Beet Soup Recipe

This creamy Beet Soup Recipe is as good as it is gorgeous! The chopped beets are cooked with the coconut milk, broth, potatoes, and seasoning for a velvety-smooth texture. Warm up with this easy, vegan soup all fall long. 

Best Creamy Beet Soup Recipe

What can’t you do with beets?!

From roasting beets, boiling beets, or turning them into a delicious beet hummus… this root vegetable is almost as versatile as the traditional potato.

And, they’re so much healthier for you.

With more than 20% of your RDI of folate, 2 grams of fiber, and loads of anti-inflammatory betalains (the pigments that give them their bright red color).  A bowl of this soup is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious!

But won’t it have an earthy flavor?

While beets get a bad rap for tasting like dirt, this soup recipe is full of dried herbs and spices to help balance out those earth tones.

The result is a creamy and oh-so-irresistible soup that will keep you coming back for seconds to fight the cold weather.

Ingredients

The main ingredients you need to make this delicious beet soup recipe include:

• Beets. Large red beets were used in this recipe, but some or all can be replaced with golden beets. Read more below about how to prepare fresh beets before cooking.
• Potatoes. A couple of Yukon gold potatoes add an extra layer of creaminess to this soup. If you want to avoid this starchier vegetable, you can substitute with parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes, or even butternut squash.
• Garlic and Ginger. Fresh cloves and ginger root are used to compliment the earthy tones of the beets.  Prepared ginger paste can be used. It is not recommended to substitute with dried powders.
• Dried Herbs & Spices. A mixture of tarragon, thyme, rosemary, and either cardamom or nutmeg gives this soup a beautifully complex flavor. You should be able to find everything at local grocery stores. If you do not have all of these ingredients, feel free to substitute one for the other or add in some dried basil, parsley, or sage.
• Broth. If making a vegan version, make sure you use a vegetable broth. You can also use chicken broth, but beef broth is not recommended. A regular sodium, broth was used, but a reduced sodium can be substituted if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Coconut Milk. Canned and full-fat coconut milk is the best type to use. Avoid using the cartons of coconut milk in the refrigerated section. While lite milk can be used, you will not get the same thick and creamy texture as if you’d used full-fat.

How to Make Beet Soup

Below you’ll find the steps to make this traditional beet soup at home:

Prep the Beets and Potatoes

Before you start making the soup you will first need to prepare the beets and the potatoes.

To do this, peel the vegetables using a potato peeler.

Cut the root vegetables into similarly sized ¼ – ½  inch chunks. It doesn’t matter exactly what size you cut them, you just want them all to be relatively the same shape and size so they cook up evenly.

Make the Base

Just like with any other soup recipe, you will want to use either a large pot or a Dutch oven that comfortably fits all of your ingredients. You also want one with a lid that fits the pot tightly.

Add oil to a large pot or Dutch oven along with the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Mix in garlic and ginger. Continue sautéing for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped beets, potatoes, and seasonings. Stir to combine.

Let the Soup Simmer

Bring contents to a boil and reduce heat to medium low.

Cover pot with a lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until beets are fork tender. 

Add the Milk and Puree

Turn off heat and add coconut milk and lemon juice. 

Puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Be careful, the liquid will be HOT!

There are a few ways you can puree the soup to make it super smooth and creamy.

Here are my recommendations in order of the creamiest soup to the least:

• Immersion Blender – This is the best and easiest method to use. You’re able to blend a lot of liquid and it makes it super smooth. Also, you do not have to transfer hot liquids from one pot to another.
• Vitamix – The second best blending method since it can hold a large volume of liquid.  Just be careful when transporting the hot liquid.
• Food Processor – The least effective and most time-consuming method since you will have to purée in batches. However, it will work if that is all you have!

Serve the Soup

You can enjoy the best beet soup all on its own or serve it as an appetizer or side dish before the main meal.

Make it beautiful with some sprigs of fresh parsley or cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk, and some toasted pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.

Also, here are a few other serving suggestions:

• Crusty bread or sourdough bread– Great when slathered in a little butter or olive oil before toasting in the oven and then can be used for dipping.
• Homemade croutons – Cube up some bread, toss in oil, and then bake until crispy!
• Crackers – These are great for dipping.
• Salad – A big kale salad would pair beautifully.
• Chicken – You can’t go wrong serving this healthy soup alongside some lean protein.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to Prep-Ahead: You can make this red beet soup a day early, or simply prep the ingredients by chopping everything and storing them in the fridge.
• How to Store: This simple soup will last in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Make sure you allow it to cool to room temperature before covering it with a lid for the best flavor.
• How to Freeze: Beet soup freezes well for up to 4-6 months when stored in a freezer-safe container.
• How to Reheat: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.  

Can you freeze beet soup?

Yes! Beet soup freezes exceptionally well. For the best results, freeze in individual-sized portions for easy use when you’re ready.

Is beet soup healthy?

When prepared with healthy ingredients, beet soup is very good for you. Avoid high-calorie additions like sugar and heavy cream to ensure the soup is full of health benefits. The natural sweetness of the root vegetables helps avoid sugar, as well.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Go fresh. Squeeze a whole lemon for the best flavor.
• Heavy is best. Choose full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest soup.
• Go slow. Be super careful pureeing the soup because it will be hot.
• Use an immersion blender. This is quick, easy, and gets it super creamy. Also, you don’t have to worry about transferring a hot liquid.
• Top it off. Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs on top of the soup just before serving.

Other Beautiful Beet Dishes

Beets are not only delicious, they add vibrant color to every dish you add them to. These other beet recipes might become a new family favorite.

Once you know How to Roast Beets and How to Boil Beets, the sky is the limit.

Try Roasted Beet Hummus, Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, and Twice Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese.

And don’t miss these Quick Pickled Beets.

More Creamy Soup Recipes

Creamy soups are so warm and comforting and a great way to celebrate fall.. Be sure to try these recipes when soup season rolls around.

Creamy Zucchini Soup, Cream of Asparagus Soup, Roasted Pumpkin Soup, and Healthy Cauliflower Soup are veggie-based soups you can feel good enjoying.

Instant Pot Potato Soup, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, and Potato Leek Soup are classics everyone will love.