Beetroot & Horseradish Soup

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Beetroot & Horseradish Soup is a vivid, bold, and velvety dish that brings together the earthy sweetness of beets and the peppery heat of horseradish. It’s a beautiful fusion of comfort and spice — often enjoyed warm in winter or chilled in summer, particularly in Eastern European cuisines.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time55 mins
Soup Base
 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 stalk celery, finely diced (optional for aromatic base)
 1 ½ lbs fresh beetroot, peeled and chopped
 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (adds creaminess)
 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
 Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Flavor Finish
 3 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to brighten)
 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
Optional Creamy Element
  cup sour cream, Greek yogurt, or creme fraiche
 For garnish: microgreens, dill, or extra horseradish
Sauté the Aromatics
1
  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped onion, celery (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Cook the Beets & Potatoes
2
  1. Add chopped beets, potatoes, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

  2. Stir to coat, then pour in the stock. Bring to a boil.

  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until beets and potatoes are tender.

Blend Until Smooth
3
  1. Remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender, or in batches in a high-speed blender until silky smooth.

  2. Return to the pot and taste for seasoning.

Add Horseradish & Brighten
4
  1. Stir in horseradish, vinegar, and optional honey. Adjust quantities to taste.

  2. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, but do not boil — this preserves the sharpness of the horseradish.

Serve
5
  • Serve hot or chilled, depending on the season.

  • Swirl in sour cream or yogurt, and top with microgreens, fresh dill, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions
6
  • Serve with:

    • Dark rye bread, pumpernickel toast, or seeded crackers

    • A soft-boiled egg on the side for extra protein

    • A glass of dry Riesling, rosé, or cold kvass

Variations
7
  • Chilled version: Serve cold with a splash of buttermilk or kefir

  • Roasted beets: For more depth, roast the beets before blending

  • Spicy edge: Add a pinch of cayenne or use freshly grated horseradish root

Ingredients

Soup Base
 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 stalk celery, finely diced (optional for aromatic base)
 1 ½ lbs fresh beetroot, peeled and chopped
 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (adds creaminess)
 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
 Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Flavor Finish
 3 tbsp prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to brighten)
 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
Optional Creamy Element
  cup sour cream, Greek yogurt, or creme fraiche
 For garnish: microgreens, dill, or extra horseradish
Beetroot & Horseradish Soup
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