Chilled Beetroot Soup – Quick Microwave Recipe

Who needs a stovetop when your microwave can transform raw beets into velvety chilled soup? This recipe skips 45 minutes of simmering by using precise microwave bursts to cook beetroots evenly without sacrificing their jewel-toned vibrancy.

We’re talking about a refreshing summer staple ready in under half an hour—no sweat stains from hovering over a hot pot. Just quick prep, smart microwaving, and patience while it chills (the hardest part).

Below, we’ll walk through each step—from selecting the plumpest beets to nailing that silky texture—plus pro tips for customizing flavors and avoiding rubbery veggies.

What is Chilled Beetroot Soup?

Imagine borscht’s breezier cousin—a vibrant pink-purple soup served cold with a tangy yogurt swirl. My mom Linda first made this during my middle school summers, insisting beetroots’ iron would “power up my brain.” (Spoiler: I still failed algebra, but the soup stuck.)

We use raw beetroot microwaved until fork-tender, blended with broth, lemon, and spices. Unlike traditional borscht, no meat or cabbage—just pure earthy sweetness balanced by fresh dill and a creamy dollop. Pro tip: Serve it in clear bowls to show off that neon magenta hue!

Is It Safe to Microwave Beetroot?

Absolutely—microwaving beets preserves more nutrients like folate (63°C is the ideal internal temp) versus boiling. My brother Joseph once nuked whole beets without poking holes…leading to a “beet grenade” incident that redecorated our microwave pink. Learn from his mess: always pierce skins with a fork before cooking! Similarly, melting beeswax in the microwave can be a quick and easy method, but also requires attention to avoid spills. It’s essential to use a microwave-safe container to properly melt the beeswax without any mishaps.

Use microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowls. Beet pigments (betalains and anthocyanins) won’t degrade if you cook in short 2-minute bursts. Stir between cycles to prevent uneven hotspots. Check tenderness at 8 minutes—they should feel like a ripe avocado when squeezed (carefully, with oven mitts!).

Ready to turn those ruby roots into silky soup? Let’s grab our ingredients and channel your inner Linda (minus the algebra pep talks).

Ingredients for Chilled Beetroot Soup

Let’s raid your fridge! You need 3 medium beetroots (about 500g)—look for ones with smooth skins and leafy tops still attached. Pro tip: Smaller beets cook faster and taste sweeter. No fresh beets? Use pre-cooked vacuum-packed ones (but adjust microwaving time). For an easy meal, pair those beets with cheap microwave instant mashed potatoes for a quick and satisfying dish. Canned diced beets also make a great addition to your pantry for convenient and tasty meals.

Core Ingredients & Substitutes

Our flavor squad: 2 cups vegetable broth (chicken works too), 1 tbsp lemon juice (white wine vinegar in a pinch), and 150g Greek yogurt. Fresh dill is ideal, but 1 tsp dried dill works. Forgot garlic? Swap in ¼ tsp garlic powder. Want extra zing? Add horseradish—my uncle Stan’s “secret” ingredient. For a delightful twist, try making a dill sauce using fresh spring herbs for your next meal. A quick microwave mix of these ingredients can elevate your dishes in no time.

• No fresh dill? Try parsley or chives
• Vegan? Coconut yogurt instead of Greek
• Broth-free? Use water + ½ tsp salt

Also See: Microwave Carrots Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Make Chilled Beetroot Soup in the Microwave

I’ve made this weekly since Joseph’s beet grenade fiasco. Trust me—pierce those beets unless you want abstract art in your microwave. Cooking beets in the microwave is quick and efficient. With just a few minutes of steaming, you can enjoy perfectly tender beets without the fuss.

Step 1: Prep the Beetroot (Wash, Peel, Dice)

Scrub beets under cold water—dirt loves hiding in their wrinkles. Peel with a Y-peeler (wear gloves unless you want pink fingertips for days). Dice into 2cm cubes. Smaller pieces = faster cooking. Toss into a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water. For a quick meal option, consider pairing these diced beets with lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage. The combination not only makes for an easy dinner but also adds a delicious and nutritious twist to your plate.

