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apple cider vinegar in a clear glass jar

Reducing Sugary Drinks: How a Single Drink Breaks My Habits

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly battling your sweet tooth? 

The allure of sugary beverages can be irresistible, and it’s a struggle many of us face. In today’s world, where sugar seems to lurk in every corner, cutting back can be a daunting challenge.

But what if I told you that there’s a small, natural change I’ve made in my daily routine that’s been a game-changer in reducing my sugary drink consumption greatly? 

I’m talking about a simple drink – apple cider vinegar with water. This unassuming remedy has had a surprising impact on my sugar habits, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you.

IMG 1221
Apple cider vinegar with water

In this article, we’ll explore the sugar dilemma we all face, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, and how it’s reshaping my own relationship with sugar, and tips for incorporating this simple drink successfully into your daily routine. 

By the end of this post, you might just be inspired to try it yourself and see how a single drink can change your sugar consumption for the better.

So, let’s dive into the story of how a single drink is making a big difference in my sugary drink-reduction journey.

The Sugar Problem: Beyond Our Sweet Tooth

Sugar is undoubtedly one of the most beloved flavours on the planet. Its sweet, comforting taste has a way of making us feel good. 

Yet, it’s no secret that our infatuation with sugar comes at a price, and that price is paid not only with our health but also potentially with the health of our planet.

The health impact

You’ve likely heard the warnings about excessive sugar consumption, and they’re not without merit. 

High sugar intake has been linked to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and dental issues.

  • Obesity: Sugar is known as ‘empty calories’, providing little to no nutritional value while contributing to weight gain. This extra weight can lead to higher blood pressure and inflammation.
  • Diabetes: Excess sugar consumption can cause insulin resistance, a primary factor in the development of diabetes.
  • Dental Issues: The World Dental Federation reports that 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases, many of which are linked to sugar-rich diets.

The environmental impact

While the health implications of sugar consumption are concerning, there’s an often-overlooked connection between our love for sugar and climate change.

The sugar industry, particularly sugar cane and sugar beet production, plays a role in environmental degradation in several ways, including: 

bird s eye view of woodpile
Photo by Pok Rie on Pexels.com
  • Deforestation: In some regions, sugar plantations have contributed to deforestation, which reduces biodiversity and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Water usage: Sugar cultivation can be water-intensive, which can strain local water resources, especially in regions prone to drought.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions: The production and transportation of sugar contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Sugarcane is also responsible for the use of nitrogen fertiliser, leading to emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

Introduction to Apple Cider Vinegar

Before we explore how apple cider vinegar (ACV) with water can help reduce sugar intake, let’s get to know this ancient remedy and its many health benefits.

A trusted ancient remedy

Apple cider vinegar isn’t a new invention. It’s a remedy that has stood the test of time, with centuries of use to its name. 

Even Hippocrates (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), the ancient Greek physician often referred to as the father of modern medicine, recognized its health benefits. He prescribed vinegar for its healing properties to his patients.

Modern-day uses

Today, apple cider vinegar is a common household item and a popular natural remedy.

It’s made through a simple fermentation process that turns apple sugars into acetic acid, the source of its many health benefits.

photo of a sliced apple on a chopping board
Photo by Julia Filirovska on Pexels.com

Key benefits of apple cider vinegar

Here’s what it can do for you:

  • Better digestion: It can help with digestion and reduce indigestion and acid reflux.
  • Weight control: Some studies suggest it can help with weight loss by making you feel full and reducing calorie intake.
  • Blood sugar regulation: It can improve insulin sensitivity, which is great for managing blood sugar levels.
  • Antibacterial properties: It can fight harmful bacteria and keep you healthy.
  • Cholesterol management: Some research shows it may lower bad cholesterol.
  • Antioxidants: It has antioxidants to protect your cells from damage.

Preparing Apple Cider Vinegar with Water

Now that we’ve explored the rich history and numerous benefits of apple cider vinegar, let’s dive into the practical aspect of incorporating it into your daily routine. 

Preparing apple cider vinegar with water is a simple and effective way to enjoy its potential advantages.

Choosing the right apple cider vinegar

Before you start mixing, it’s important to select the right apple cider vinegar. Two essential factors to consider are:

  • Organic: Opt for organic apple cider vinegar whenever possible. This ensures that the apples used were grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, enhancing the purity of your vinegar.
  • With ‘mother: The term ‘mother’ refers to the murky, cobweb-like substance often seen at the bottom of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. 

