Dive into this vibrant, earthy beetroot soup, a delightful dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Packed with fibre and folate from the beetroot, it's perfect served hot or cold, offering a burst of flavour in every spoonful.
peeled and diced
diced into large croutons
finely chopped
crushed
finely sliced
crumbled
Finely chop the onion and crush the garlic cloves. Peel and dice the fresh beetroot, wearing rubber gloves to prevent staining your hands.
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for 5 minutes until it has softened slightly. Add the crushed garlic and stir for 1 minute to combine. Toss in the diced beetroot and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the vegetable stock into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the beetroot is tender. Season the soup well with salt and black pepper, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before blending.
While the soup is simmering, preheat your grill to a high setting. Place the sourdough croutons on a baking sheet and drizzle them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toast under the grill until golden and crispy.
Using a hand blender, whizz the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency.
If you prefer to serve the soup chilled, allow it to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. If serving hot, warm the soup through in the pan for 2-3 minutes.
Serve the soup in bowls or mugs, scattered with the toasted sourdough croutons, finely sliced radishes, and crumbled feta cheese.
For an even richer flavour, roast the beetroot before adding it to the soup. This caramelises the natural sugars and adds depth.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Experiment with different toppings like a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a sprinkle of fresh dill for added flavour and texture.