Step 2: Microwave Beetroot to Perfect Tenderness

Cover bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Nuke on high (800W) for 8 minutes. Check tenderness—a fork should slide in like butter. If resistant, microwave in 1-minute bursts. Drain any leftover liquid (save it for smoothies!). If you’re looking for more tips on perfecting your hash browns, there are specific techniques that can ensure they’re cooked just right in the microwave.

Hot bowl alert! Use silicone mitts—beet juice stains cloth. Let beets cool 5 minutes unless you enjoy burnt tongues.

Step 3: Blend With Broth & Seasonings

Add beets, broth, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp salt to a blender. Blend 45 seconds until smoother than a jazz sax solo. Taste! Chilling dulls flavors—make it slightly saltier/tangier than you’d prefer cold.

Step 4: Chill for Optimal Flavor

Pour soup into a shallow container (chills faster!). Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface—this prevents a weird skin from forming. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Stir before serving. Impatient? Freeze for 30 minutes, stirring every 10. When reheating, try using a lid to keep toppings crunchy; a simple trick to keep toppings crunchy can help maintain their texture while warming up your soup.

Also See: Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Rubbery beets? You microwaved too long. Check at 6 minutes if your cubes are tiny. Soup too thick? Add broth 1 tbsp at a time while blending—it’s easier to thin than thicken.

Bland after chilling? Season again post-refrigeration. Cold numbs taste buds—sneak in an extra pinch of salt or lemon zest. Curdled yogurt swirl? Let soup cool to room temp before adding dollops. When it comes to chilled strawberry sipper soup, being microwave friendly means you can quickly heat those extra portions without sacrificing flavor or texture. This makes it an easy choice for a refreshing snack anytime you’re in the mood.

Now that we’ve nailed the basics, let’s talk about turning this soup into your canvas—add-ins, textures, and funky twists await! One simple way to enhance your soup experience is to try a microwave soup recipe. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a delicious and quick meal in no time!

How to Customize Your Beetroot Soup

Your soup, your rules! My college roommate once added pickled ginger and called it “Tokyo Borscht” – surprisingly brilliant. Let’s explore tweaks for texture and flavor that won’t make Linda (or your taste buds) revolt.

Texture Variations

Prefer spoon-standing thickness? Blend in ¼ avocado or 50g silken tofu for creaminess without dairy. Craving crunch? Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled rye croutons – my grandma’s secret for contrasting bite.

For rustic charm, pulse the blender briefly to leave beet chunks intact. Too thin? Stir in 1 tsp chia seeds and wait 10 minutes – they’ll thicken it naturally. Pro tip: Strain through a sieve if you want silkier than a ’90s boy band ballad texture. This thickening action is similar to how chia seeds can transform a simple recipe into a delicious microwave chia seeds pudding. The warm texture and flavor infusions make it an easy and satisfying treat!

Flavor Add-ins

Boost earthiness with roasted garlic (nuke 3 cloves with beets) or ½ tsp smoked paprika. Tang lovers: Swirl in sauerkraut juice or 1 tbsp balsamic glaze – my Polish aunt’s signature move. Sweet tooths? Add 2 tsp honey or roast a diced apple with the beets. For a delightful and quick snack, consider making microwave garlic parmesan chips as a crispy accompaniment to your meals.

• Herb hacks: Basil for freshness, tarragon for licorice kick
• Spice squad: Cumin (¼ tsp) or horseradish (1 tsp grated)
• Umami bomb: 1 tsp miso paste blended into broth

Want to make Linda proud? Top each bowl with a zigzag of yogurt and candied beet chips (slice thin, microwave with sugar for 2 mins). You can also experiment with different cooking methods to achieve a crispy texture. For an even quicker option, baking beet chips in the microwave offers a convenient and delicious alternative.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve walked through every step—from safely microwaving beets to blending that vibrant, velvety texture. This chilled soup balances earthy sweetness with a refreshing tang, perfect for warm days or as a light starter.

Got a favorite twist? Swirl in yogurt, top with dill, or add horseradish for kick. Once you taste that first spoonful, you’ll see why this 15-minute microwave hack deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.