Beet Soup

Beet soup, also known as borscht in many cultures, is a vibrant, hearty dish that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. This soup is perfect for cooler weather with its warming and earthy taste. The key ingredient, beets, lend their beautiful deep red color and slightly sweet taste to the broth. Combined with a medley of vegetables, a hint of tang from vinegar or lemon juice, and a dollop of sour cream, this soup becomes a comforting and visually stunning meal. Whether you serve it hot or cold, beet soup is sure to brighten up your table and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Beets and Carrots: Add the diced beets and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth and water, then add the diced potato, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes or until the beets and potatoes are tender.
4. Add Tang and Herbs: Stir in the red wine vinegar or lemon juice and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired. If using dill, add it at this stage.
5. Blend or Serve Chunky: You can choose to serve the soup as is for a rustic, chunky texture, or use an immersion blender to blend some or all of it for a smoother consistency.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley for extra freshness.

Tips:

• For a deeper flavor, roast the beets before adding them to the soup.
• Adding a teaspoon of sugar can enhance the natural sweetness of the beets.
• This soup can be served hot in the winter or cold in the summer for a refreshing option.