Beetroot Cream Soup with Caramelized Garlic

This flavorful beetroot cream soup with caramelized garlic is a delightful combination of sweet, earthy, and savory flavors. It features fresh beets and rutabaga simmered with aromatic spices like thyme and caraway seeds, creating a deeply satisfying and nourishing dish. The caramelized garlic adds a rich, sweet complexity, perfectly complementing the creamy texture of the soup. A dollop of yogurt mixed with dill gives a refreshing contrast while enhancing the overall flavor profile. This soup is perfect for any time of the year, bringing warmth during colder days and a vibrant color to any meal. It's an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. The dish is also incredibly versatile, allowing for modifications to suit different dietary requirements. Serve it as a starter or pair it with side dishes for a wholesome meal. The recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can master it effortlessly.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 beetroot
• 1/2 rutabaga
• 4 garlic cloves, plus additional for serving
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Spices

• Caraway seeds
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce

• 100g plain yogurt, plus 100g for serving
• Dill

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by peeling and chopping the beetroot and rutabaga into small cubes.
2. Place the chopped vegetables in a pot and add just enough water to cover them.
3. Sprinkle in some thyme, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook the vegetables on low heat.
5. Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
6. Heat a pan over high heat with a bit of oil, and sauté the onion and garlic until they turn golden brown.
7. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the pot with the simmering vegetables.
8. Continue to cook until the vegetables become tender and start to break down.
9. Once the veggies are soft, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency.
10. Stir in 100g of plain yogurt to give the soup a creamy texture.
11. For the caramelized garlic, blanch the remaining garlic cloves and pat them dry.
12. In a pan, melt the butter and add brown sugar. Stir the garlic cloves into the mixture.
13. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is well-coated and caramelized.
14. Before serving, mix additional dill into the remaining yogurt for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
15. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a dollop of the dill-infused yogurt on top.
16. Decorate with the caramelized garlic cloves for added flavor and visual appeal.
17. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy its rich taste.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you're dairy-free, consider using coconut cream instead of yogurt.
• Blending Tip: Be careful when blending hot liquids to avoid any accidents.
• Flavor Boost: A squeeze of lemon juice can add a zesty lift to the soup.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 6g
• Carbs: 22g

Variations

• Use sweet potatoes instead of rutabaga for a sweeter taste.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
• Garnish with extra fresh dill and a sprinkle of toasted seeds for texture.

Best Places

• Soup Kitchen International - Known for its diverse range of soups. Location: 259A W 55th St, New York City, USA.
• BorschT - A must-visit for beetroot lovers. Location: Bolshaya Konyushennaya St, 2, St Petersburg, Russia.
• Soup Peddler - Serves delicious handmade soups. Location: 501 W Mary St, Austin, USA.
• Goulash Place - Offers a traditional take on hearty soups. Location: 42 Highland Ave, Danbury, USA.
• Katz Orange - Renowned for its artisan dishes with seasonal ingredients. Location: Bergstrasse 22, Berlin, Germany.
• La Soupe Populaire - Combines modern flair with traditional flavors. Location: Bötzowstrasse 1-5, Berlin, Germany.
• Torshi - Offers a unique mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean soups. Location: 208 High Holborn, London, UK.
• SoupCycle - Delivers fresh, organic soups straight to your door. Location: 6512 NE Morris St, Portland, USA.
• Zuppa - Italian-inspired soups with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Location: 59 Malmövägen, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Café Dyrehaven - Serves soups with Scandinavian twists. Location: Sønder Boulevard 72, Copenhagen, Denmark.