LunchAppetizerSoup

Chłodnik (Polish Cold Beet Soup)

Name: Chłodnik (Polish Cold Beet Soup)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: polish
Ingredients: 500 g beet scrubbed and trimmed; 700 ml water; 500 ml kefir chilled; 1 pcs cucumber peeled and finely diced; 100 g radish trimmed and finely diced; 0.25 cup fresh dill finely chopped; 0.25 cup fresh chives finely chopped; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 4 pcs hard-boiled egg halved or quartered

A refreshing and vibrant cold soup, perfect for warm weather. This chłodnik features a creamy kefir base, fresh beets, and crisp vegetables. It's a light yet satisfying dish, often enjoyed for lunch or as a starter.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 2 hr 50 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 206 kcal

Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain eggs and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gbeet, scrubbed and trimmed
700 mlwater
500 mlkefir, chilled
1 pcscucumber, peeled and finely diced
100 gradish, trimmed and finely diced
0.25 cupfresh dill, finely chopped
0.25 cupfresh chives, finely chopped
2 tbsplemon juice
1 tbspwhite vinegar
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

garnish

4 pcshard-boiled egg, halved or quartered

Equipment

box_grater · saucepan · knife · large_bowl

The method

Step by step

1
Place the beets in a medium saucepan and cover with water.
Cook’s note: Ensure beets are fully submerged.
2
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beets are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: A knife should easily pierce through the center of the beet when done.
3
Remove the beets from the water and let them cool slightly.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Reserve the cooking liquid for later use.
4
Once cool enough to handle, peel the beets and grate them using a box grater or food processor.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Wear gloves to prevent staining your hands.
5
In a large bowl, combine the grated beets, diced cucumber, and diced radishes.
6
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and chives.
7
Pour in the chilled kefir and about half of the reserved beet cooking liquid.
Cook’s note: Add more beet liquid later if you prefer a thinner consistency.
8
Add the lemon juice, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
9
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
About 1 min
10
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
11
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chłodnik for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and for the soup to chill completely.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
12
Serve cold, garnished with hard-boiled egg halves or quarters.

Per serving

Nutrition

76%Score

Calories: 206kcal
Protein: 13.5g
Carbs: 23.2g
Fat: 6.3g
Fibre: 4.4g
Sugar: 17.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover chłodnik in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Eaten cold, do not reheat.