What is kholodnyk and how to prepare it properly: a classic recipe for the first course

If you are unlikely to be surprised by the usual okroshka or just any cold soup, then there is an alternative cold soup called kholodnyk. The most important thing in this first dish is the beet base, its stems and leaves. And then everything else is up to you: the dish can be served with any fresh or boiled vegetables, boiled eggs, herbs, and sour cream.

Food blogger Natalia shared a classic recipe for cold soup kholodnyk on her YouTube channel.

Ingredients:

• beets - 3 pcs (with stems)
• juice of 1 lemon
• salt, pepper

For serving:

• sour cream
• garlic
• boiled potatoes

• boiled eggs
• cucumber
• radish
• green onions
• dill

Method of preparation:

1. Chop the beetroot stems and leaves and grate the root vegetable itself. Put everything in a saucepan.

2. Pour water (2.5 liters) over the vegetable, adding lemon juice and salt. Put on the stove, bring to a boil, and then cook for 15-20 minutes.

3. Cool.

4. Serve the cold soup as follows: pour beetroot soup into a bowl, squeeze garlic on top, and add sour cream. Stir to combine.

5. Garnish the dish with slices of boiled potatoes and boiled eggs, radish, cucumber, green onions and dill.