Борщ. Секретний інгредієнт. ОДЕСЬКИЙ БОРЩ 🍛РЕЦЕПТ ( English subtitles)

Ingredients

• Buryak (a specific type of beetroot, not regular beetroot) – boiled separately to deeply color the borsch
• Chicken (used instead of veal for health reasons; includes chicken meat and chicken cracklings)
• Vegetables: cabbage, green beans, and assorted greenery (fresh herbs)
• Additional unspecified vegetables (some discarded during broth preparation)
• Salt and seasonings (implied but not detailed)

Equipment and Preparation

• Source fresh, authentic ingredients from the central market (Pryvoz)
• Boil buryaks separately until they achieve a deep, rich color
• Prepare chicken by removing the skin before cooking
• Use chicken cracklings for browning to enhance aroma and richness
• Prepare chicken broth (bullion) with selected ingredients; discard unwanted parts (“we are going to eat it, but without you” approach)
• Set the table traditionally, possibly with personalized cutlery marked with initials or names

Method

1. Boil buryaks separately to achieve a deep, rich color for the borsch.
2. Prepare the chicken by removing the skin.
3. Make chicken broth (bullion) using chicken meat and select vegetables; exclude some ingredients that are not desired in the final broth.
4. Brown chicken cracklings to intensify chicken aroma and flavor.
5. Add browned cracklings, cabbage, green beans, and greenery to the broth.
6. Simmer for about 5 minutes after adding vegetables, then turn off the stove to finish cooking.
7. Serve hot, traditionally without sour cream for a healthier version, though sour cream can be added if preferred.

Chef Tips and Insights

• Use buryak instead of regular beetroot for authentic color and flavor.
• Chicken is chosen over veal due to dietary restrictions (e.g., ulcers).
• Browning chicken cracklings adds a rich chicken aroma and depth to the broth.
• Talking to ingredients is a personal ritual believed to enhance flavor.
• Family and communal dining are integral to the borsch experience.
• The secret ingredient is less about a single item and more about the love, tradition, and family support behind the cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, optionally with sour cream.
• Traditionally enjoyed with family and neighbors, emphasizing the social aspect of the meal.

Variations

• Use veal or other meats instead of chicken if no dietary restrictions apply.
• Add sour cream for a richer, creamier finish.
• Adjust vegetable selection based on availability and preference.

Presenter and Cultural Context

The video features Borys Buhman (an Odessite and photographer) and Marharyta, who cooks the borsch with a Jewish twist in Odesa. The footage is a cultural and culinary exploration centered around the Pryvoz market in Odesa.