Beetroot soup is an excellent recipe to take care of the cardiovascular system. It is a preparation method that conceals the strong flavor of the vegetable, which in fact does not please everyone. With this preparation, you can enjoy a dish that the family will love.
Keep in mind that the consumption of vegetables is highly recommended. These foods have phytonutrients inside, capable of helping to prevent the development of complex pathologies. Of course, it is also necessary to guarantee an adequate supply of macronutrients, especially proteins.
Ingredients for beetroot soup
We are going to start by talking about the ingredients that are needed to make the beet soup. They are as follows:
- 3 cooked beets.
- 1 leek
- 2-3 cloves of garlic.
- Laurel to taste.
- The juice of half a lemon.
- Thyme.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt.
- Water.
The flavor of beets is not liked by everyone, so the preparation in a soup can help to incorporate the vegetable.
Step by step for the elaboration
The option to buy cooked beets is the most comfortable, as it saves a tedious step. Now, if you have only found the natural vegetable, you will have to cook it at home.
To do this, place water in a pressure cooker. Wash the beets well and put them in the pot itself when the water is already hot. Let it cook for 20 minutes.
In the case of not having this culinary utensil and opting for a traditional saucepan, the cooking time may extend up to 45 minutes, always over medium heat.
Before continuing with the preparation process, the beets must be dried with kitchen paper. It is then cut into generous pieces. Likewise, it is important to finely chop the leek and peel and chop the garlic cloves.
The leek is sautéed in a pan with extra virgin olive oil for about 5 minutes. Once it takes color, add the garlic, taking care not to burn it. When they are golden brown, add the beets, 1 or 2 bay leaves, thyme to taste, and water until covered.
It is important to ensure that the preparation is boiling and then continue cooking for 5 more minutes. Once it is finished, it is seasoned and the bay leaves are removed.
The easiest step has come. You have to put the mixture in a container and blend it with a mixer until it reaches a homogeneous texture. It can be strained to ensure no stumbling. Finally, add the lemon juice and mix. After this, the beet soup will be ready.
Beet benefits
As we have mentioned, beets stand out for their health benefits. First of all, it is a vegetable with a high concentration of nitrates. These are beneficial for cardiovascular health, as they exert a vasodilator effect, thus reducing blood pressure. This is evidenced by a study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
These nitrates are also useful in the context of physical exercise. Vasodilation generates an increase in the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, which translates into an increase in sports performance. In fact, beets are recommended prior to sport, according to research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Also, beets have phytonutrients with antioxidant capacity. These elements, among which anthocyanins stand out, have been shown to be capable of neutralizing the formation of free radicals, helping to prevent the development of chronic pathologies. In fact, its regular consumption is recommended.
Beetroot soup: a recipe for health
Beetroot soup has beneficial health properties. Both sedentary people and athletes can take advantage of the vasodilator effects of this preparation.
Now, you have to be careful with vegetables with a high concentration of nitrites if you are under pharmacological treatment for cardiovascular diseases. In this case, it is good to consult your doctor first.
However, the intake of beets, in general, is recommended. It is a vegetable that has many antioxidants. These elements are key to preventing the development of chronic pathologies. They are also positive for slowing down the appearance of the signs of aging.
This soup that we brought you in a recipe mask certain flavors of the vegetable that not everyone likes. Thus a better acceptance of the beet is achieved.