Indian Style Beetroot Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Healthy Twist
Beetroot, a vibrant root vegetable, is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutritious foods available. Despite its health benefits, many people tend to shy away from beetroot soups due to concerns about its earthy flavor, which can sometimes lean towards bitterness. This Indian-style Beetroot Soup is here to change that perception. Infused with aromatic whole spices and balanced with the tanginess of tomatoes, this soup offers a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for those who seek a comforting, healthy, and flavorful bowl of soup, this recipe embraces the Indian palate, making beetroot both delicious and enjoyable.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beetroot | 2, grated |
| Tomatoes | 3, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, crushed |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Vegetable stock | 4 cups |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Whole black peppercorns | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Roast the Tomatoes:
Begin by dicing the tomatoes into small pieces and placing them in an oven-proof pan. Add the crushed garlic and drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), and roast the tomatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Once roasted, allow them to cool before blending into a smooth puree using a mixer grinder. Set aside. -
-
Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pan, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cloves, whole black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick to the pan. Stir constantly until the spices release their fragrant aroma—about 1-2 minutes. This step infuses the oil with the deep flavors of the whole spices, creating a rich base for your soup. -
Cook the Onion and Beetroot:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and turn a light pinkish color. Now, add the grated beetroot to the pan and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes. The beetroot will soften and begin to absorb the flavors of the spices. -
Add Tomato Puree and Stock:
Add the prepared tomato puree to the pan, stirring to combine with the beetroot and onion mixture. Let it cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Next, pour in the vegetable stock and add salt and black pepper powder to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly. -
Blend the Soup:
Once the soup has cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down slightly. Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth. For an ultra-silky texture, strain the soup to remove any bits of spices or beetroot fibers. This step will give your soup a velvety finish. -
Reheat and Serve:
Transfer the strained soup back to the pan and heat it over low-medium heat. Once hot, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves for a touch of crunch and freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Indian Style Beetroot Soup:
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the whole spices according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of whole peppercorns or cloves.
- Vegan Option: If you’d like to make this soup vegan, simply use vegetable stock and skip the butter—use olive oil or any plant-based oil instead.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cooked lentils or potatoes to the mixture while blending.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving, and add a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much during storage.
Serving Suggestions:
This Indian Style Beetroot Soup pairs wonderfully with a side of Bean Sprout & Corn Salad for a light, nutritious meal. You can also serve it as a starter before your main course, especially if you’re preparing an Indian-inspired dinner. The tanginess of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices make this soup a comforting and satisfying option for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
This flavorful Indian Style Beetroot Soup brings together the earthy sweetness of beetroot and the aromatic warmth of Indian spices, offering a comforting bowl of nutrition that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re a beetroot enthusiast or just discovering its potential, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds with every spoonful!
