There are 2 special ingredients in this borscht that take it over the top. Two of my favorite ingredients, used as natural flavor enhancers! Can you guess what they are?
Add the stock, tomato sauce, vegetables, legumes, cayenne pepper, bay leaves and parsley and stir.
Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer.
Simmer until veggies are softened but still firm when pierced with a fork, anywhere between 3 minutes if grated, to 12 minutes if cubed. Add beet greens last, typically they take about 5 minutes to wilt.
Turn off heat.
Add the lemon juice and maple syrup. Add chopped fresh tomatoes if desired.
SLOW COOKER OPTION - Sauté onions, as #1 (above). Add #2+#3 (above) into slow cooker on low - for 6-7 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the lemon juice and maple syrup. Add chopped fresh tomato if desired.
Recipe by Victoria Laine | Whole-Food Nutrition at https://victoria-laine.com/russian-borscht-soup-slow-cooker-option/