Tomato & Beetroot Soup Recipe
A comforting, nourishing delight perfect for chilly days, this Tomato & Beetroot Soup is a true heartwarmer. With no cornflour or heavy cream involved, the recipe relies solely on the richness and natural sweetness of vegetables, making it not only healthy but also wonderfully satisfying. Ideal for the season when the sniffles start and you crave a warm, simple meal, this soup is a delightful balance of flavors that will help you feel cozy and revitalized. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or a light meal, this recipe brings the best of comfort food with a twist of elegance.
Ingredients for Tomato & Beetroot Soup
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 500 grams (quartered) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Beetroot | 50 grams (roughly chopped) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 pieces |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 teaspoons |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Allergen Information
This recipe contains butter and milk, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance or those following a dairy-free diet. If you need a dairy-free alternative, consider using plant-based butter and almond milk or any other dairy-free milk of your choice.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Can be made Dairy-Free (by substituting with non-dairy options as noted above)
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Instructions
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Sauté the Spices: Begin by heating the butter and oil together in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the whole spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black peppercorns. Sauté them lightly for a minute or two, until they become aromatic, releasing their essential oils and fragrance. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
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Cook the Aromatics: Next, add the finely chopped garlic and onions to the pan. Sauté them until the onions turn soft, light brown, and translucent. The garlic will infuse the oil with its delicious fragrance, creating an inviting foundation for the vegetables.
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Add the Tomatoes: Now, toss in the quartered tomatoes and stir them well to coat them in the aromatic oil and spices. Continue cooking on medium flame until the skins of the tomatoes begin to shrink and soften. This process will bring out the sweetness and tanginess of the tomatoes.
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Incorporate Beetroot and Water: Add the chopped beetroot to the pan, followed by salt and water. Stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a boil before sealing the lid on the pressure cooker. Pressure cook for a few whistles (approximately 5–7 minutes), then turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.
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Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer the cooked tomato and beetroot mixture into a blender or food processor. Puree the mixture until smooth and velvety. If needed, add a little water to help blend the ingredients smoothly.
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Strain and Simmer: Pour the smooth puree into a fine strainer over a saucepan to remove any solids or leftover spice bits. Stir in the milk and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Tomato & Beetroot Soup is now ready to serve! Pair it with Cheese Garlic Bread or a refreshing Chickpea Orange Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a well-rounded, light weeknight dinner that will satisfy without feeling heavy.
Tips for a Perfect Soup
- If you want an even richer flavor, try roasting the tomatoes and beetroot before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, intensifying the flavor.
- If you enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and onions.
- For a smoother texture, you can blend the soup a second time after straining it, depending on your preference for texture.
Conclusion
This Tomato & Beetroot Soup is a simple yet delightful dish that combines the best of seasonal vegetables, warm spices, and a creamy touch of milk for a comforting soup that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s an easy, healthy way to warm up on a rainy day or serve as a nourishing starter for a meal. Enjoy the burst of natural flavors with every spoonful and feel cozy with this delicious recipe.
