Refreshing Cold Soup with Peas and Radishes

This delightful cold soup, also known as Aukstā Zupa, is a traditional Latvian dish that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. It's a perfect meal for a hot summer day, providing a refreshing and nutritious balance of vegetables and dairy. While the concept of cold soups may be unfamiliar to some, this Latvian specialty highlights the versatility and creativity of Eastern European cuisines.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 liter of Kefir
200 grams of Pickled Beets
100 grams of Radishes
200 grams of Canned Peas
1 Fresh Cucumber
2 Hard-Boiled Eggs
150 grams of Sausage
Fresh Herbs (e.g., dill, parsley)

Spices:

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Horseradish, to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all the ingredients and necessary kitchen tools, including a sharp knife, cutting board, and a large mixing bowl.
Chop the Vegetables: Start by dicing the fresh cucumber, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized for a pleasant texture in the soup.
Slice the Radishes: Thinly slice the radishes to keep the soup crisp and slightly peppery.
Dice the Pickled Beets: Similar to the cucumber, ensure the pickled beets are diced uniformly for consistency.
Boil and Slice the Eggs: Boil the eggs if not already prepared. Once cooled, slice them into small pieces.
Slice the Sausage: Cut the sausage into small cubes. Choose a smoked variety to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, radishes, pickled beets, canned peas, eggs, and sausage.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finely chop your choice of fresh herbs and add to the mixture for an aromatic touch.
Season the Ingredients: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and horseradish to taste, ensuring the flavors meld well together.
Add Kefir: Pour the kefir over the ingredients, stirring gently to blend. The kefir serves as the soup's base, adding a creamy texture.
Stir Thoroughly: Ensure the soup is well-mixed, with the kefir coating all the ingredients evenly.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more horseradish or salt for a bolder flavor.
Chill the Soup: (Optional but recommended) Let the soup chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes to enhance its refreshing quality.
Serve Chilled: Ladle the soup into bowls, ready to be enjoyed as a light and refreshing meal.

Tips

Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage or replace it with smoked tofu.
Enhance Flavor: Adding a splash of lemon juice can add a tangy note to the soup.
Texture Variety: Grate some of the vegetables for a finer texture.

Nutritions (Approximate Values per Serving)

Calories: 150
Protein: 8 grams
Fats: 5 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace kefir with a plant-based yogurt and omit eggs.
Spicier Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra pepper for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Side Dishes: Serve with a slice of rye bread for a complete, traditional Latvian experience.
Garnishes: Top with additional fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.
Pairings: Perfectly pairs with a light, chilled white wine or an iced herbal tea.

Best Places to Try Out This Dish

Riga's Traditional Markets: Explore local markets where vendors offer authentic Latvian cold soups.
Latvian Family Restaurants: Experience homemade flavors in quaint, family-run eateries.
Culinary Festivals in Latvia: Attend food festivals showcasing traditional Latvian cuisine.

This refreshing cold soup offers a delightful introduction to Latvian culinary traditions. It's simple, quick to prepare, and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it an ideal dish to explore and enjoy. Bon appétit!