Beet soup puree

Beet soup purée is a creamy, velvety soup that showcases the natural sweetness and vibrant color of beets. It’s simple to make and can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. Here's a recipe to make beet soup purée:

Ingredients

  • 4 medium beets, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
  • Sour cream or yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Heat the olive oil (and butter if using) in a large pot over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Beets and Potato:

    • Add the chopped beets and potato to the pot.
    • Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the vegetables are covered. If needed, add a bit more broth or water.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beets and potatoes are tender.
  3. Blend the Soup:

    • Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat.
    • Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids.
    • Return the puréed soup to the pot.
  4. Season the Soup:

    • Stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) to brighten the flavor.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and heat gently until warmed through.
  5. Serve:

    • Ladle the beet soup purée into bowls.
    • Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
    • Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top if desired.

Tips

  • Serving Cold: If you prefer to serve the soup cold, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours after puréeing. This is similar to a cold beet soup called Chlodnik in Polish cuisine.
  • Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy flavor, or a bit of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.

Enjoy this beautiful and delicious beet soup purée as a starter or a light meal!