Hot Beet and Potato Borscht

Though borscht is generally eaten cold, the addition of potatoes creates a more robust version for fall or winter. If you like chilled beet borscht, you'll love this hot beet and potato borscht — it's so warming when the cold winds blow! Unless you are fond of grating, doing so in a food processor makes the job much easier. Adapted from Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons.

Serves: 6 to 8

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
4 medium beets, peeled and grated
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1 cup fresh orange juice
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
2 to 3 tablespoons natural granulated sugar, more or less to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Vegan sour cream, homemade or store-bought, optional

Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add all the remaining ingredients except the sugar, salt and pepper, and optional sour cream.

Add enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes.

Adjust the consistency with more water if the soup is too dense. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes longer.

If time allows, let the soup to stand for an hour or two before serving, then heat through as needed. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, if desired, plus some fresh dill.