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1
In a large (8 quart) stock pot, add water and bring to boil.
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2
Add 1/2 cup of mashed tomatoes, quartered potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped onions, salt and beets and return to boil.
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3
Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until potatoes are just cooked.
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4
Meanwhile, begin to prepare all vegetables.
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5
When potatoes are cooked, remove with a slotted spoon into a mixing bowl.
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6
Add 3 tablespoons butter to potatoes, mash well.
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7
Stir in whipping cream, mixing well to incorporate; set aside.
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8
In a large frying pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter, add chopped onions and saute' until just softened, about 5 minutes.
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9
Add remaining mashed tomatoes and simmer uncovered until reduced to a creamy consistency.
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10
The sauce will be thickened.
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11
Cover, reduce heat to keep warm.
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12
In another large frying pan, melt the remainder 3 tablespoons butter, add 4 cups of shredded cabbage and on medium heat, fry until softened and very lightly browned, about 15 minutes, DO NOT BURN.
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13
Remove from heat and set aside.
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14
To the cooking pot, add cubed potatoes and 1/2 cup of tomato-onion mixture.
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15
Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
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16
Add cauliflower and celery and continue to boil gently until potatoes are just tender.
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17
Stir in remaining 4 cups of raw shredded cabbage and return soup to boil.
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18
Reduce heat; stir in mashed potatoes, fried cabbage and remaining tomato-onion mixture.
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19
Add diced green and red peppers, freshly ground black pepper, dill weed, lemon juice.
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20
Return to boil and cook for 3 more minutes.
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21
Cover and reduce heat to just warm and let borscht sit for 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
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22
Remove beets and discard or eat them separately.
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23
The beets are for coloring only.
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24
Adjust seasonings to taste.
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25
If borscht is too sweet to your liking, stir in some additional lemon juice.
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26
If desired, serve with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
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27
Refrigerate any unused portions.
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28
Traditionally, medium or sharp cheddar cheese pieces and fresh bread or buns are served with the borscht.