Today, I’m going to show you how to make Mary Berry Beetroot Soup, a delicious and vibrant dish that is perfect for any occasion.
What is Mary Berry Beetroot Soup?
Mary Berry Beetroot Soup is a recipe created by the famous British cook and author, Mary Berry. She is known for her simple and elegant dishes that are full of flavour and appeal to a wide range of tastes. She has written over 70 cookbooks and hosted several TV shows, including The Great British Bake Off.
Beetroot soup is a traditional dish in many Eastern European countries, such as Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. It is usually made with cooked beetroots, onions, garlic, stock, and vinegar. Some versions also add potatoes, carrots, sour cream, or dill.
Mary Berry’s version of beetroot soup is a modern twist on the classic recipe. She uses cooked beetroots, onion, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, vegetable stock, and fresh herbs. She also adds a creamy goat cheese crouton on top of each serving for a contrast of textures and flavours.
Why You Should Try Mary Berry Beetroot Soup
There are many reasons why you should try Mary Berry Beetroot Soup.
Here are some of them:
- It is easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and a blender to make this soup. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- It is healthy. Beetroots are rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C, iron, and folate. They can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost immunity. Goat cheese is also a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
- It is delicious. The soup has a sweet and tangy taste from the beetroots and vinegar. The goat cheese crouton adds a creamy and salty touch. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and aroma.
- It is versatile. You can serve this soup hot or cold, depending on the season. You can also adjust the thickness by adding more or less stock. You can garnish it with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta cheese.
Mary Berry Beetroot Soup Ingredients
Here are the ingredients and steps you need to follow:
- 500g cooked beetroots (2 packets), cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 750ml vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs of your choice (such as parsley, basil, or mint), chopped
For the croutons
- 4 slices of baguette
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1 peeled garlic clove, cut in half
- 1 small goat cheese (i.e. Capricorn), cut into rounds
- 4 sage leaves, finely sliced
Method to Make Mary Berry Beetroot Soup
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6.
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the beetroots, stock, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the beetroots are tender.
- While the soup is cooking, prepare the croutons. Brush the bread slices on both sides with olive oil and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- Rub the garlic clove over one side of each bread slice and top with a round of goat cheese. Sprinkle with sage leaves and drizzle with some more olive oil.
- Put back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese has melted slightly.
- Transfer the soup to a blender or use a stick blender to puree it until smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and place a crouton on top of each one.
- Sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs and enjoy!
Tips to Make the Best Mary Berry Beetroot Soup
Here are some tips and tricks to make your Mary Berry Beetroot Soup even better:
- You can use fresh or canned beetroots for this recipe. If using fresh ones, peel them and chop them into small pieces before cooking them in boiling water for about 20 minutes or until soft.
- You can also use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar for a different flavour.
- You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- You can also make the croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Beetroot Soup Nutrients
One serving of Mary Berry Beetroot Soup (about 250ml) provides approximately:
- Calories: 178
- Fat: 9.6 g
- Carbs: 18.5 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Sugar: 11.9 g
- Protein: 5.2 g
- Vitamin C: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 37% of the DV
- Manganese: 22% of the DV
- Potassium: 15% of the DV
- Iron: 10% of the DV
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the croutons?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well and has a mild flavour, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or brie. You can also skip the cheese altogether if you prefer a vegan option.
How can I make the soup more spicy?
You can add some red chilli flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the soup to give it some heat. You can also use spicy vinegar, such as sriracha or Tabasco, instead of balsamic vinegar.
What can I serve with the soup?
You can serve the soup with a green salad, some bread, or crackers. You can also make it a main course by adding some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa to the soup for extra protein and fibre.
How can I store the leftover soup and croutons?
You can store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You can store the leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Mary Berry Beetroot Soup is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make in no time. It is a great way to enjoy the health benefits and flavour of beetroots. It is also a versatile dish that you can serve hot or cold, with different toppings and garnishes.
Try it today and let me know what you think!