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Velvety Beet Soup
© William Meppem

Velvety Beet Soup

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  • ACTIVE: 35 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS
  • SERVINGS: MAKES ABOUT 3 QUARTS
  • •HEALTHY
  • •MAKE-AHEAD

  1. 3 pounds medium red beets
  2. 2 large parsnips
  3. 2 large carrots
  4. One 3/4-pound celery root
  5. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  6. 1/2 cup water
  7. Salt and freshly ground white pepper
  8. 7 cups chicken stock
  9. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  10. Green Tabasco sauce
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Wrap the beets in 2 sheets of heavy-duty foil. Set the packages on a baking sheet and roast the beets for 1 1/2 hours, or until they are tender. Let cool in the foil.
  2. Meanwhile, peel the parsnips, carrots and celery root; cut into 1/4-inch dice. In a large skillet, melt the butter in the water. Add the diced vegetables and cook over moderate heat until almost tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper and remove from the heat.
  3. Peel and quarter the beets. Working in batches, in a blender, puree the beets and stock until very smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. Stir in the vinegar; season with salt, white pepper and green Tabasco. Add the vegetables and simmer over moderate heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Make Ahead The soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Serve With Crème fraîche.