Wow! Great recipe for borscht! I fully support you in that you do not need to be afraid to retreat from traditional recipes. There is always an opportunity to experiment depending on our tastes and preferences. I, too, never worry about missing any ingredient. All that you describe in your recipe - it may well be. Yes, of course there will be those who say that - how is it possible without potatoes or sour cream? But it's someone and like it. For example, I strongly disagree with a recipe for soup where to float large pieces of fat. But it's all a matter of taste. So, You did a great job, @kotturinn. Excellent photos. All this looks very appetizing :)