Latvian Beetroot Cold Soup

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized beetroots, boiled and grated (about 2 cups/470ml) 4 medium-sized beetroots, boiled and grated (about 2 cups/470ml)
• 2 cups (470ml) kefir 2 cups (470ml) kefir
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 scallions, finely chopped 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Ice cubes for serving Ice cubes for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated beetroots, kefir, diced cucumber, sliced radishes, chopped scallions, and fresh dill.
2. 2.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Serve the Aukstā Zupa chilled, garnished with additional fresh dill and accompanied by ice cubes for added refreshment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beetroots — Make sure to boil the beetroots until they are tender but not mushy. This will ensure a pleasant texture in the soup.
• Kefir — Use plain kefir for the authentic flavor. If kefir is not available, you can substitute it with buttermilk or a combination of yogurt and milk.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a small portion of the soup before adding the grated beetroots.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. It adds a tangy kick to the soup.
• Serve the Aukstā Zupa with traditional Latvian rye bread for a complete meal experience.
• Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for additional flavors and colors.
• If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak the grated beetroots in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Aukstā Zupa in chilled bowls or glasses to enhance the refreshing experience. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh dill for an added touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To make the presentation more visually appealing, arrange a few slices of cucumber and radish on top of the soup. Drizzle a little olive oil over the vegetables for a glossy finish.