Chłodnik Litewski
Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup
A vibrant and refreshing Polish cold beet soup, perfect for hot summer days. Its striking pink color and cool, tangy flavor make it a delightful starter or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beetroots
- 1 liter Buttermilk or Kefir(Full-fat is recommended for richness.)
- 2 medium Cucumbers
- 4 Hard-boiled eggs
- 1 large bunch Fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice(or to taste, for acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beetroots: Wash the beetroots thoroughly. You can either boil them until tender (about 45-60 minutes depending on size) or roast them (wrapped in foil at 200°C/400°F for 45-60 minutes). Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and grate them finely. The beetroots should be fork-tender when pierced.
⏱️ 60 minutes (approx. for cooking) - 2
Combine liquids and beets: In a large bowl or pot, combine the grated beetroots with the buttermilk or kefir. Stir well to incorporate. The mixture should start turning a vibrant pink.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the finely diced cucumbers and most of the chopped fresh dill (reserve some for garnish). Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – it should be tangy and well-seasoned.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Chill thoroughly: Cover the soup and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to become very cold. The colder, the better.
⏱️ 2 hours (minimum) - 5
Serve: Ladle the chilled soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a quartered or chopped hard-boiled egg and a sprinkle of the reserved fresh dill. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the soup is served ice-cold for the best refreshing experience.
- ✓The vibrant pink color is a hallmark of this soup; use fresh, good-quality beets.
- ✓This soup is best enjoyed on a warm day as a light and cooling meal.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar if the beets are not sweet enough.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch.
- Incorporate other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spring onions.
- For a richer soup, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.