After going to the dentist the other day I had an intense craving for borscht. Not too sure why. So I phoned my mom to request her recipe, which turns out to be her mother’s recipe! Yea Grandma!

Even though I don’t really like to cook, I am able to when the need arises and when I put my mind to it, can produce some pretty yum-tastic chow! After picking up the ingredients at the grocery store I was ready to get started.

Chopping and shredding the veggies is probably the most time consuming task in the preparation for borscht.

I asked Kiah to lend a hand with the shredding of the carrots and beets and she so kindly agreed.

Even though her hands did get a little stained it all washed out in the end. Well almost all…..

After adding the veggies I was worried it might not all fit. This was the biggest pot we own and I still had to add the beets and ground beef!

The Great Beet Mountain!

It all fit, no prob. The waiting was excruciating. The smell was so amazing. It might have been the longest hour and half wait of my life! Ha ha. At least we had the Jersey Shore finale to keep us distracted.

Finally our hard work and waiting paid off. Ta da!

It was so good I ate 2 1/2 bowls! yum yum yum.

Thank you Mom for the recipe! Here it is exactly as I received it:

Here is grandma’s recipe since I don’t use one and hers is always yummy!
BORSCHT WITH MEATBALLS
(You do not have to add meatballs to this soup, you could just add the burger after cooking it in the oil and garlic or you do not have to add any meat at all)
Meatballs:  1 1/2 to 2 lbs hamburger, add an egg, breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and any seasonings to taste.  Brown the meatballs in oil and 2 or 3 crushed garlic cloves.  Set aside.
8 cups beef bouillon plus 2 small onions  or  8 cups water and 2 envelopes onion soup mix (grandma uses the water & onion soup mix)
3 carrots, shredded
2 or 3 beets, shredded
3 or 4 potatoes, cubed
1/2 small cabbage, shredded
1 – 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves (optional)

dill to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice

sour cream of coarse for the top
After you’ve cooked your meatballs and set aside, mix together everything but the seasonings and simmer for 1 hour.
Then add the meatballs and the seasonings (keep tasting it) and simmer for 30 more minutes and then it’s done!
Bon Appetite!!!!  LOVE YOU!!!

I obviously didn’t do the meatballs, maybe next time.

Conclusion:

When using this recipe invite over a friend or 10 to share with! It makes a ton. Or just freeze leftovers for later, like I did.