Summer Borscht (Lower Fat)

jessica327's Note:

This is a modified version of Ina Garten's Summer borscht that I found on foodtv.com. I have replaced whole fat sour cream and yogurt, with low fat. I also made it with 3 beets instead of 5, and prepared them in a pressure cooker. I eliminated the sugar from 1/4 cup, to 2 tablespoons. For flavor and texture, I added sauteed onion and carrots. And for authenticity, I prepared it with beef broth. Last, I increased the amount of beet liquid used, thus increasing the portion size.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 3 large beets
• 3 cups water (plus additional to cover beets when boiling)
• kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups beef stock
• 16 ounces reduced-fat sour cream
• ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons champagne vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1 large seedless cucumber
• 4 scallions , white and green parts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill , plus extra for serving, chopped
• 2 carrots , shredded
• 1 onion , finely diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Place the beets in a pressure cooker and cover with water.
2. Cook until the beets are tender, about 18 minutes.
3. Remove the beets and cool. Once cooled, peel the beets and dice .
4. Cool and retain the cooking liquid. Strain the cooking liquid.
5. Melt butter in a saute pan with the olive oil. Add the carrots and one onion, and saute until onion is soft. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of the beet cooking liquid, the beef stock, sour cream, yogurt, sugar, vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt, and the pepper.
7. Add the diced beets, cucumber, scallions, onion, carrots, and dill to the soup.
8. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
9. Season to taste, and serve cold, possibly with a dollop of sour cream and an extra sprig of dill.