Bbc Beet Borscht (Buttermilk, Balsamic & Carrot)

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 Large Spanish onion (or a large yellow onion & 3-4 shallots,) chopped small
• 4 Medium/large carrots, chopped small
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
• 2 14-15 oz. cans of whole peeled beets
• 3-4 Roasted fresh beets*
• 3 cups Buttermilk
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
• Sour cream or creme fraiche and fresh chopped chives for topping

1. Roast the beets: wash, trim and roast them whole in a foil packet at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until very tender. When cool enough to handle, slip off skins and slice.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion and carrots. Cook covered for around 15 minutes, stirring a few times, until fairly soft but not browned. Stir in the balsamic and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, or until very soft. Stir in the brown sugar, adjusting quantity depending on sweetness of beets/carrots. (It should have a slight sweetness, but not taste like dessert.) Let cool slightly.
3. In a blender, puree the cooked vegetables with the canned beets and their liquid. It will probably take 3 or 4 batches, removing the puree to a big bowl as you go. (An immersion blender works fine for this, but I like the smoother puree you get in a blender.)
4. Whisk it all together with around 3/4-1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then the buttermilk. If it seems too thick, add a little more buttermilk. Add more salt if necessary (flavors mute a bit when cold, so don't under season.)
5. Chill in the fridge for a few hours; stir well and serve topped with a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche, and a sprinkling of chopped chives.
6. *Note: roasted beets add depth of flavor, but for a quicker version - or when fresh aren't available - omit them and use 3 cans instead. It will still be delicious.

olive oil, onion, carrots, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, peeled beets, fresh beets, buttermilk, kosher salt, sour cream

Taken from food52.com/recipes/22463-bbc-beet-borscht-buttermilk-balsamic-carrot (may not work)