Traditional Beetroot Soup Recipe

This traditional beetroot soup, cherished for its vibrant color and rich flavors, is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any season. It features tender pork shoulder as the base, ensuring a robust broth that intermingles with vegetables. The soup is enriched with lightly sautéed onions, carrots, and the secret ingredient—chili ketchup—for added depth of flavor. The beets, grated and cooked to retain their vivid color, lend the soup its signature bright hue. Potatoes add a creamy texture, making each spoonful satisfying. This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy locally sourced produce, transforming simple ingredients into a lavish meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, offering a taste of tradition and warmth. The preparation process is quite rewarding, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Serve it with fresh bread to soak up every bit of the delicious broth.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: 500 grams
• Beets: 2 medium-sized
• Carrots: 2 large
• Onions: 1 large
• Potatoes: 4 medium

Additional Ingredients

• Chili Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: to taste
• Butter for frying: 2 tablespoons

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 120 minutes (Prep time: 30 minutes, Cook time: 90 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Begin by placing the pork shoulder in a large pot filled with water. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer to allow the meat to cook through and develop a rich broth.
2. Grate Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, grate the beets and carrots. Set them aside separately.
3. Chop Ingredients: Chop the onion and potatoes into large chunks to maintain texture in the soup.
4. Sauté the Carrots: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and sauté until slightly softened. Transfer them to the simmering broth with the pork.
5. Add Potatoes: Once the carrots are in the broth, add the potato chunks and let them cook until tender.
6. Cook the Onions: In the same pan used for the carrots, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, then add them to the soup.
7. Grate Beets Last: The beets should be the last to sauté to preserve their color. Once sautéed, add them to the soup when the potatoes are nearly done.
8. Incorporate Flavoring: Pour in the chili ketchup and add salt to the soup, stirring well to combine all flavors.
9. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently, facilitating the blend of all the ingredients.
10. Rest the Soup: Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
11. Shred the Pork: Before serving, remove the pork shoulder from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
12. Serve: Place the shredded pork in serving bowls and ladle the soup over it.

Tips

• Preserving Color: Sautéing the beets separately helps retain their bright color and enhances the soup’s visual appeal.
• Herbal Addition: Consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme to the broth for additional aroma.
• Adjusting Spice: The chili ketchup can be adjusted to taste, adding more for a spicier kick.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 15 grams
• Fats: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with olive oil, and use vegan ketchup to maintain the essence of the dish without animal products.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rye bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Garnish: Top with fresh dill or parsley for extra freshness and aroma.

Best Places

• The Soup Tasting Room - An intimate setting, offering a variety of unique and traditional soups. Location: 123 Soup Lane, Boston, USA.
• Grandma’s Kitchen - Known for homestyle cooking and warm hospitality. Location: 45 Heritage St, Dublin, Ireland.
• Beetroot Bistro - Specializing in vibrant and colorful dishes inspired by traditional recipes. Location: 88 Rainbow Rd, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• The Rustic Spoon - A quaint eatery serving hearty meals with rustic charm. Location: 110 Countryside Dr, Auckland, New Zealand.
• The Hearty Bowl - Offers a diverse menu with a focus on wholesome eating. Location: 206 Comfort Ave, Vancouver, Canada.
• Savory Soups & Stews - A dedicated soup restaurant with an artisanal touch. Location: 54 Main St, Edinburgh, Scotland.
• The Soup Odyssey - A journey through different cultures with flavorsome soups. Location: 79 Culinary Way, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Borscht & Beyond - Famous for its borscht and creative interpretations of beet dishes. Location: 33 Tradition Pl, Moscow, Russia.
• Warmth & Comfort - Delivers cozy meals that feel like home. Location: 17 Cozy Ln, Melbourne, Australia.
• The Homestyle Haven - Offers a welcoming atmosphere with traditional recipes. Location: 60 Family Rd, Chicago, USA.