Traditional Polish Beet Soup

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets, peeled and grated (about 2 cups/470ml) 4 medium beets, peeled and grated (about 2 cups/470ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the grated beets to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf and dried marjoram. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
5. 5.
   Stir in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Barszcz czysty czerwony hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beets — Make sure to wear gloves while handling beets to prevent staining your hands. Grating the beets instead of chopping them allows for quicker cooking and better incorporation of flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream to the soup.
• If you prefer a stronger tanginess, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.
• To add some heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve the soup with a side of horseradish.

Serving advice

Serve the Barszcz czysty czerwony as a starter or a light main course. Accompany it with a slice of crusty rye bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, drizzle a swirl of sour cream on top of the soup and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill. Serve it in colorful bowls to showcase the vibrant red color.