Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan). Wash the beets thoroughly, peel them with a vegetable peeler, and cut them into even cubes about 2 cm on each side. Transfer the chopped beets to a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure each piece is coated with oil and seasonings.
Description
This soup is the essence of holiday elegance and depth of flavor, perfect for the Christmas Eve table. It is a velvety, thick cream with a stunning ruby color, created from the combination of the natural sweetness of roasted beets and the intense, forest aroma of mushrooms. Its unique character is enhanced by subtle, spicy notes of juniper, allspice, and bay leaf, evoking the scent of a winter forest. The whole is perfectly balanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar, and served with a dollop of spicy horseradish cream, it is a true feast for the senses. The dish is not only delicious but also visually striking, making it an ideal, festive start to the Christmas Eve dinner. It can be served with crispy croutons or cream puffs.
Ingredients (16)
- Beets 600 g
- Frozen bay boletes 300 g
- Vegetable broth 1000 ml
- Onion 1.3 szt.
- Garlic 3 ząbki
- Rapeseed oil 45 g
- Apple cider vinegar 15 ml
- 30% cream 100 ml
- Grated horseradish 30 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Jagody jałowca 5 szt.
- Allspice 1.8 g
- Bay leaf 3.3 szt.
- Salt 0.2 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Fresh dill 0.8 pęczek
- Croutons 50 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the vegetables
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the prepared beets in a single layer on it. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. After about 20 minutes, stir the beets with a spatula. The vegetables are ready when they become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. You can check their tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork – it should go in easily.
While the beets are roasting, prepare the remaining ingredients. Peel the onion and chop it into small cubes. Peel the garlic and finely chop it or press it through a garlic press. Crush the juniper berries with the flat side of a knife or in a mortar to release their aroma.
Cooking the soup
In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of rapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic, crushed juniper berries, allspice, and bay leaves. Sauté everything together for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the spices start to smell fragrant.
Add the frozen porcini mushrooms (you don't need to thaw them beforehand) to the pot with the onion and spices. Increase the heat and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms release their water. Continue cooking for about 10-12 minutes, until all the water evaporates and the mushrooms start to brown slightly. This step is crucial for achieving a deep, mushroom flavor.
Add the roasted beets to the pot with the mushrooms. Mix everything together and pour in the hot vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to the minimum, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Remove the pot from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, take out the bay leaves and allspice berries from the soup. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it is perfectly smooth and velvety. Make up-and-down motions to thoroughly break down all the ingredients. Blend for about 2-3 minutes, until there are no lumps.
Finishing and serving
Place the pot with the blended soup back on low heat. Add apple cider vinegar, the remaining salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and heat, but do not bring to a boil. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a bit of vinegar if needed.
In a small, chilled bowl, place the cold 30% cream. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat it on medium speed until it starts to thicken and forms what are known as 'soft peaks' (when you lift the beaters, a peak will form that gently falls). Add the grated horseradish and a pinch of salt, then gently fold with a spatula, just until the ingredients are combined.
Pour the hot soup into warmed bowls. Gently place a large spoonful of horseradish cream in the center of each serving. Optionally, sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped dill and crispy croutons. Serve immediately.
Fun Fact
Roasted beets release significantly more natural sweetness and depth of flavor than boiled ones, thanks to the caramelization of sugars. This technique, although relatively modern in home kitchens, pairs perfectly with traditional Christmas flavors, creating a dish that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Polish culinary tradition.
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Tips
Serve the soup hot in deep, warmed bowls or soup cups. A dollop of horseradish cream in the center not only looks beautiful but also balances the sweetness of the beets. Crispy croutons will add texture. For extra elegance, you can drizzle the dish with a few drops of high-quality truffle oil or sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
Soup can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, avoiding boiling. Store the horseradish cream separately and add just before serving. The soup can also be frozen (without the cream) for up to 3 months. After thawing, it may require re-blending to regain the perfect consistency.
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