LemonVinaigrette

Making a big pot of soup on a cold day is therapeutic.  It should not be rushed.  Chopping fresh veggies, a pinch of this and a dash of that, stirring, tasting and adjusting the seasoning is a labor of love. Beets are the main event in this soup and I happen to be a big fan of beets. This soup is rich, savory, hearty and velvety with the addition of  Cashew Cream. The borscht hype is real!

Ingredients

• 3 medium red beets
• 3 carrots
• 3 russet potatoes
• 1/2 head of a purple cabbage
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 can of diced tomatoes 8 ounces
• 1 can tomato paste 6 ounces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2-3 tsp kosher salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 1/2 liters of water

For cashew cream soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for 1 hour, blend with 1 – 1 1/3 cups of water, 1 garlic clove, juice from 1 lemon, 1 tsp. kosher salt until smooth. Refrigerate to allow cream to firm up.

 Preparation

1. peel and dice beets, carrot and potato, shred cabbage, dice onion and finely chop garlic
2. in a large soup pot saute onion in the olive oil until soft and fragrant, add garlic and cook 3 min, stir in tomato paste and add 2 1/2 liters of water. Bring to a boil.
3. add beets, cabbage, carrot, salt and pepper to pot and cook for 1 hour or until veggies are tender. Add potato and cook an additional 20 min or until potato is tender.

Serve with cashew cream and fresh chives. Enjoy!

-Mia

.