Beetroot Soup (Shorba)

Beets ( scientific name – Beta Vulgaris) are a health food Titan whether being roasted whole, blended into a soup or drunk as beet juice like the Olympians, to improve performance. They are loaded with vitamins, and minerals and packed with powerful antioxidants. Beetroot Soup is an adaptation from Western Cuisine during the British rule in Ootacamond (South India) where winter vegetables like beets, carrots, cauliflower & peas were specially grown to feed the British officers.

History: The Russian beetroot soup Borshch is made with beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, and beets besides other root vegetables like parsnips. Contrary to popular belief Russians don’t spell their soup Borscht- it is a Yiddish spelling. The Borscht is not a Russian invention since the Ukrainians claim it is theirs. Beets are also not the predominant ingredient in the Russian Borsch. That’s probably why the stew-like soup is orange from carrots and tomato paste and not red. Russians call their cold beet soup which is very red in color Svekoljnik.
The Poles call their soup Barszcz which has the ruby red color associated with beet soup. In Ukraine, beet soup is made in infinite varieties, but some resemble the Russian version and are also called Borshch.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/russian-beetroot-sou…

Nutrition Facts of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) 100 g raw

Health Benefits of Beetroot

• Beets may aid cancer prevention: Beetroot extract may have the potential to prevent cancers of the Breast and Prostate due to the presence of Betanin. In another study conducted by Howard University in Washington beetroot ingestion was found to prevent lung and skin cancers. In another French study, Betanin was found to decrease cancer cell proliferation significantly.
• Beets can promote liver health: beets contain pectin a compound known to eliminate toxins. It can clear the toxins that have been removed from the liver, making sure they don’t re-enter the body. As per a Polish study, it can also protect the liver from oxidative damage. Beets may also thin the bile allowing to flow easily through the stomach and small intestine which may enhance liver health.
• Beets may boost energy levels: studies have found that beetroot may make the muscles more efficient thus enhancing muscle stamina. In one study of men19-38 who cycled on exercise bikes, drinking half-liter beet juice a day enabled them to cycle 16% longer without getting exhausted. Another study showed that beetroot intake gave runners a modest edge over others who didn’t. A third study found that beetroot enhanced the performance of women kayak athletes who had received 2 shots of beetroot juice.

Spice & Herb Powers

• Pepper powder enables weight loss , the outer layer of pepper has phyto nutrients to aid in the break down of fat cells and also increase metabolism.
• Cumin powder fights common cold ; may prevent diabetes.
• Bay leaves aid in managing diabetes and help lowering stress hormone levels.
• Mint aids digestion and reduces depression, fatigue and migraine head ache.

Method to cook Beetroot Soup (Shorba)
In this recipe, beets are cooked with tomatoes, onions, and potatoes prior to being pureed. This colorful soup is sure to satisfy the hunger of children, adults, and seniors

• Peel and slice beets, potatoes, and onions.
• Cook vegetables with water in a pan until soft, on a stove, pressure cooker, or in the microwave. _{(10 min.)}
• Blanch tomatoes: Place in boiling water until skin splits.
• Remove tomatoes with a slotted spoon; let it cool; peel skin. _{(5 min.)}
• Puree tomatoes with vegetables in a blender until smooth. _{(3 min.)}
• Pour soup in a saucepan; add spices, bring to a boil & simmer. _{(2 min.)}
• Garnish with whipping or cashew cream and mint leaves.

Serve Beetroot Shorba hot or cold with Croutons, Bread rolls or Rice puffs.

_{Tips Time Saver: use frozen or canned beets, carrots, tomatoes & onions.
Substitute: dairy cream with cashew cream for vegans}
Shorba = soup