Golden Beet Soupe

Ingredients:

  • 4–6 medium golden beets (about 2 pounds)

  • 4-6 fresh thyme sprigs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more serving

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more serving

  • shallots, minced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3-4 cups water

  • 2 lemons, zest and juiced

  • Yogurt, chives, pomegranate seeds & sunflower seeds for serving

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

  2. Wash the beets and place each one with a thyme sprig on individual sheets of aluminum foil. Drizzle the beets with 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Fold into loose packets and transfer to a sheet pan. Roast the beets for 50-60 minutes until they are easily pierced with a knife. Once the beets have cooled slightly, peel and cube them. Discard the thyme sprigs.

  3. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, sauté the shallots in the remaining olive oil until they are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the beets, water, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches. Return the soup the saucepan to reheat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle with yogurt and to with chives, pomegranate seeds and sunflower seeds before serving.

    Options:  Substitute creamy goat cheese for the yogurt.  Or add some heat by adding ginger or jerk seasoning!!