Chilled Beet Soup Recipe

Chilled beet soup is a refreshing dish that blends vibrant colors and flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Originating from Eastern European cuisine, this soup is perfect for hot days when a light and cool meal is desired. The main ingredients include hearty elements like boiled potatoes, cucumbers, and boiled eggs, giving it both substance and freshness. What truly sets it apart is the vibrant color and tangy taste derived from pickled beets and kefir. The recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments based on personal taste or dietary needs. It's a dish that not only nourishes the body but also pleases the senses with its visually appealing presentation. With a blend of spices like horseradish and mustard, the soup achieves a balance of gentle heat and creaminess. Quick to prepare, it promises a delightful surprise with each spoonful. Whether serving it as an appetizer or a main course, the chilled beet soup is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 5 medium-sized boiled potatoes
• 1 long cucumber
• 4 boiled eggs
• 300 g of doctor sausage
• 30 g of spring onions
• 30 g of dill
• 500 ml of pickled beets
• 2 liters of kefir

Spices and Sauces:

• 1/2 teaspoon horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of pepper

Preparation Time

• Total time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes with their skins on. Once cooked, allow them to cool before peeling.
2. Slice the cucumber and boiled eggs into small cubes for uniformity. This ensures each bite carries a mix of textures.
3. Dice the doctor sausage into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber and eggs.
4. Finely chop the spring onions and dill, which will add a fresh, herbal fragrance to the soup.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the diced ingredients including the potatoes, cucumber, eggs, and sausage. Ensure they're thoroughly mixed.
6. Incorporate the pickled beets into the bowl. It's best if the beets are finely grated to blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
7. Pour the kefir over the mixture. This will bring a creamy balance to the earthy and tangy elements.
8. Add in the horseradish and mustard. These will introduce a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the soup.
9. Season the soup with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to preference.
10. Stir all ingredients gently to combine, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
11. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
12. Before serving, give the soup a quick stir to redistribute any settled ingredients.
13. Serve chilled, garnishing with a sprinkle of additional dill or spring onions for an added burst of color and freshness.
14. Enjoy your meal fresh off the refrigerator for the best experience and flavors.

Tips

• Kefir Substitute: If kefir is unavailable, replace it with a combination of yogurt and a splash of milk for a similar consistency.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace doctor sausage with smoked tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Boost the Beet Flavor: For an extra beet flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh beet juice.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Protein: 10g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice instead of kefir and swap sausage with a plant-based alternative.
• Spice it Up: Add finely chopped jalapeños if you prefer a little heat in your soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or rye bread to complement the soup.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or extra dill for richer flavor.

Best Places

1. Central Cafe - Renowned for its earthy and tangy chilled beet soup rendition. Location: 123 Downtown Ave, Riga, Latvia.
2. Northern Flavors Bistro - A modern twist on traditional recipes, including chilled beet soup. Location: 47 Culinary Way, Tallinn, Estonia.
3. The Beets Place - Perfect for beet lovers and soup enthusiasts alike. Location: 9 Culinary St, Vilnius, Lithuania.
4. Cold Dish Diner - Famous for a range of chilled dishes, this cafe stands out with its version of beet soup. Location: 18 Chilled Lane, Warsaw, Poland.
5. Soup Symphony - Offers a symphony of flavors with its chilled selections. Location: 77 Harmony Rd, Helsinki, Finland.
6. Fresh Cuisine Café - Pioneers innovative takes on classics, including chilled beet soup. Location: 66 Refresh St, Prague, Czech Republic.
7. Nordic Nourish - Promotes health and flavor, perfect for summer days. Location: 48 Nordic Road, Stockholm, Sweden.
8. Flavors of Europe - Blends the best of European cuisine into each dish. Location: 10 Continental Ave, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
9. Herbaceous Haven - A vegetarian-focused haven with a delightful beet soup. Location: 5 Green St, Oslo, Norway.
10. Traditional Taste House - Known for keeping recipes true to their roots. Location: 25 Heritage Blvd, Copenhagen, Denmark.