BEET SOUP WITH CILANTRO PESTO

Beet Soup with Cilantro Pesto image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 large fresh beets, scrubbed, tops removed
1 large onion
2 cloves fresh garlic
1 large chunk fresh ginger root, chopped
5 cups cranberry juice or enough juice to cover the beets by 1 inch
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
1/2 cup lowfat sour cream or plain yogurt
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Place unpeeled beets in medium soup pot (beets may be halved if they are extra large). Chop onions, garlic, and ginger and add to beets. Pour cranberry juice over beets, cover pot and cook for 45 minutes or until beets are tender (if liquid reduces, add small amount of water). Puree soup in blender or food processor, add salt and pepper, to taste.
To prepare pesto, combine all ingredients and chill.
To serve: Ladle the heated soup into bowls and gently swirl in a spoonful of chilled cilantro pesto (do not stir in).