Refreshing Summer Okroshka

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) kefir 2 cups (470ml) kefir
• 1 cup (240ml) cold water 1 cup (240ml) cold water
• 1 cucumber, finely chopped 1 cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 radishes, finely chopped 4 radishes, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 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): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the kefir and cold water.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, radishes, spring onions, dill, and parsley to the bowl.
3. 3.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the chilled Okroshka in bowls or glasses, garnished with ice cubes for extra refreshment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumber — Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for the best texture in the soup.
• Kefir — Opt for plain kefir without any added flavors or sweeteners for an authentic taste.
• Dill and parsley — Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavors of Okroshka. Chop them finely to evenly distribute their aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a small portion of the vegetables with the kefir before adding the remaining chopped vegetables.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for a more or less tangy flavor.
• Serve the Okroshka with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability for a fresher taste.
• To make it more filling, you can add cooked diced potatoes or boiled eggs to the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Okroshka chilled in bowls or glasses. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a few ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the Okroshka in clear glass bowls or tall glasses, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Add a sprig of fresh dill or parsley on top for an elegant touch.