Cold Beet Soup-Russia(Svekolnik)
A refreshing cold beet soup from Russia, featuring earthy beets, tangy lemon, and creamy sour cream. This vibrant dish is perfect for hot days, offering a balance of flavors and a colorful presentation. Ideal for summer meals or as a starter, it delights with its bright, savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken stock and water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add chopped onion, peeled and julienned or grated potato, beets, crushed garlic, peeled and julienned or grated carrot, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Chill the soup in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider roasting the beets before adding them to the soup. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked beets available in the store. Fresh herbs like dill can also enhance the taste. Adjust the lemon juice to your preference for acidity, and if you like a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This soup can be served with a side of sesame carrot sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cold beet soup is perfect for a light summer meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken oriental or can be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer. For a garnish, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream, creating a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, so it may taste even better the next day. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it has thickened. Avoid boiling to maintain the fresh flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Beet Soup-Russia(Svekolnik) contains roughly 365 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omitting the sour cream or using a plant-based alternative. The flavors will still be rich and delicious, making it a great option for all diets.
How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time for making cold beet soup is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including cooking and cooling time. However, it's best to chill the soup in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to enhance the flavors before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as cucumber for added crunch or bell peppers for sweetness. Just ensure they complement the flavors of the beets, and adjust the cooking time as necessary for different ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).