Grass Soup(Polish Kvas)
A refreshing Polish grass soup with fresh lettuce, cucumbers, and green onions, blended with sour cream and vinegar for a tangy, cooling summer dish perfect for hot days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and chop the leaf lettuce.
- Put the chopped lettuce into a container.
- Add 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 12 ice cubes, and 1/2 cup of water over the lettuce.
- Chill the mixture if time permits, preferably overnight.
- Combine the chopped lettuce, cucumbers, and green onions.
- Add water until the vegetables start showing through when pressed with a spoon.
- Add the sour cream to the mixture.
- Add salt and vinegar to taste, starting with less and adjusting as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. Use any type of mild leafy greens if leaf lettuce is unavailable. For added crunch, you might include radishes or bell peppers. If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce can be added to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grass soup chilled as a refreshing starter. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or cold cuts. This dish is also a great accompaniment to a summer picnic, offering a cooling balance to hearty fare.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover grass soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the vegetables, it's best to keep the soup unblended until ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grass Soup(Polish Kvas) contains roughly 192 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1896mg per serving (82% 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 use other types of greens for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute other leafy greens like spinach or arugula for leaf lettuce. Each type will bring its unique flavor, so feel free to experiment. Just ensure they are fresh and properly washed before use.
Is it necessary to chill the soup overnight?
Chilling the soup overnight helps the flavors meld and intensifies the taste. However, if you're short on time, chilling it for at least 1-2 hours will still yield a refreshing dish.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! To make the soup vegan, replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Ensure that the vinegar you use is vegan-friendly, as some might not be.
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).