This ‘mother’ is rich in beneficial enzymes, proteins, and good bacteria, which can further enhance the potential health benefits. So, look for a variety that contains the ‘mother’ for maximum advantages.

The ideal water temperature

When it comes to mixing apple cider vinegar with water, the choice of water temperature is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer warm water, while others opt for cold water.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Warm water: Using warm water can help dissolve the vinegar more effectively, making it easier to mix. It can also be more soothing and comforting.
  • Cold water: Cold water is a refreshing choice, especially if you enjoy a cooler beverage. It may take a little more effort to dissolve the vinegar in cold water, but it’s entirely doable.

Sipping with care 

As you incorporate apple cider vinegar and water into your daily routine, it’s essential to safeguard your dental health.

The acetic acid in vinegar, while beneficial internally, can gradually erode tooth enamel. 

To prevent potential tooth discolouration, consider sipping your mixture through a non-plastic straw, not only for dental care but also for environmental reasons, as non-plastic straws are a more eco-friendly choice. 

This method allows the liquid to bypass your teeth, preserving your dental well-being.

Personal Experience

For me, diluting apple cider vinegar in water is a must — drinking it straight can be hard on the teeth over time due to its acidity. 

The best time to enjoy this mixture is before meals, particularly before lunch or dinner.

This timing aligns with the guidance found in the health and nutrition book ‘Glucose Revolution‘ by Jessie Inchauspéw. 

The author suggests that drinking a tall glass of water mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar (or ½ tablespoon for a less acidic taste) 20 minutes before a meal can help stabilise blood glucose and insulin levels. 

For those like me, who can’t consume too much water right before a meal because it might create a feeling of fullness, I’ve found a workaround

If I know my goal is to finish a whole glass containing approximately 210 ml of water mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar, I start sipping it bit by bit about an hour before the meal.

Kick Sugar Cravings With This Simple Drink

What’s wonderful is that by the time I sit down to eat, I don’t feel the need for sugary drinks like juice or any fizzy beverages, as my thirst has been satisfied by the apple cider vinegar with water.

How about for those who have a glass of juice with their breakfast?

You can also drink apple cider vinegar with water first thing in the morning. The water used here is preferably warm water, as warm water can wake up your digestive system and activate the body’s metabolism.

And if you always take sugar in your morning tea or coffee, having a few sips of apple cider vinegar with water before making your brew can ease your craving for adding sugar to your hot beverages. 

In fact, having any form of sugary drink with your breakfast can be detrimental to your blood sugar and insulin levels. So it’s much better to avoid any sugar added to your first cup of the day. 

person holding black tube
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com

By making this small yet impactful change in your daily routine, you’re not only reducing your sugar intake but also providing your body with a healthier way to kickstart the day. 

When and Who to Be Cautious

While apple cider vinegar with water can be beneficial, there are times when it’s best to exercise caution:

  • Right after a meal: It’s advisable to wait at least 20 minutes after eating before drinking apple cider vinegar with water, as consuming it immediately after a meal can slow down your digestion.
  • Before brushing your teeth: Avoid brushing your teeth right after consumption, as doing so could contribute to tooth decay. Waiting at least 30 minutes after your apple cider vinegar with water is a better practice for your dental health.
  • Close to bedtime: Drinking it before bedtime may cause discomfort for some.

Additionally, if you have digestive issues, low potassium levels, or diabetes, consult a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine. 

Tips for Success 

Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of apple cider vinegar with water and how simple it is to prepare at home, let’s delve into some key tips to ensure a successful and sustainable journey:

  • Stock up: If you haven’t already, add a bottle of apple cider vinegar to your cupboard. Opt for an organic, unfiltered variety with the ‘mother’ for the best results. 
  • Proper storage: To maintain the quality and potency of your apple cider vinegar, store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh for an extended period.
  • Mindset matters: Having the right mindset is crucial for success. Recognise the detrimental impact of sugary drinks on your health and the environment. Consider sugary drinks, including alcoholic beverages, as treats meant for occasional indulgence, such as on the weekends only or special occasions. This mindset shift can help you make healthier choices more consistently.
  • Consistency: Incorporate apple cider vinegar with water into your daily routine for lasting benefits. Whether it’s before meals, in the morning, or at your preferred time, consistency is key to experiencing its potential advantages. Carrying a bottle of water mixed with apple cider vinegar when you’re on the go for maintaining your regimen even when away from home.
  • Moderation: Remember that you don’t need excessive amounts of apple cider vinegar for health benefits. A daily dose of one to two tablespoons diluted in water is typically sufficient. Avoid overconsumption, as more is not necessarily better.
  • Non-sugary drink alternatives: Explore alternatives like a squeeze of lemon or lime juice added to water, herbal teas (peppermint, chamomile, or lemon & ginger), and even black tea or coffee to enjoy flavorful, sugar-free beverages.
  • Consult a professional: If you have specific health concerns, dietary restrictions, or are taking medications, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before adding this simple drink to your routine.

By following these tips and maintaining a positive mindset, you can enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar with water while making more mindful choices about sugary drinks and their impact on your well-being and the environment.

Remember, a healthier body translates to a healthier mind, giving you the energy to do your best for yourself, your loved ones, and our precious planet!

apple pie on brown wooden table

Too Many Apples? Try This No-Fail Vegan Apple Peach Pie Recipe

As autumn rolls in, my friend’s apple tree in her garden gets loaded with juicy apples.

She’s super generous and shares this apple abundance with me, sparking a tasty idea: my favourite vegan apple pie, spruced up with soft peaches – it’s a yummy twist on a classic.

But did you know that in the UK, a whopping 800,000 apples get tossed out every day?

Now, don’t get me wrong; I enjoy munching on a crisp apple. But there’s something truly special about turning those apples into a mouthwatering apple pie.

It’s not just about making a more delicious dessert; it’s also about saving those apples from being wasted and doing a good thing for the environment.

So, whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting your vegan baking journey, I’m here to help you make an easy vegan apple peach pie using simple shortcrust pastry. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure together!

Exploring the Orchard: Britain’s Bountiful Apple Varieties

First, let’s take a delightful journey into Britain’s orchards. In the UK, we’re spoiled with a variety of apple types to choose from. 

When making a delicious apple pie, you’ll want apples that offer both sweet and slightly tart flavours while holding their shape during baking. 

charming ethnic girl showing ripe apple among tree branches
Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com

Here are the top 5 popular British apple types, with one being the preferred choice for apple pie lovers:

  • Bramley: The Bramley apple is the top pick for apple pies. Its tartness and ability to stay firm when baked make it the best choice for pie-making. Bramley’s strong flavour works well with sweet fillings.
  • Cox’s Orange Pippin: Known for its sweet, fragrant, and slightly tangy taste, the Cox’s Orange Pippin apple adds a delightful complexity to your pies. It’s a favourite among those who prefer a sweeter pie filling.
  • Egremont Russet: If you like a nutty and rich flavour in your apple pie, the Egremont Russet is an excellent choice. Its unique taste and somewhat drier texture can create a lovely contrast in your pie.
  • Worcester Pearmain: With its sweet and juicy characteristics, it is a delightful addition to apple pies when you desire a sweeter and softer filling. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon and spices.
  • Discovery: The Discovery variety offers a sweet and slightly tangy taste for a burst of early-season apple goodness. It’s a fantastic choice if you can’t wait for autumn to satisfy your apple pie cravings.

While each British apple type has its unique appeal, the Bramley apple stands out as the traditional and widely embraced choice for crafting the perfect apple pie.

Its balance of tartness and texture makes it the ideal companion for pie-making adventures in the kitchen.

Creating the Perfect Apple Pie Filling

Now that we’ve explored Britain’s array of apple varieties, it’s time to turn our attention to the heart of every apple pie—the filling.

There are six key considerations to ensure a mouthwatering result. Let’s break down these elements:

Cook apples first, or not?

  • Whether to pre-cook your apples or not largely depends on your preference for the texture of the filling.
  • Pre-cooking apples slightly can help ensure they soften evenly during baking.
  • However, you can skip this step if you prefer a firmer and more pronounced apple texture.
  • Remember that pre-cooking can also help release excess moisture from the apples, preventing a soggy crust.

Adding other fruits

pile of peaches
Photo by Sami Aksu on Pexels.com
  • While traditional apple pie sticks to apples, there’s room for creativity!
  • You can incorporate other stoned fruits like peaches or pears to add variety and depth to your pie.
  • Just be mindful of the moisture content of the additional fruits, as it may affect the consistency of the filling. Adjust your thickening agent accordingly.

Enriching the texture

  • To elevate the texture of your apple pie filling, consider some additional ingredients like nuts or raisins.
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch, while plump raisins infuse bursts of sweetness.
  • These additions enrich the texture and add layers of flavour to your pie.

