Mae Mae's Beetroot Borscht

Image: ©Wikimedia

Recipe courtesy of Mae Mae Cafe

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 lb raw beets, peeled and chopped
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 celery stick, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
1 L vegetable stock + additional water if required
1 bay leaf
1/2 lemon, juice only
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sour cream, horseradish and dill to serve

Directions: 

1) Gently fry the finely chopped onion, garlic, celery and garlic in the grapeseed oil over a very low heat until soft and aromatic.

2) Add the chopped beets. Cover with stock and add extra water if required until you have 4cm above the level of the beetroot.

3) Add a bay leaf and leave to simmer with a lid semi-covering until the beetroot is soft, around 45 minutes.

4) Puree the soup then allow to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors.  Season with fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper before serving. Top with horseradish, sour cream and fresh dill.