Soups
Beetroot, Tomato, Carrot and Diced Beef Soup
Traditionally taken to nourish the blood, support the complexion and as an antioxidant-rich bowl
Why people make this soup
The frozen-meat shop had diced beef on special, so Bro Niu picked up a pound and thought of borscht — but rather than the whole long list of ingredients, he kept it simple with just beetroot, tomato and carrot. These three are traditionally prized for nourishing the blood and complexion and for their antioxidant qualities, and are also associated with supporting healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and the heart. Tasty, colourful and nourishing — a lovely blood-and-beauty bowl.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone who wants a sweet, nourishing soup for the complexion; mild enough for young and old. (Readers asked — you can swap beef for pork if you prefer, and add red or black dates to nourish the blood further.)
- A gentle family soup with no special caution noted in the source.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Beetroot (hong cai tou): traditionally used to nourish the blood and support the complexion; antioxidant-rich.
- Tomato (fan qie): antioxidant-rich and traditionally associated with healthy skin.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): traditionally nourishing and rich in beneficial compounds.
- Beef (niu rou): a hearty, nourishing protein base.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | 1 | Peeled, leaves washed, cut in chunks |
| Tomatoes | 2 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, cut in chunks |
| Beef | ~225 g | Blanched |
Method
- Peel the beetroot (wash the leaves) and cut into chunks; peel and chunk the tomatoes; peel and chunk the carrot.
- Blanch the beef.
- Simmer everything in 8 bowls of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Beetroot leaves are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, which fade easily with heat — so save the leaves for a salad instead. The soup is sweet and tasty, fine for young and old. If using tender diced beef, it’s almost a waste to boil it; instead marinate it lightly in soy sauce and drop it in at the end, cooking briefly for the best flavour.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Pearl TANG): If my mother is allergic to peanuts, undergoing chemotherapy and anaemic, can she use this soup to nourish her blood? Bro Niu: Yes, the pictured soup helps nourish the blood; you can add some red dates or black dates.
- Q (Pearl TANG): If she has rheumatoid arthritis, can she switch to pork? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use pork instead, no problem.
- Q (Pearl): During chemotherapy, is it suitable to take cordyceps? Bro Niu: During chemotherapy you can use cordyceps and lingzhi-type ingredients to support immunity.
Published September 4, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