Spicing things up with alcohol

  • A splash of alcohol, such as brandy or bourbon, can elevate your apple pie’s flavour profile. It infuses a subtle warmth and complexity, making each bite a delightful experience.
  • Just remember, a little goes a long way; you don’t want the alcohol to overpower the natural sweetness of the apples.

Sweeten the filling

  • Achieving the perfect level of sweetness in your pie filling is key to a mouthwatering dessert.
  • Mix white and brown sugars for a balanced, rich sweetness. White sugar adds straightforward sweetness, while brown sugar brings a touch of depth.
  • For a healthier twist, decrease the total quantity of sugar in the recipe and top up using dates, maple syrup or fruit’s natural sweetness. 
  • Taste and adjust to find your sweet spot.

Thickening the filling

  • Thickening the filling is crucial to prevent a runny pie. Cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch are commonly used thickeners.
  • You can mix your chosen thickener with cold water before adding it to the filling to ensure consistency.

Now that we’ve unlocked the secrets to crafting a perfect apple pie filling, you’re well-equipped to create a pie bursting with flavour and texture

In the next section, we’ll explore the all-important crust and its role in making your vegan apple pie a true masterpiece.

the spices used in the apple pie's filling
Cinnamon, mixed ground spices, lemon juice & zest, salt and raisins are used in my apple pie’s filling.

Perfecting Your Pie Crust

It’s time to focus on another essential foundation—the crust. Let’s use the best approach to ensure a foolproof vegan pie crust!

Homemade or shop-bought?

The decision to use homemade or shop-bought pie crust largely depends on your preferences and dietary needs.

Nowadays, it’s easy to find vegan shortcrust pastry in supermarkets, making it a convenient option for many. These ready-made options save time and effort.

Special dietary needs

If you have specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, homemade may be your go-to choice. Pre-made vegan crusts may not always align with specialized dietary needs.

Making your own allows you to select gluten-free flours or other alternative ingredients tailored to your dietary restrictions.

Equipment for making shortcrust pastry

To make your own shortcrust pastry, you won’t need elaborate equipment.

A basic set of mixing bowls, a pastry cutter (for cutting the fat into the flour), and a rolling pin are typically sufficient. These common kitchen tools help you create a simple and perfectly textured pastry.

Covering your apple pie with pastry

While the classic image of an apple pie often features a top crust, you have creative options.

You can certainly have an open-face apple pie or experiment with crunchy toppings.

An open-face pie showcases the filling, allowing it to caramelize and bubble.

Crunchy toppings, such as streusel or crumble, add a delightful contrast in texture and flavour.

Foil on the top layer

To prevent the top layer of your pastry from burning while the pie bakes, placing a sheet of foil over it is a smart trick.

This simple step ensures your crust maintains its golden perfection without becoming overly dark.

With these insights into perfecting your pie crust, you’re well on your way to creating a vegan apple pie that’s easy to make and yet delicious!

Now, the most exciting time comes: let’s combine it with a step-by-step vegan apple pie recipe.

Vegan Apple Peach Pie with Shortcrust Pastry

Indulge in a delightful fusion of autumn's finest apples and juicy peaches, creating a mouthwatering, plant-based dessert.
Course Dessert
Cuisine British
Keyword apple, dessert pie, peach, vegan
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 300kcal
Cost £6

Equipment

  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 dough scrapper
  • 1 pie dish
  • 1 non-stick saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2 – 3 large apples (any variety available)
  • 2 ripe peaches (or other fruits like pears, plums, or apricots)
  • 30 grams white sugar
  • 30 grams brown sugar
  • 30 grams raisins (soaked in apple or orange juice for 30 minutes, or soaked in Rum or Bourbon for added flavour)
  • ½ tbsp coconut oil (for greasing the pie dish to prevent sticking)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp mixed ground spice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cornflour (for thickening the filling)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 500 grams store-bought vegan shortcrust pastry

Instructions

Prepare the filling

  • Begin by soaking the raisins in advance, for at least 30 minutes, to soften them.
  • Wash all the fruits you're going to use, including the apples and peaches.
  • Peel the apples and slice them into evenly sized-pieces.
  • In a saucepan, cook the apple slices. There's no need to add any butter, as we're opting for a healthier approach.
  • Once the apples have softened slightly, add the spices and mix them well with the apples. Allow this to cook for an additional minute.
  • Add lemon juice.
  • Next, add half of both the white and brown sugar, ensuring all the apples are evenly coated. Cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the soaked juice, but keep the raisins in the bowl.
  • Add salt, and lemon zest and thoroughly mix everything together.
  • When the liquid in the pan starts to bubble slightly, turn off the heat. Add the cornflour.
  • Switch to low-medium heat and mix well.
  • Turn off the heat again and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it sit on the stove for 5 minutes to cool slightly, and allow the flavours to meld.
  • While waiting for the filling to cool down, destone the peaches and slice them into slightly thicker pieces than apple slices. Peaches don't need to be cooked in a saucepan; they soften quickly in the oven.

