Overview
A traditional Polish cold beet soup celebrated for its bright color, creamy texture, and refreshing herbs.
IMG_1097
Chlodnik (Poland)
An authentic recipe for traditional Polish Chlodnik, highlighting its striking pink hue, crisp vegetable textures, and cooling dairy base.
Ready in
30 min
Makes 4 servings
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Level
Easy
About this recipe
An authentic recipe for traditional Polish Chlodnik, highlighting its striking pink hue, crisp vegetable textures, and cooling dairy base.
A traditional Polish cold beet soup celebrated for its bright color, creamy texture, and refreshing herbs.
Ingredients
Soup Base
Dairy
Vegetables & Herbs
Toppings
Seasoning
Equipment
- Cooking pot For boiling beets
- Large mixing bowl For combining soup ingredients
- Whisk For blending dairy and broth
Instructions
-
Wash the beetroots and separate the stems and leaves. Finely chop the greens and dice the beetroot roots.
-
In a pot, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil, add the diced beets and stems, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until tender. Add chopped beet greens in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
15 min -
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice or vinegar to preserve the bright pink color, and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled kefir and sour cream. Stir in the cooled beetroot mixture.
-
Add diced cucumbers, radishes, scallions, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Refrigerate the soup for at least 2 hours before serving to allow all the flavors to meld.
120 min -
Serve cold, garnished with fresh dill and halves of hard-boiled eggs in each bowl.
Nutrition
Calories
210
Protein
10g
Carbs
18g
Fat
11g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
10g
Sodium
380mg
Serving Size
1 serving
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.5
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Expert Review
Verdict
A brilliantly refreshing, vibrant pink Polish classic that delivers incredible cooling flavors on hot summer days.
Pros
- Gorgeous vibrant presentation
- Extremely refreshing
- Healthy probiotic content
Cons
- Requires chilling time before serving
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for traditional Polish Chlodnik, highlighting its striking pink hue, crisp vegetable textures, and cooling dairy base.
Tips
- Always use young beets with their greens if available for the most authentic earthy flavor
- Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar immediately after boiling prevents the beets from turning brown
- Serve ice-cold on hot summer afternoons for maximum enjoyment
Substitutions
- Kefir → Plain buttermilk or whole milk plain yogurt thinned with water
- Lemon juice → Apple cider vinegar
Storage
Store in the refrigerator in a covered glass container for up to 3 days.
Pairing
- Fresh crusty rye bread
- Boiled baby potatoes tossed with butter and dill
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
Can I make Chlodnik without dairy?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based kefir or oat yogurt and vegan sour cream for a dairy-free version.
How long does Chlodnik last in the fridge?
It can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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4.9 expert rating
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