Beetroot soup

Beetroot soup with smoked meat - A winter story on a plate

Beetroot soup is a traditional dish that brings warmth and comfort on chilly winter days. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also fill you with nostalgia, evoking pleasant childhood memories. In this recipe, you will discover how to transform simple ingredients into a vibrant soup, full of flavor and color. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 0.5 kg beetroot (about 4-5 medium beets)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for a brighter color)
- 1 large carrot
- 2 medium potatoes
- 100 g smoked ham (or bacon)
- 4-5 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 liter borscht (preferably homemade, but you can also use store-bought)
- Freshly chopped lovage (for serving)

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. The beetroot, carrot, onion, and potatoes should be well cleaned. Once done, chop the onion and carrot into small cubes. Cut the potatoes and beetroot into small pieces, and grate about a third of the beetroot on a large grater to release its juices. This will help achieve a richer-flavored soup.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add 4-5 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. Add the frozen bell pepper and pieces of smoked ham, continuing to sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Here, the smoked meat will start to release its aroma, giving a unique flavor to your soup.

Step 3: Boiling the soup
After the vegetables have been sautéed, add 2 liters of hot water. Bringing the water to a boil will help extract the flavors from the vegetables. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. During this time, prepare the beetroot and potatoes to add later.

Step 4: Adding the beetroot and potatoes
When the vegetables have boiled, add the grated beetroot and the diced beetroot and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and beetroot become tender.

Step 5: Acidifying the soup
When the vegetables are well cooked, add the borscht. This will bring a delicious sour taste to your soup. Let it boil a few times, then turn off the heat.

Step 6: Serving
Sprinkle freshly chopped lovage on top before serving. This will not only add a pleasant appearance but also a fresh taste. You can enjoy the warm beetroot soup alongside a slice of fresh bread or a steaming polenta.

Useful tips:

- Smoked meat-free options: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the smoked ham. The soup will still be delicious, but you can add a dash of smoked spices to retain the aroma.
- Customizing the recipe: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to vary the taste and texture.
- Borscht: If you don't have homemade borscht, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to sour the soup, but the taste will not be the same.

Nutritional benefits:

Beetroot is full of antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C and folic acid. It is also an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion. Beetroot soup will not only improve your mood but also provide health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I keep the soup in the fridge?
Yes, beetroot soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it before serving.

- How sour should the soup be?
The sourness of the soup depends on your preferences. You can adjust the amount of borscht to achieve the desired level of acidity.

Serving suggestions:

This soup pairs perfectly with fresh sour cream or crunchy croutons. You can also accompany the soup with a warm drink, such as herbal tea or a glass of white wine, to complete the culinary experience.

By trying this beetroot soup recipe, you will not only bring a delicious meal to the table but also a piece of culinary tradition that will warm your soul. Give it a chance and enjoy the authentic taste of the dish! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 0.5 kg red beet (4-5 medium beets) 1 large onion 1 bell pepper 1 large carrot 2 potatoes 100 g smoked ham (bacon) 4-5 tablespoons oil salt pepper borscht powder lovage

 Tags:  beetroot soup