Earthy beetroot and a tart apple make a vivid winter soup, finished with a little acidity to bring the flavours together.
Serves 4 | Preparation: 20 minutes | Cooking: 40 minutes | Total: 60 minutes
Ingredients
600 g raw beetroot, peeled and cut into 1 cm dice
1 tart apple (180 g), peeled, cored and chopped
1 onion (180 g), chopped
1 potato (150 g), peeled and diced
20 ml olive oil
1 litre vegetable stock
15 ml cider vinegar, or to taste
Salt and black pepper
80 g soured cream or plain yoghurt, optional
1 tbsp chopped dill, optional
Method
Warm the oil in a large saucepan. Soften the onion for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add the diced beetroot, apple, potato and stock. Bring to a simmer, partly cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the beetroot is completely tender; older roots may need longer.
Remove from the heat and blend carefully with a stick blender, keeping the blade submerged. Add water to adjust the consistency.
Add vinegar gradually, season and reheat until piping hot. Serve with optional soured cream and dill.
Variations and substitutions
For a quicker version use 600 g cooked beetroot without vinegar or seasoning; simmer with apple and potato for 20 minutes after softening the onion. Add 1 tsp grated fresh horseradish at the end for a sharper finish. Omit dairy or use unsweetened plant yoghurt for a vegan bowl.
Homegrown and seasonal produce
Small and medium homegrown roots usually have the best texture. Wash off soil before peeling and wear gloves if you want to avoid staining. Use sound stored roots; do not use pickled beetroot as a direct substitute.
Storage and freezing
Cool in shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours at 5°C or below. Eat within 48 hours. Freeze without the dairy topping for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, use within 24 hours and reheat once until piping hot throughout. Add yoghurt or soured cream only when serving.
Explore our growing guides and From Garden to Kitchen guide. Plan your next harvest with Your Growing Companion.
Stock photograph for serving inspiration.
Grow the ingredients
Beetroot · Onions · Potatoes · Sweet peppers
