Small Group Workshop: Authentic Ukrainian Borsch with Olia Hercules

NOTE: iphone and ipad users, CLICK HERE to register for class.

What’s on the Menu:
Ukrainian Mushroom Borsch (it’s vegetarian!)

Description:
After our recent class with chef, food writer and teacher Olia Hercules, you made it very clear that we couldn’t have her back soon enough. Before we even had a chance to ask her, Olia proposed a workshop on the Ukrainian dish that just might be closest to her heart: borsch. Like many widely beloved dishes, many people and places lay claim to borsch, but its original roots are squarely in Olia’s home country of Ukraine. In this livestream small group workshop, which is capped at just 25 people, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of making a truly authentic version of this nourishing, earthy soup. You’ll make a savory homemade mushroom stock that is the backbone of the dish. We’ll teach you what a zazsmazhka is—and how to pronounce, prepare and adapt it. You’ll do the knife work for a suite of ten different vegetables and realize along the way that borsch is not just beets on beets. For the adventurous cooks out there, Olia will explain fermented beetroot and kvas, both traditional sources of borsch’s characteristic mild sourness. As we cook, Olia will share the history, legacy and modern relevance of borsch within Ukraine and beyond. Whether you’re new to Ukrainian cuisine or looking to deepen your understanding, this intimate workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of its most respected voices.

About Olia: Olia Hercules was born in Kakhovka, in the South of Ukraine. She trained at the renowned Leiths School of Food and Wine, then worked as chef de partie in restaurants, including Ottolenghi, and as a recipe developer. Her first book, Mamushka, went on to win the Fortnum and Mason Award for best debut cookbook and was followed by Kaukasis, Summer Kitchens and Home Food. After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Olia co-founded a global initiative to raise money for Ukraine through cooking, #CookForUkraine, with her friend Alissa Timoshkina which has raised over £2 million to date. She lives with her husband, food writer and photographer, Joe Woodhouse, and two sons in London.

Check out Olia’s latest book: “Strong Roots: A Memoir of Food, Family and Ukraine,” here: https://oliahercules.com/books/strong-roots-usa

Thank you to the 2025 Annual Sponsors of the Cooking School, who make our livestream events possible:

• Coccinella, whose Oleavia Extra-Virgin Olive Oils are made with olives that are harvested early, hand-picked and cold-pressed to ensure impeccable flavor. Use code MILK STREET to get 20% off your first order: https://www.coccinellastore.com/oleavia-evoo
• Copper, which makes battery-equipped induction ranges that power premium cooking experiences and store renewable energy — without the need for complex, expensive electrical upgrades. Learn more: t.ly/cU1pO
• Vermicular. With 80+ years of Japanese craftsmanship and heating innovation, they craft thoughtfully designed cast iron cookware that inspires chefs of all levels. Use code COOKLIGHT for 10% off their products at the Milk Street Store: t.ly/mu01T
• Work Sharp, which makes sharpening products that are fast, easy to use and work every time. Find their products on the Milk Street Store and use code SHARPSMART for 10% off: t.ly/SSsSz
• Wulf’s Fish and Savenor’s Market. Together, Wulf’s and Savenor’s provide premium seafood and gourmet meat to chefs and home cooks across the country. Use code MILKSTREET for 20% off orders from Wulf’s (t.ly/REVSO) and Savenor’s (t.ly/CRwjA).

Our small-group Workshops are capped at just 25 attendees and are distinct from our livestream Classes. As such, they are NOT included with Insider membership.

Want to give this class as a gift? You can purchase gift cards here.

Immediately after registering, you will get a confirmation email that contains the Zoom meeting log-in information. One week prior to the class (or within 48 hours, if you register less than one week in advance), you will receive instructions on how to prepare ingredients and equipment in order to cook along with us.

After class, you will receive a recording of the event, as well as a packet with recipes and resources that we discuss during the event. If you have any questions about this class, please don't hesitate to get in touch via cookingschool@177milkstreet.com.

This event has limited spots, and you must register in advance via Eventbrite. One sign-up covers one device. Closed Captioning is available for this event.

Payments for Milk Street livestream workshops are non-refundable. If you find yourself unable to attend, you may transfer the ticket to someone else, but we are unable to refund fees and all payments are final.

Proceeds from live stream cooking classes and workshops support Milk Street's non-profit work with The Big Sisters Association of Great Boston, The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, and other partners.

Bonus: All attendees of this class will receive a one-time 20% off coupon to the Milk Street Store after class.