Tomato & Beetroot Soup Recipe
Tomato and Beetroot Soup is a deliciously vibrant and nutritious appetizer that combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the earthy sweetness of beetroot. The creamy texture of the soup, enriched with spices and a hint of milk, makes it a perfect start to any meal. Paired with a side of garlic cheese bread and a refreshing chickpea orange salad with sun-dried tomatoes, this soup makes a light yet satisfying dinner. The recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 500 grams, quartered |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Beetroot | 50 grams, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 2 |
| Butter | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Type: Continental
Course
- Category: Appetizer
Diet
- Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the spices and base:
Begin by heating the butter and sunflower oil in a large pan. Once the butter melts and the oil warms up, add the whole spices—cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Sauté the spices for about 1-2 minutes until they become aromatic, releasing their warm fragrance into the air. -
-
Sauté the aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped garlic and onion to the pan. Sauté the mixture on medium heat until the onions become translucent and light brown in color. This step enhances the depth of flavor, giving the soup a rich, savory base. -
Cook the tomatoes:
Add the quartered tomatoes to the pan, stirring continuously. Cook the tomatoes for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat until the tomato skins begin to shrink and soften. The tomatoes will release their juices, forming the base of the soup’s body. -
Add beetroot and pressure cook:
Now, add the chopped beetroot to the pan along with salt and water. Stir everything together to combine, and then cover the pan with a lid. Allow the mixture to pressure cook for about 2-3 whistles on medium heat. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release completely. -
Blend the soup:
Once the pressure has fully released, pour the cooked mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a velvety puree. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the soup through a fine sieve. -
Simmer and finish:
Pour the blended soup into a saucepan and add the milk. Heat the soup gently, allowing it to come to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together and the soup reaches the desired consistency. -
Serve:
Once the soup has simmered, taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Serve hot, accompanied by a side of cheese garlic bread and a fresh chickpea orange salad with sun-dried tomatoes for a wholesome, light dinner experience.
Cooking Tips:
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the whole spices according to your preference. You can add a pinch of red chili powder if you like a spicy kick.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more water or milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Add-ins: For a richer flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like coriander or parsley before serving.
Pairing Recommendations:
This Tomato & Beetroot Soup pairs wonderfully with:
- Cheese Garlic Bread: The cheesy, garlicky crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Chickpea Orange Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The tangy salad adds a burst of freshness that balances the earthiness of the soup.
Enjoy this vibrant and healthy soup as part of your next light dinner or as a cozy starter on a cool evening. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it solo, this Tomato & Beetroot Soup is sure to be a hit!
