Vegan Option:

STARTER: SPICED BEETROOT & APPLE SOUP

A vibrant soup that melds the earthiness of beetroot with the tartness of apple, spiced with cumin and coriander.

Spiced Beetroot and Apple Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: 4

Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium beetroots, peeled and diced
  • 2 large apples (preferably a tart variety), peeled,
    cored, and diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 liter vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Oat cream (for garnishing, optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

> In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Beetroots and Apples:

> Add the diced beetroots and apples to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes until the apples start to soften.

3. Spice it Up:

> Sprinkle in the ground cumin and coriander, stirring well to coat the vegetables and apples. Cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.

4. Blend the Soup:

> Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a countertop blender in batches), puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

> Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, swirl a dollop of oat cream into each serving and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Cook's Notes:

> For a non-vegan version, use cream garnish

> This soup can be served either warm or chilled, making it versatile for any season.

> The apples lend a natural sweetness to the soup, but if your beetroots are particularly sweet, adjust the amount of apple to balance the flavors.

This Spiced Beetroot and Apple Soup is a celebration of flavors that elegantly ties together the essence of two rich culinary worlds. It's sure to impress and warm the hearts (and stomachs) of your guests with its vibrant color and harmonious blend of tastes.