Daily menu, October 18: beetroot soup, mushroom rendang nasi lemak and candy apples

Sunday 18 October 2026 15:00 - Juliette Hess
Daily menu, October 18: beetroot soup, mushroom rendang nasi lemak and candy apples

This daily menu brings bold color, fragrant spices and a crisp-sweet finish to the table. Begin with easy and colorful beetroot soup, a smooth starter that pairs earthy beetroot with a cool yogurt topping, pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley. It is an inviting way to start a relaxed lunch or dinner, and can be served in bowls or smaller glasses when you want an appetizer-sized portion.

The centerpiece is vegetarian mutton mushroom rendang nasi lemak, where a rich, chili-forward paste, kaffir lime leaves and a squeeze of lime give the dish its distinctive character. Served with rice cooked in coconut milk, as the recipe suggests, it offers a satisfying contrast to the soup’s gentle creaminess. For dessert, candy apples bring a bright red shell and a tart apple bite, turning the final course into a cheerful treat. Together, the three recipes make a varied menu with comforting textures and memorable flavors, from the first spoonful to the last crunchy bite.

Easy and colorful beetroot soup

This starter turns cooked beetroot and potato into a vividly colored soup, with stock adding savory depth. Its simple preparation makes it a practical opening course, while the smooth texture sets a gentle tone before the spiced main dish. Finish each serving with plain yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast, then add pumpkin seeds and parsley leaves for a little crunch and freshness. Serve it in bowls or deep plates for a sit-down meal, or pour smaller portions into glasses to offer it as an appetizer.
Easy and colorful beetroot soupRecipe Easy and colorful beetroot soup

Add some color to your meal with this beetroot soup! It's very easy to make, and you can serve it in bowls, soup plates, or even small glasses as an appetizer. Topped with yogurt, pumpkin seeds, and parsley, it's a new way to enjoy beetroot :-)

Vegetarian mutton mushroom rendang nasi lemak

At the heart of the menu, this vegetarian rendang brings together vegetarian mutton, a thick paste of dried red chilies, shallots, galangal and garlic, and fragrant kaffir lime leaves. Lime juice adds a bright finishing note, while salt and sugar help balance the seasoning. The recipe suggests serving the rendang with nasi lemak, or rice cooked with coconut milk, for a filling main course with a rich, aromatic character. Its savory spices create a lively contrast with the mild beetroot soup and the sweet, crisp dessert.
Vegetarian mutton (mushroom) rendang nasi lemakRecipe Vegetarian mutton (mushroom) rendang nasi lemak

Delicious when prepared as a rendang to be eaten with nasi lemak / rice cooked with coconut milk.

Candy apples for a crisp, sweet finish

These candy apples bring a playful finish to the menu: firm apples are threaded onto wooden skewers and coated in a red sugar shell made with sugar and water. The crisp coating meets the apple’s tartness in every bite, offering a striking contrast to the savory rendang. Organic apples are suggested, though the recipe notes that other types can work too; choose apples that are firm and fresh. Let the coating cool before serving, so the glossy shell can set into the characteristic crunch.
Candy apples - video recipe!Recipe Candy apples - video recipe!

Born in the US during the 20th century, candy apples are the dentists nemesis. But who can't resist to the crunch of caramel marrying the sour taste of apple ?

Frequently asked questions

Can the beetroot soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes. The recipe suggests serving it in glasses as well as bowls or deep plates.

What goes on top of the beetroot soup?
Finish it with plain yogurt, pumpkin seeds and a few parsley leaves; season with salt to taste.

What is used to make the rendang paste?
Blend or process dried red chilies, shallots, galangal and garlic into a thick paste.

What does nasi lemak mean in this recipe?
It refers to rice cooked with coconut milk, suggested as an accompaniment to the rendang.

How should vegetarian mutton be prepared?
Break it into individual rolls, rinse gently and squeeze out the water before using it.

Which apples work for candy apples?
The recipe recommends organic apples, but any type can be used if the apples are firm and fresh.

Can candy apple caramel be flavored?
The provided recipe FAQ suggests adding flavor extracts such as vanilla or cinnamon to the caramel mixture.

Shopping list for the full menu

Easy and colorful beetroot soup
  • 1.1 lb cooked beetroot
  • 1 potato
  • 1 stock cube
  • 2 cups water
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp plain yogurt
  • Salt to taste
  • Pumpkin seeds to taste
  • A few parsley leaves
Vegetarian mutton (mushroom) rendang nasi lemak
  • 1/2 packet (about 300g) vegetarian mutton
  • 5-6 kaffir/limau purut leaves
  • 1/2 lime
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • Salt and sugar for taste
  • 10 dried red chilies
  • 5 shallots
  • 1 inch galangal/lengkuas
  • 5 garlic
Candy apples - video recipe!
  • 2 apples (best with organic ones)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • some water
  • red food colouring
  • wooden skewers
Juliette HessJuliette Hess
I have been creating culinary content for Petitchef since 2017.
I love travelling and discovering new dishes, trying out new food trends and exploring new restaurants.
I’m a huge fan of pasta and noodles in all their forms ❤ from udon noodles to tagliatelle, I love cooking them and even making them from scratch!
I’m currently preparing, filming and photographing your next recipe, and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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