Prepare the shortcrust pastry

  • Now, it's time to prepare the shortcrust pastry for your pie dish. If you're using store-bought vegan shortcrust pastry that has been refrigerated, remove it from the packaging and let it come to a cool room temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
  • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, then roll it out to fit your pie dish.
  • Before fitting the pastry into your pie dish, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
  • When fitting the pastry to your pie dish, ensure that it covers both the base and sides of the dish. If necessary, use a little dough to patch up any holes in the bottom crust or gaps on the sides.
  • Use a fork to poke holes at the bottom of the pastry to prevent the pastry from blistering.

Assemble the pie

  • Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for the pastry you're using.
  • Place the cooled apple and raisin filling into the prepared pastry-lined pie dish.
  • Add the sliced peaches and sprinkle the remaining sugar on the filling.
  • Cover the pie with another layer of pastry. To get creative, you can create a lattice design with strips of pastry, as desired. Trim off any excess pastry hanging over the edges.

Bake the pie

  • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake according to the pastry instructions or until the pastry turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  • Once the pie is beautifully golden and the filling is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven.

Serve and enjoy

  • Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
  • Serve your Vegan Apple Peach Pie as is or with a dollop of dairy-free ice cream or a drizzle of vegan custard for an extra treat.

Video

close up photo of beets

Plant-Based Diet: Beetroot & Apple Soup (Combats Winter Chills)

When people are asked to name their favourite root vegetables, beetroots, aka garden beet, might not be most people’s first choice. However, they are my favourite because they’re jam-packed with nutrients and taste so fresh when prepared right. 

Before I moved to the UK, I never had eaten beetroot. After living in the UK for several years, beets still weren’t on my radar. Only three years ago, I taught myself how to bake. One day, I came across a recipe calling for beetroot. I used the quantity required in that recipe but still had a lot of fresh beets left. So, I steamed them and added them to my salad. Then the rest is history. Beets to me are love at first bite; their taste was like sunshine for the soul — sweet and earthy. 

Since then, I have included beets regularly in my diet. It’s a very versatile ingredient, too. From pickles, dips, pasta, vegan burgers, soups, and cakes to smoothies, you can use beets to make those everyday dishes. Moreover, this root vegetable has a natural red food colouring that gives the dish a nice bright finish.

So, in this post, I want to share my go-to beetroot soup recipe with a mix of apples and carrots. It’s simple, super healthy and filled with comforting flavours — a perfect soup to warm up a cold day!

Beet varieties  

Beetroots are a very hearty and productive crop. They can be divided into two main types based on their roots’ shape. 

  • globe/round beetroots (short-rooted)
  • oval/long beetroots (long-rooted)

Normally, oval/long beets cook quicker than globe/round beets.

They can be divided further into different varieties. The most common variety grown in the UK is ‘boltardy’. This variety produces deep-red flesh and medium round-shaped roots with smooth skin. The table below shows some common beet varieties.

Varietyroot shaperoot sizeflesh colour
actionglobesmalldark red
blankomaglobemediumwhite
boldorglobesmall to
medium
orange or
yellow
boltardyglobemediumdark red
chioggiaglobelargered & white rings
cylindraovalmediumdark red
merlinglobemediumdark red
red aceglobe or
oval
mediumdeep dark red
8 beet varieties – their root shape, size and flesh colour

Beetroot can also be categorised based on its flesh colour. For instance, red, striped, golden and white beets etc. 

Beet greens

Do you always discard beet greens and only eat the root part? Do you know that beetroots were first grown for their leaves, not roots? Beetroots are believed to originate from the Mediterranean Sea area, and they were cultivated for their leaves around 300 BC. However, in 1542, Europeans started consuming the root part of the beet. The type of beetroot also only began to take its modern shape in the 16th century.

person wearing floral gardening glove holding a bunch of beet leaves
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.co

Beet greens have two parts, namely stems and leaves. They’re both edible. Though certain beet varieties are better for beet greens, such as early wonder tall top and bull’s blood, because they produce sweeter stems and more tender foliage. 

