Ciorbă de sfeclă is a traditional sour soup based on beetroots. It is typically made with grated or cubed beetroots, which are boiled with a variety of vegetables, usually onions, carrots, celery, parsley roots, or potatoes, along with noodles, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
The soup can be served as it is, or it can be strained and served clear. It is usually eaten hot, sprinkled with parsley, dill, or lovage, and accompanied by sour cream or yogurt. Variations of beetroot soups can be found throughout Eastern Europe, commonly known as
borscht.