Beetroot soup

Beetroot soup is a healthy and vitamin-rich dish, perfect for adding a splash of color and flavor to your plate. This delicious recipe, also known as 'borscht', offers a unique taste and irresistible aroma. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a comforting dinner. Let's discover how you can prepare this delicious soup step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g beetroot (preferably fresh, but you can also use cooked beetroot)
- 1.5 l bone broth (or water, if you prefer a vegetarian option)
- 1 medium onion
- 1.5 l water
- 1 celery (about 200 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Juice from half a lemon (to enhance the flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (or dried, in case of emergency)
- 125 g sour cream (optional, but recommended for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the beetroot, then slice half of it into thin slices. The rest of the beetroot will be grated and squeezed to obtain the juice. Chop the onion and celery finely.

2. Boiling the base: In a large pot, add the 1.5 l of water and the bone broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, add the sliced beetroot along with the chopped onion and celery. Let it boil for about 20 minutes, until the beetroot becomes tender.

3. Adding flavors: Once the beetroot is cooked, add the chopped fresh lovage, the remaining bone broth, and the lemon juice. These ingredients will intensify the flavor of the soup and add a refreshing note.

4. Straining the soup: Once all the ingredients are combined, remove the soup from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve to achieve a smoother consistency and remove large vegetable pieces.

5. Serving: The beetroot soup can be served cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Add a spoonful of sour cream to each bowl before serving to give it a creamy texture and richer taste. You can garnish with fresh lovage leaves for a pleasant appearance.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of chopped hot pepper during boiling.
- This recipe can be easily adapted; you can try adding carrots or potatoes to enrich the texture and flavor.
- The beetroot soup can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, making it perfect for consumption in the following days.

I hope this beetroot soup recipe quickly becomes one of your favorites! It is an excellent choice for a quick, healthy, and vitamin-rich dish. Enjoy your meal!