Beet soup is a vibrant and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of beets with fresh dill to create a deliciously smooth and tangy soup. Pair it with our yogurt chicken for a balanced meal rich in flavor.
#### Ingredients
**For the Beet Soup:**
- 3 large beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
**For the Yogurt Chicken:**
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
#### Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Grill pan or baking sheet for chicken
### Steps to Make Beet Soup with Dill
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
- Preheat your grill pan or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until cooked through. For baking, place seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
**Step 2: Cook the Beets**
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chopped beets and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the beets are tender.
**Step 3: Blend the Soup**
- Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and return it to the pot once blended.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for richness, followed by chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
**Step 4: Serve the Beet Soup**
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. This dish is best served hot as a comforting starter before your main course.
### Steps to Make Yogurt Chicken
**Step 1: Shred the Chicken**
- Once the chicken has cooled, shred it using two forks or finely slice it.
- Set aside.
**Step 2: Mix Ingredients for Yogurt Chicken**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with yogurt, salt, and any remaining seasonings from the previous step if you wish to add more flavor depth.
**Step 3: Serve with Beet Soup**
- Spoon the beet soup into serving dishes.
- Add a generous portion of the yogurt chicken on top as a protein-packed accompaniment.
- Enjoy your meal with a side salad or crusty bread for an even richer experience!
#### Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, you can sauté some grated ginger along with onions in beet soup.
- Experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro for the yogurt chicken.
- Serve this dish as a hearty winter meal or a refreshing spring starter.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delightful and nutritious beet soup with dill that pairs perfectly with our savory yogurt chicken. Enjoy your cooking!