- Gently fry the finely chopped onion, garlic, celery and garlic in the grapeseed oil over a very low heat until soft and aromatic.
- Add the chopped beets. Cover with stock and add extra water if required until you have 4cm above the level of the beetroot.
- Add a bay leaf and leave to simmer with a lid semi-covering until the beetroot is soft, around 45 minutes.
- Puree the soup then allow to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to thicken and concentrate the flavors. Season with fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper before serving. Top with horseradish, sour cream and fresh dill.

Chefs’ Choir: Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel’s Russian Pelmeni
For Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel, making pelmeni is more than just cooking—it’s a cherished family tradition. She grew up rolling out these hearty Russian dumplings alongside her mother and grandmother, filling the kitchen with warmth and conversation. Now, she hopes to pass the tradition on to her little one, sharing the joy of homemade comfort food, one bite at a time.