Forget everything you thought you knew about beetroot. This isn't your grandmother's earthy, slightly bitter side dish. We're diving headfirst into a vibrant, sweet and sour beetroot soup that's surprisingly light and refreshing, perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch. The secret lies in the careful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, achieved through a clever blend of ingredients that elevate the humble beetroot to culinary stardom. Imagine a deep crimson broth, bursting with the subtle sweetness of beetroot, a delightful zing of citrus, and a comforting warmth that lingers long after the last spoonful.
This isn't just a soup; it's an experience. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot is beautifully complemented by the sharp tang of vinegar and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. We'll be using finely minced beetroot for a smooth and velvety texture, ensuring every bite is a delicious revelation. Ready to transform this humble root vegetable into a culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating this unforgettable sweet and sour minced beetroot soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Chopping board
Ingredients
- Minced meat: 200g
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Shallots: 3
- Beetroot: 200g
- Chinese cabbage: 230g
- Carrot: 180g
- Green onions: 30g
- Cilantro: 30g
- Seasoning powder
- MSG
- Sugar
- Salt
- Fish sauce
- Ground pepper
- Cooking oil
- Water: 1.5 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut Chinese cabbage into small square pieces . Cut carrots and beets into slightly larger pieces, adjusting size as needed for even cooking . Chop green onions and cilantro finely . Finely chop garlic and shallots .
Step 2. Cook the Soup Base
- Add 1.5 liters of water to the pot. Add the beetroot first, then cover and cook for 15 minutes .
- After 15 minutes, add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes .
- Add the Chinese cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes . Total cooking time is 25 minutes. Check if the vegetables are tender; adjust cooking time as needed .
Step 3. Add & Cook the Meat
- Mix minced meat with half of the minced garlic and shallots, ground pepper, 1 tsp seasoning powder, 1/2 tsp MSG, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Let it marinate for 5 minutes .
- Add the marinated minced meat and stir until it is cooked through .
Step 4. Season and Serve
- Add cooking oil to the pot, then sauté the remaining minced garlic and shallots until fragrant .
- Season with sugar, MSG, seasoning powder, salt, fish sauce, and ground pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed . Add green onions and cilantro. Turn off the heat .
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Use lean and fatty minced meat for a richer flavor .
- Cut the beetroot into smaller pieces than the carrots because it takes longer to cook .
- Cook vegetables in order to ensure even cooking. Adding all at once can result in some vegetables becoming soggy .
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the vegetable pieces .
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beetroot instead of fresh?
Yes, canned beetroot works well, but you might need to adjust the liquid amount depending on how much liquid is in the can. Start by adding less stock and adding more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
2. How can I make this soup vegan?
Simply replace the honey or sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar. Ensure your stock is also vegetable-based.
This sweet and sour beetroot soup is a delightful and surprisingly versatile dish, perfect for a family meal or a cozy night in. Its vibrant color and unique flavor profile are sure to impress, making it a recipe you'll want to revisit time and again. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!