Polish Cold Beet Soup

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.

Polish Cold Beet Soup (Wikimedia Commons)

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.

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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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Season and Chill:

• Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavours to meld.

1. Serve:

• Serve chilled, garnished with halved hard-boiled eggs and additional fresh dill and chives.

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Additional Info

Allergens

• Contains dairy (yoghurt, kefir or buttermilk)

Calories per Serving

Approximately 150-180 calories per serving (1 bowl)

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 6g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 10g

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