Chłodnik Tradycyjny, known as traditional Polish cold beet soup, has its roots in Eastern European cuisines, particularly Poland and Lithuania. It is a refreshing, chilled soup, perfect for hot summer days. Historically, chłodnik was made with fermented beet juice, giving it a slightly tangy flavour. Over time, it has evolved to include various fresh vegetables, yoghurt, and kefir or buttermilk, making it a nutritious and cooling dish.
Regional Variations
Lithuania: Šaltibarščiai is a similar cold beet soup but made with kefir and often includes boiled potatoes on the side.
Belarus: Uses more sour cream and sometimes includes pickled vegetables for a tangier flavour.
Ukraine: Often incorporates additional vegetables such as carrots and sometimes uses meat broth as a base.
Tips and Tricks
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavour.
Let the soup chill thoroughly; it's best when very cold.
Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to taste for a perfect balance of flavours.
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 medium beetroots, peeled and grated | 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped |
1 large cucumber, diced | 1 clove garlic, minced |
4 radishes, thinly sliced | 1 tablespoon lemon juice |
500 ml natural yoghurt | Salt and pepper to taste |
500 ml kefir or buttermilk | 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved (for serving) |
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped | Fresh dill and chives (for garnish) |
Instructions:
Prepare the Beetroots:
Peel and grate the beetroots.
Place the grated beetroots in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled beetroots, diced cucumber, sliced radishes, minced garlic, chopped dill, and chives.
Add the yoghurt and kefir (or buttermilk). Mix well.
Season and Chill:
Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavours to meld.
Serve:
Serve chilled, garnished with halved hard-boiled eggs and additional fresh dill and chives.
Additional Info
Allergens
Calories per Serving
Nutrition Information per Serving
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