Description
Craving a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for warm days? This Beet Gazpacho is your ideal choice! Featuring earthy roasted beets, crisp Turkish cucumbers, fresh dill, and a tangy sherry vinegar kick, this chilled soup is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and vibrant flavors
Ingredients
Beet Gazpacho
- Beets (¾ lb, 4 medium, ~3 inches in diameter): Provide sweet, earthy flavor.
- Red or Sweet Onion (¼ cup, finely diced, divided): Adds sharp, savory depth.
- Garlic Cloves (1 large or 2 small): Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Turkish Cucumbers (3 small, divided): Offer crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Fresh Dill (½ cup, divided): Infuses vibrant, herbaceous freshness.
- Sherry Vinegar (2 Tbsp, plus more to taste): Adds tangy, bright acidity.
- Kosher Salt (½ tsp, more to taste): Enhances flavor balance.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds mild heat.
- Cold Water or Veggie Stock (2 cups): Creates a smooth, pourable base.
Garnishes (Optional)
- Avocado (diced): Adds creamy richness.
- Cucumber (diced): Enhances crunch.
- Beet (finely diced): Reinforces earthy flavor.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds sharp contrast.
- Fresh Dill (chopped): Boosts herbaceous notes.
- Baby Nasturtium Leaves: Offer peppery flair.
- Olive Oil, Yogurt, or Sour Cream: Provide a silky drizzle (use vegan options for dairy-free).
Substitutions and Variations
- Beets: Swap with roasted carrots or golden beets for a milder flavor.
- Turkish Cucumbers: Use English cucumber or Persian cucumber.
- Sherry Vinegar: Replace with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Dill: Swap with parsley, cilantro, or basil for different herbaceous notes.
- Keto Adjustment: Reduce beets to ¼ lb, use 1 cup cucumber, and replace water with low-carb broth (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Already gluten-free; ensure veggie stock is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Already vegan; use vegan yogurt or sour cream for garnish.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or a slice of jalapeño to the blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beets
- Place ¾ lb beets in a medium pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer until fork-tender, about 60–90 minutes.
- Rinse beets with cold water, then slip off skins using your hands.
Tip: Use gloves to avoid staining hands; check tenderness early to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Blend the Gazpacho
- Slice 3 of the 4 cooked beets (reserve 1 for garnish) and place in a blender.
- Add 2 cups cold water or veggie stock, ⅛ cup finely diced onion, 1–2 garlic cloves, 2 sliced Turkish cucumbers (reserve 1 for garnish), ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar, and ⅓ cup fresh dill.
- Blend until very smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed. Refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
Tip: Chill the soup for at least 1 hour for the best flavor; blend thoroughly for a velvety texture.
Step 3: Prep the Garnishes
- Finely dice the remaining beet, 1 Turkish cucumber, avocado (if using), and additional onion.
- Chop remaining fresh dill and prepare baby nasturtium leaves (if using).
Tip: Dice garnishes small for a refined look; prep just before serving for freshness.
Step 4: Serve
- Pour chilled beet gazpacho into bowls.
- Top with diced beet, cucumber, avocado, onion, chopped dill, and nasturtium leaves.
- Drizzle with olive oil, vegan yogurt, or vegan sour cream (if using).
- Serve immediately.
Tip: Serve in chilled bowls for a refreshing experience; offer extra garnishes on the side.