Gazpacho is traditionally served cold; however, creativity rules, and heating up cold soups in winter is a cozy fix that doesn’t compromise flavours! We’ve puréed this gazpacho to a creamy state. If you long for more texture, leave out some chunks of roasted beets. Finely dice and add at the end.
For best results, home-roasted beets will ensure optimum freshness. Cut large, unpeeled beets in half and rub with oil. Place in an oven-safe pan. Add 1/4 cup (60 mL) water to pan. Cover and bake at 350 F (180 C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until fork tender. Remove, and once cooled, peel outer skins. Refrigerate until ready to make gazpacho. In a bind? Many grocery stores sell cooked beets in the produce aisle. Canned beets can also be substituted.
Spicy Hot Beet Gazpacho
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cooking onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 lbs (1 kg) roasted red beets, peeled and chopped, about 3 very large
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium vegetable stock
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) orange zest
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) orange juice
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) crushed red pepper flakes, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Dukkah
- Orange slices, arugula (optional)
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories84
- protein3 g
- fat2 g
- sat. fat0 g
- total carbohydrates16 g
- sugar12 g
- fibre3 g
- sodium232 mg
Directions
01
In medium-sized saucepan, heat oil. Add chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until soft but not golden. Add chopped beets, stock, zest, juice, and seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes for flavours to blend. Remove from heat.
02
In high-speed blender, in batches, purée mixture until smooth and creamy. Ladle into bowls and serve hot garnished with Dukkah, orange slices, arugula, and pinches of crushed red pepper flakes, if you wish.
Irene McGuinness is a writer, recipe developer, food stylist for numerous magazines and corporations, and alumna of the Writer’s Studio at Simon Fraser University
