This vibrant and hearty soup is packed with nutritious beets and warming spices, making it perfect for cozy evenings. It's easy to prepare and full of rich, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Start by trimming the beet greens from the beets, tossing the stems, then give the leaves a good wash and dry before chopping them roughly. Set those aside for later. Next, scrub the beets well and pop them into a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let them simmer, covered, for about 30 to 40 minutes until you can easily poke them with a knife. Drain the beets and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle, then peel and grate them coarsely.
02
Saut Onions and Garlic
In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm up some olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until it’s soft and translucent, stirring often, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing but doesn’t brown.
03
Cook and Brown Vegetables
Add the carrots, rutabaga, and parsnip to the pot and cook over medium heat until they start to soften, about 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle in a little brown sugar and keep cooking until you see some nice browning on the veggies, around 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in about 2 quarts of water, then add the cabbage, salt, and a bay leaf. Give everything a good stir.
04
Simmer Soup with Greens
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until all the vegetables are tender, roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the beet greens during the last couple of minutes, keeping the pot uncovered so the greens stay bright and fresh-looking.
05
Add Beets and Season
Finally, stir in the grated beets and take the soup off the heat right away to keep that beautiful color. Taste and season with vinegar, salt, and pepper as you like. Serve it up with some chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream on top if you want.
03 / EXTRA DETAILS
Good to know.
Cook's tip
- Roast the beets before adding them to deepen their flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a richer taste.
- Blend the soup until smooth for a creamy texture without dairy.
Why you’ll love it
This soup is full of vibrant color and natural sweetness from fresh beets. It’s packed with nutrients and easy to make. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, making it a healthy and comforting choice for any meal.
Serving ideas
Serve warm with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
