Skip to main content

Five-Spice Beet Soup

This vibrant five-spice beetroot soup is a striking vegetarian dish that combines earthy sweetness with aromatic warmth. The deep purple hue of the fresh beetroot makes for a visually stunning starter or light lunch, while the addition of Chinese five-spice and ginger provides a sophisticated depth of flavour that cuts through the natural richness of the root vegetables.

Rooted in simplicity, this healthy soup uses a clever microwave technique to soften the beetroot quickly, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious midweek meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or seeded crackers, topped with a cool dollop of soured cream and fresh celery leaves for a contrast in texture and temperature. It is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce with a fragrant, modern twist.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Five-Spice Beet Soup

  • 4 2-to 2 1/2-inch-diameter beets, scrubbed, trimmed, unpeeled, each cut into 6 wedges (about 850ml )

  • 725ml vegetable broth, divided

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium-size red onion, thinly sliced (2 cups)

  • 1 celery stalk with leaves, stalk chopped, leaves sliced

  • 2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoons (or more) Chinese five-spice powder*

  • Soured cream or plain yoghurt

How to make Five-Spice Beet Soup

Place beet wedges in 4-cup glass measuring cup. Add 475ml broth; cover with paper plate and microwave on high until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and chopped celery stalk; cover and cook until almost tender and translucent, stirring often, about 12 minutes.

Add beet mixture and 240ml broth to onion mixture; cover and simmer 4 minutes. Mix in ginger and 1/4 teaspoons five-spice powder. Transfer to blender; cover and puree. Season soup to taste with salt, pepper, and additional five-spice powder, if desired; rewarm if necessary. Ladle soup into 4 bowls. Top with dollops of soured cream and sliced celery leaves.

*A spice blend available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.