Chłodnik (Polish Cold Beet Soup)
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
Allergen information: may contain eggs and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
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
- 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
Store leftover chłodnik in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Eaten cold, do not reheat.
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