Name: Lithuanian cold beetroot soup
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Lithuanian
Ingredients: 200 grams Chopped beet greens; 1 piece Green cucumber; 1 piece Knorr Beef Bouillon Pot; 1 piece Bunch of radishes; 500 milliliters Natural yogurt; 2 pieces Eggs; 1 pinch Ground black pepper; 300 milliliters Water

Ingredients:

Chopped beet greens

200 grams

Green cucumber

1 piece

Knorr Beef Bouillon Pot

1 piece

Bunch of radishes

1 piece

Natural yogurt

500 milliliters

Eggs

2 pieces

Ground black pepper

1 pinch

Water

300 milliliters

easy

45 min.

4 servings

How to cook Chłodnik Litewski, a refreshing Lithuanian cold beet soup with cucumber, radish, yogurt, and hard-boiled egg. Easy summer recipe.

< 45 min

Step-by-step recipe for a Lithuanian cold beetroot soup

Step 1

In a small saucepan, bring 300 milliliters of water to a boil, add the chopped beet greens to it, and cook for about 10 minutes until the beets soften.

Step 2

Into the resulting broth, add the Knorr stock pot, stir and bring to a boil. Then set aside to cool.

Step 3

Add grated vegetables.

Step 4

Grate the cucumber and radishes on a coarse grater. Combine the chilled broth with yogurt.

Step 5

Season the cold soup to taste with a little freshly ground pepper and refrigerate for an hour. Meanwhile, hard-boil the eggs. Serve with hard-boiled eggs, cut in half.

Lithuanian Chłodnik: A Summer Culinary Refreshment

Chłodnik litewski—a cold soup, often translated as ‘Lithuanian Chłodnik’—stands as a true emblem of summer in Polish cuisine. This invigorating, naturally pink dish combines the delicate tang of young beet greens (botwinka) with the creamy texture of yogurt, crafting an ideal offering for warm days. The secret to an exceptional Chłodnik lies in the harmonious blend of gently cooked botwinka with crisp, fresh vegetables added chilled, providing essential textural contrast.

The Ideal Summer Meal

This cold soup offers a light and revitalizing option for anyone seeking a wholesome, cooling dish. It’s particularly appreciated by those mindful of their diet, as it delivers a wealth of vitamins and nutrients while remaining low in calories. For busy individuals, Chłodnik presents a convenient solution; prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator, ensuring a delicious, ready-to-enjoy meal at any moment.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

Chłodnik serves wonderfully as a light lunch on a hot day or as an elegant appetizer for a summer garden gathering. It also provides a perfect, refreshing repast after a day at the beach or by the pool. Presented in sophisticated glass bowls, garnished with halved hard-boiled eggs, it becomes not only delicious but also visually appealing.

The Origins and Nutritional Power of Beet Greens

Traditional Chłodnik litewski owes its distinctive color to the young leaves and roots of the beetroot plant. Botwinka, or young beet greens, not only imparts this beautiful hue but also acts as a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. While regional variations of this soup exist across Poland and Lithuania, its core identity always revolves around a cool, refreshing consistency.

Elevating Your Chłodnik: Creative Additions

Experiment with additional ingredients to develop your Chłodnik’s profile. Beyond the traditional cucumber and radish, consider incorporating grated zucchini for a subtle sweetness or fresh arugula for a peppery, nutty note. To enhance the soup’s base, blend natural yogurt with kefir in a 1:1 ratio for a more pronounced tang. A hint of fresh garlic or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar can further elevate the characteristic flavor of this seasonal soup. For a vegan alternative, substitute dairy yogurt and kefir with high-quality plant-based options, such as unsweetened almond or soy yogurt, ensuring a similar creamy texture and tangy profile.