Roasted Beet Soup

I hated beets as a kid. I only liked my grandma's pickled beets because they were sweet. But as an adult I can't get enough of them. And what's easier than tossing a bunch in the oven to roast? Mix them up with a few other root vegetables and you have the perfect healthy meal. Colorful too!

Another oh so tasty dish is this simple crimson soup. It's wonderful served hot or chilled, and looks beautiful in your bowl.

Roasted Beet Soup
This recipe is delicious with either golden or red beets.

3 Tablespoons butter
9 medium beets (should measure 8 to 9 cups once cut)
4 1/2 cups chopped onions
4 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
6 cups (or more) chicken broth
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream

Roast beets whole with skin on in a 375 degree oven for 1 hour or until tender. Remove from oven and let cool to touch. Cut off the ends and remove the skin. It should come off quite easily. Chop into ½ inch cubes to measure 8-9 cups.

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, ginger, and lemon peel. Saute for about 2-3 minutes, then add the broth and beets; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; let stand 20 minutes.

Puree soup in blender in batches until smooth. Return puree to pot. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice to soup and thin with more broth, if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnish with crème fraîche or sour cream.

Makes 8 servings.