjoy your borscht, consider these traditional accompaniments to enrich your dining experience.

Sour Cream Garnishes

Adding a dollop of sour cream to your borscht isn’t just about taste; it creates a creamy texture that balances the earthy beet flavours.

Stir it in or leave it on top for a visually appealing contrast.

Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped dill or parsley over your soup to introduce a fresh, aromatic element.

These herbs not only provide a pop of green but also complement the borscht’s robust flavour.

Rye Bread

A slice of hearty rye bread, often served with a layer of butter, is the perfect companion to borscht.

The bread’s dense, slightly sour character stands up well against the soup’s tanginess and is ideal for mopping up every last bit.

Protein Pairings

When selecting a protein to accompany your borscht, consider options that complement its hearty and rich flavours.

Braised Meats

Braised meats are excellent for incorporating a tender and flavourful addition to your meal.

Beef brisket or lamb shank, slow-cooked until they’re falling apart, can provide a substantial and satisfying contrast to the tangy soup.

Pork Sausages

Pork sausages add a savoury and smoky element to the borscht experience.

Choose varieties like kielbasa or smoked sausage and serve them sliced to integrate that extra layer of hearty taste.

Bean-Based Dishes

For a lighter yet protein-rich option for what to serve with borscht, try bean-based dishes.

A side of butter beans in a light tomato sauce or lentil stew can offer a balanced and nutritious counterpart to your borscht.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Accompanying your borscht with the right vegetable side dishes can elevate the meal, providing a balance of flavours and textures.

Here are some curated picks for you.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables add a delightful tanginess and crunch that complements the rich taste of borscht.

You can opt for:

• Cucumbers: Quick-pickled with dill and vinegar.
• Beetroot: Pickled with cloves and bay leaves for extra flavour.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables bring out a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savoury notes of borscht.

Consider these options:

• Carrots and Parsnips: Roasted with a touch of honey and thyme.
• Potatoes: Tossed in olive oil and rosemary, then roasted until golden.

Fresh Garden Salads

A fresh garden salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Keep it simple with:

• Leafy Greens: A mix of rocket, spinach, and lettuce dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
• Tomato Salad: Sliced tomatoes and red onion with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Starchy Sides

Pairing your borscht with the right starchy side can turn a simple soup into a substantial meal.

These options offer a comforting balance to the tangy flavours of borscht.

Potato Pancakes

For a classic combination, serve your borscht with potato pancakes.

These crispy delights, also known as latkes, provide a delightful contrast with their crunchy texture.

Simply grate potatoes, mix with onion, eggs, and flour, then fry until golden brown.

Perfect for soaking up the flavoursome broth.

Pirozhki

Another excellent companion for your borscht are pirozhki, small Russian pastries filled with various ingredients.

Traditionally stuffed with a mix of mashed potatoes, onions, and sometimes mushrooms, these baked or fried dough pockets can be a hearty addition to your meal.

Enjoy them warm for maximum comfort.

Egg Noodles

Incorporate some egg noodles into your borscht for a quick and easy starchy side.

These noodles offer a soft, chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

Boil them until al dente and add directly into the borscht or serve on the side, either way, they’ll help to round out the dish beautifully.

Desserts and Sweets

After enjoying the hearty warmth of borscht, you’ll find that Eastern European desserts tend to offer a delightful balance to the meal.

Select sweets that complement the rich flavours without overpowering your palate.

Fruit Pastries

Your experience with borscht is beautifully rounded with the subtle sweetness of fruit pastries.

These come in various forms, from dainty tarts to generous slices.

The most common fruits used are:

• Apples
• Cherries
• Berries

They are often seasoned with cinnamon or cardamom, and they’re perfect when it comes to what to serve with borscht. 

Honey Cake

For a truly indulgent treat, honey cake (medovik) is a splendid choice.

This layered cake is sweetened with honey and hints of spice, and typically includes:

Ingredients	Role in Cake
Honey	Sweetener
Condensed Milk	Creamy Filling
Nuts (optional)	Crunchy Texture

 

Each slice is moist, creamy, and with a subtle nutty crunch, should you choose to include nuts.

Chocolate Babka

To satisfy your chocolate cravings, a slice of chocolate babka is an excellent option.

This sweet yeast bread marbled with rich chocolate has a distinctly comforting feel, characterised by:

• A twisty, layered texture
• A generous chocolate swirl
• A tender, brioche-like dough

Enjoy it with a light dusting of icing sugar to balance the deep chocolate flavour.

Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right drink can enhance the flavours of your borscht.

Below are some traditional beverage pairings that complement this hearty soup.

Vodka

A classic Russian spirit, vodka is often served with borscht.

It’s not just any vodka, though—opt for a chilled, high-quality vodka that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls of soup.

Remember: moderation is key, as vodka is strong and should be enjoyed responsibly! 

Kvass

Kvass is a fermented beverage made from rye bread.

Its mildly sour and earthy taste contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the beets in borscht.

Kvass is typically non-alcoholic, making it a suitable choice for all ages at the dinner table.

Hot Tea

A pot of hot, black tea pairs exceptionally well with borscht.

The robust flavour of the tea can stand up to the strong tastes of the soup.

If you prefer, a little milk or a slice of lemon can be added to your tea, according to your personal preference.

What’s your favourite pairing for borscht soup? 

Head to the comments and share your ideas! 

You might also enjoy checking out what to serve with chicken kiev.