Place the onion, potatoes, apple and water in a large bowl. Cover and cook on HIGH power for 10 minutes.

Stir in the cumin seeds and cook on HIGH power for 1 minute.

Stir in the beetroot (beets), bay leaf, thyme, lemon juice and hot vegetable stock. Cover and cook on HIGH power for 12 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

Leave to stand, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Strain the vegetables and reserve the liquid. Process the vegetables with a little of the reserved liquid in a food processor or blender until they are smooth and creamy. Alternatively, either mash the vegetables with a potato masher or press them through a strainer with the back of a wooden spoon.

Pour the veqetable puree into a clean bowl with the reserved liquid and mix well. Season to taste. Cover and cook on HIGH power for 4 - 5 minutes, until the soup is piping hot.

Serve the soup in warmed bowls. Swirl 1 tablespoon of soured cream into each serving and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill.