Description
Mediterranean-inspired beet soup brings earthy flavors and vibrant color to dinner tables. Rich with roasted vegetables and tangy herbs, this simple recipe offers comfort and nourishment you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 beets (medium, peeled and chopped)
- 4 cups (1 liter) broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- 1 small potato (diced, optional for thicker soup)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried dill (or fresh for garnish)
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add onions, carrots, and garlic, allowing vegetables to soften and develop a fragrant base for approximately five minutes.
- Beet Integration: Introduce diced beets to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat evenly and create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Liquid Composition: Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper to build a robust flavor profile.
- Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover, allowing ingredients to simmer and tenderize for 25-30 minutes until beets are completely soft.
- Blending Technique: Transfer the soup to a blender and process until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency, returning to the pot and adjusting liquid as needed.
- Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the beets.
- Presentation: Serve in bowls, topping with a graceful swirl of sour cream or yogurt to create a visually appealing and creamy contrast against the vibrant crimson soup.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions and garlic slowly to unlock richer, sweeter undertones before adding beets, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Beet Texture Trick: Cut beets into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and smooth blending, preventing chunky or inconsistent soup texture.
- Healthy Adaptation: Substitute dairy garnish with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt for vegan or lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
- Color Preservation Technique: Avoid overcooking beets to maintain their vibrant deep red color and prevent nutrient loss during the simmering process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg