Beetroot cream soup

Beetroot Cream Soup - An Explosion of Color and Flavor

Who would have thought that beetroot, with its vibrant hues, could become the star of a delicious soup? This beetroot cream soup recipe not only delights your taste buds but also offers a rich portion of nutrients. It's perfect to be served as an appetizer or as a main course, and the combination of flavors will turn every meal into a remarkable culinary experience. Let's venture into the world of this soup and discover together how to prepare it!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 medium beetroots (approximately 600 g)
- 1 large carrot
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 white onion
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
- Croutons (optional)
- Grated horseradish, if you want a touch of freshness

Helpful tip: Choose beetroots that are firm and have a vibrant color. These are the freshest and most flavorful. Additionally, beetroot is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it perfect for a healthy diet.

A bit of history: Beetroot soup has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This vegetable has been cultivated for thousands of years and has been valued not only for its taste but also for its nutritional properties. It is a versatile ingredient used in both savory dishes and desserts.

Step by step for a perfect beetroot cream soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Wash the beetroot, carrot, potatoes, and onion well. Cut the beetroot into small cubes, the carrot into rounds, and the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion finely.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a stainless steel pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to soften. This will add a flavorful base to your soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add the beetroot, carrot, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors and let them sauté together for 2-3 minutes.

4. Boiling: Pour enough water into the pot to cover the vegetables. Cover the pot with a lid and let it boil over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are soft.

5. Blending: Once the vegetables are cooked, let them cool slightly, then transfer them to a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you want a thinner soup, you can add a little water or vegetable broth.

6. Seasoning: Put the soup back in the pot and add salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes to incorporate the spices.

7. Serving: The beetroot cream soup is served hot. You can add a spoonful of sour cream and some crunchy croutons on top for a contrast of textures. If you like, add grated horseradish for an extra touch of freshness and a spicy note.

Serving suggestions: This delicious soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or a cheese sandwich. You can also accompany the meal with a glass of dry white wine or a herbal tea, which will harmoniously complement the flavors.

Possible variations: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can also add other vegetables, such as celery or sweet potatoes. You can also try adding spices like cumin or sweet paprika for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pre-cooked beetroot? Yes, if you have pre-cooked beetroot on hand, you can reduce the preparation time. Add the cooked beetroot to the blender along with the other cooked vegetables.

- How can I store the soup? The beetroot cream soup stores well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but the texture may suffer a bit.

- What are the nutritional benefits of beetroot? Beetroot is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants that help maintain heart health.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Beetroot cream soup is not only a healthy dish but also an explosion of color and flavor on your plate. Enjoy!