Fred, it's actually barszcz(with the Zs pronounced like h), a Polish variant(more details coming from Peter)of the beet soup(borscht)generally considered to be of Ukrainian origin.
Amazin John. You seem to be a deep well of knowlege on many, many things. Borscht looks like a German spelling and is how I have always known it. I actually thought it was Polish in origin. That was re-enforced by my grandmothers Polish boyfriend who made an amazing barszcz. Come to think of it, he made a really good saurkraut too.
I'm looking forward to the recipe Peter.
I hope everyone is having a good Christmas day and are not to hampered by the weather.
