How to Make Cyndi Lauper’s Favourite Borscht Recipe at Home

The Cyndi Lauper favourite borscht recipe has attracted attention after the singer revealed that she prepares the traditional beetroot soup while touring. Best known for hits including Girls Just Want to Have Fun and True Colors, Lauper has a particular fondness for this Eastern European dish.

During a February 2025 appearance on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, Lauper explained that she started making vegetarian borscht for her friend and hairstylist Jutta. She experimented with different recipes and discovered that the soup was surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Borscht

Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 40 minutes | Serves: 6

How to Make Cyndi Lauper-Inspired Borscht

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for approximately five minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the grated carrots and beetroot. Cook for another five minutes while stirring occasionally.
3. Add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir for one minute to release the flavours.
4. Pour in the vegetable stock and chopped tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Add the diced potatoes and simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper. If necessary, stir in a little sugar to balance the acidity.
8. Remove from the heat and allow the soup to stand for five minutes before serving.
9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Add a spoonful of sour cream or plain yoghurt if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Borscht

Fresh beetroot produces a deeper colour and more pronounced flavour than most pre-cooked varieties. Furthermore, grating the beetroot helps it cook evenly and distributes its sweetness throughout the broth.

For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly into the saucepan. Alternatively, blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.

Borscht can also be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerating it overnight allows the vegetable flavours to develop further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cyndi Lauper make her own borscht?

Yes. Lauper has spoken about preparing vegetarian borscht while travelling on tour. However, she has not disclosed a definitive ingredient list or method.

Both versions exist. This particular recipe is intended to be served hot, although some beetroot-based borscht varieties are traditionally served chilled.

Can you make borscht without meat?

Absolutely. Vegetable stock and a combination of root vegetables create a substantial vegetarian version without beef or sausage.

How long does homemade borscht last?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can you serve with borscht?

Fresh bread, toasted sourdough or rye bread work particularly well. A spoonful of sour cream also complements the beetroot’s natural sweetness.

A Celebrity Favourite Worth Adding to Your Recipe Collection

Cyndi Lauper’s enthusiasm for borscht highlights the appeal of a traditional dish made with inexpensive ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques.

This vegetarian version is particularly practical for all households because beetroot, carrots, cabbage and potatoes are readily available in most supermarkets. It can be prepared in one pot and stored for convenient lunches or family suppers.

While the exact recipe Lauper prepares remains her own, this variation captures the ingredients and characteristics that make borscht a longstanding favourite.