Polish Barszcz

Polish Barszcz is a vibrant, clear beetroot soup that is a cornerstone of Polish cuisine, especially served during Christmas Eve. Its signature ruby-red color and earthy-sweet flavor come from fermented beetroot juice (zakwas) or fresh beets, with common additions like garlic, dill, and small dumplings called uszka.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This is a light, low-calorie soup, typically providing around 50-80 calories per serving, with minimal fat and protein. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals from beets, such as folate, manganese, and potassium, and offers beneficial probiotics if made with traditional fermented beet juice.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	85 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	14 g
Fat	2.5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	800 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Iron	1.2 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Phosphorus	60 mg
Folate	30 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Barszcz is the symbolic centerpiece of the Polish Wigilia (Christmas Eve) dinner, where its clear broth is served first. Nutritionally, the traditional fermentation process not only deepens its flavor but also creates natural probiotics that support gut health.