The greens are very easy to cook and taste delicious. Before cooking them, wash them properly because sometimes beet leaves can be sandy. Then remove the leaves from the stems and chop them separately. Add a bit of olive oil and simply sauté them. But make sure you cook stems for 3 to 4 minutes first, then add the leaves later because stems take longer to cook through. You can often cook the leaves the same way you would cook spinach.

If you can never have enough beet greens in your diet or it’s hard to buy beetroots with beet greens still attached, then you can go for swiss chard. Swiss chards are beets’ leafy brothers and share a common ancestor, the sea beet. Moreover, their greens taste similar to each other. However, people don’t usually eat chard roots because they lack the sweetness found in beetroots.

Beetroots’ health benefits 

Beetroots are a nutritional powerhouse. They are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. Their red colour shows that they’re very high in antioxidants, too. They also have a high concentration of folate (vitamin B9) and dietary nitrates. Last but not least, they even have higher iron than spinach. 

assorted vegetables on white surface
Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

Beets have been used as a medicine in some cultures going back thousands of years. And they continuously give us a lot of health benefits when consumed regularly in our diet. The benefits include: 

  • lower blood pressure
  • reduce inflammation
  • regulate blood sugar
  • support liver health
  • improve gut health
  • enhance physical exercise performance
  • neutralise free radicals and make our skin more glowing

If you’re trying to get fitter, go for beetroots. They are low in calories but are filling because they’re fibre-rich root vegetables. So, they can increase the feeling of fullness even if you just have a small portion of them. Also, beetroot pulp is a good home remedy for an upset stomach. 

Beetroot and apple soup

healthy, smooth and tastes amazing
Course dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword apple, beetroot, carrot
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 130kcal

Equipment

  • 1 immersion blender  (or food processor)
  • 1 saucepan with a lid

Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 medium-sized beetroots, peeled, sliced & roughly chopped (they make up around 9 cups of beets once peeled) (see *note 1)
  • 1 cooking apple, peeled & roughly chopped (around 1.5 cups)
  • 2 carrots, peeled & roughly chopped (around 1.5 cups)
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • tsp ginger, grated
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 vegetable stock (dissolve it in 500ml boiling water)
  • some spring onions (optional)

Instructions

  • Remove the beet greens if your beetroots come with them. Save the beet greens for another recipe.
  • Rinse the roots with cold water and wash them thoroughly.
  • Peel the skin. Make sure you wear an apron when doing this because beetroots flesh could stain your clothes easily.
  • Roughly chop the roots once peeled. Then, steam them in a steamer or roast them in an oven if you prefer. You can even steam/roast the beetroot the day before to save you some cooking time the next day.
  • I always use a Tatung ricer cooker to steam my beetroots. It only takes around 20 minutes to get them ready, and the metal pot inside the ricer cooker can catch all the beetroot juice, which I can have later.
  • Roughly chop onion, apple, carrots, and spring onions while steaming/roasting the beetroots.
  • Once the beetroots are cooked, then it's time to make the soup.
  • Heat the oil in the saucepan, add chopped onions, and fry until the onion is soft.
  • Add chopped carrots and fry for a minute or two. Add a splash of vegetable stock if the pan gets too dry.
  • Add grated garlic and ginger, and fry for a minute.
  • Add chopped apples.
  • Add steamed/roasted beetroots, and mix well with other ingredients in the pan.
  • Add vegetable stock. (see *note 2)
  • Add spring onions and mix again. (optional)
  • Add salt, pepper and bay leaves and a bit of more vegetable stock to make sure the liquid is slightly above all the ingredients in the pot.
  • Turn the heat down and put the lid on. Let the soup cook for another 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and discard the bay leaves. Once the soup cools down a bit, blend it.
  • Taste the soup and add salt and pepper if needed.

Video

Notes

*note 1: In the UK, beetroots are usually available the whole year around. Consuming seasonal vegetables/fruits is vital to reduce our carbon footprint. If beetroots are only available some of the time where you live, you can learn to store them correctly to maximise their shelf life.
*note 2: Don’t pour in all the vegetable stock in one go. Instead, add it until it’s slightly above all the ingredients in the pot. Hold back some liquid and use it to thin the soup if you feel it is too thick after blending. 

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