Recipes, re-invented from cooking shows
Polish White Borscht (Żurek)
Prep. Time:
Baking Time:
Total Time:
20 mins
1 hour 25 mins
1 hour 45 mins
Serves:
Serves 6
A sophisticated twist on Poland's beloved sour rye soup with smoky bacon, caramelized vegetables, and herb oil Chef's Tips Sour Rye Sourcing: Find żurek concentrate at Polish markets, European delis, or online. For a substitute, combine 2 cups beef stock with 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp l...
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Ingredients
SOUP BASE:
4 cups sour rye starter (żurek)
5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with extra stock)
1 lb pork shoulder, cut into ¾-inch cubes
6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
8 oz high-quality Polish kielbasa or andouille sausage, sliced
1½ lbs small fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
3 medium carrots, cut into ½-inch rounds
1 large sweet onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp caraway seeds
CREAM FINISH:
⅔ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
2 tbsp freshly grated horseradish (or 1½ tbsp prepared)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
HERB OIL:
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, minced
Zest of ½ lemon
SERVING;
6 soft-boiled eggs (6-minute eggs), halved
4 small radishes, thinly shaved
Microgreens or baby dill for garnish
Artisanal sourdough bread, toasted
Flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
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Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base (10 minutes)
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, render the diced bacon until crispy, about 6 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon, leaving fat in pot. Season pork cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden, 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Create the Aromatics (8 minutes)
Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and celery to the pot, cooking until softened and lightly caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds, stirring until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Deglaze and Simmer (50 minutes)
Pour in white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits. Add stock, sour rye starter, bay leaves, and return pork and bacon to pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 35 minutes.
Add kielbasa and continue simmering 15 minutes until pork is fork-tender.
4. Add Vegetables (20 minutes)
Add fingerling potatoes and carrots. Simmer until vegetables are tender but still hold their shape, 18-20 minutes.
5. Prepare Finishing Elements
Herb Oil: Whisk together olive oil, dill, chives, and lemon zest. Set aside.
Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk heavy cream, crème fraîche, horseradish, and Dijon until smooth.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in cream mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional horseradish if desired.
Ladle soup into warmed bowls. Top each with soft-boiled egg halves, shaved radishes, and a drizzle of herb oil. Garnish with microgreens and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with toasted sourdough.
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