Discover the Secrets of Chłodnik and Cool Down in the Scorching Summer

Chłodnik Litewski - A Traditional Cold Soup to Refresh All Summer

Summer months call for light and refreshing meals. When temperatures rise above thirty degrees, few people crave heavy dishes or spending hours in the kitchen. It is in such moments that chłodnik comes into play – an iconic cold soup from Eastern Europe that not only satisfies but also pleasantly cools you down.

This colorful and flavorful soup, often called chłodnik litewski, originates from Lithuania but has become commonplace in Poland, Belarus, and parts of Ukraine. In recent years, it has been making its way into our kitchens, and it's no wonder – it is simple, nutritious, and perfect for hot days.

What is chłodnik and why should it interest you?

The word "chłodnik" in Polish simply means "cold soup." Similar to Spanish gazpacho or Bulgarian tarator, chłodnik is served cold, ideally after resting in the fridge. It is primarily made with beetroot, kefir or yogurt, fresh cucumbers, dill, and boiled eggs. The result is a creamy pink soup that not only looks great but also refreshes the body better than ice-cold water.

Chłodnik litewski has a long history, dating back to the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In Polish cuisine, it has become a common seasonal dish, often served during spring and summer. Its main charm lies in the combination of simple ingredients and herbs, which together create a complex yet natural flavor.

Chłodnik Litewski Recipe - How to Make It?

There are many versions of this dish, but the basic recipe remains more or less the same. Anyone who can boil eggs and grate vegetables can make it.

Basic Recipe for Chłodnik Litewski

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beetroots
• 1-liter container of plain kefir or thick yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 4 radishes
• 2 boiled eggs
• A bunch of fresh dill
• Spring onions or chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a few drops of lemon juice or a tablespoon of vinegar

Instructions:

1. Peel and coarsely grate the beetroot, then cook it in a small amount of water until soft (about 15 minutes). Do not discard the cooking water – you will add it to the soup after it cools.
2. Let the beetroot cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients.
3. Coarsely grate the cucumber and radishes, and finely chop the spring onions.
4. In a deep bowl, mix the kefir with part of the beet cooking water. Add the vegetables, beetroot, chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Refrigerate the soup for several hours. When serving, add half a boiled egg to each portion and optionally garnish with fresh herbs.

The result? A light, aromatic dish that refreshes and satiates without a heavy feeling in the stomach. If you don't have kefir, you can substitute it with plain yogurt diluted with a bit of water or a plant-based alternative like soy or oat milk.

For a vegan version, simply omit the eggs and replace traditional dairy ingredients with plant-based ones. The taste remains surprisingly similar and still refreshing.

Chłodnik in Modern Cuisine - Merging Tradition with a Healthy Lifestyle

While chłodnik was once a common part of rural households, today it is making a comeback as a part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Not only does it use seasonal and local ingredients, but it also promotes hydration and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Beetroot is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly betaine, which supports liver function and detoxification. Kefir and yogurt bring beneficial probiotic cultures to the body, supporting digestion and the immune system. Adding fresh herbs like dill or chives also provides important phytonutrients.

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What's more – preparing chłodnik is practically environmentally friendly. You don't need any exotic ingredients or long cooking times. It's precisely the type of recipe that aligns with the philosophy of zero waste and an ecological approach to cooking.

How Does Chłodnik Fit into the Czech Menu?

You might wonder where this soup fits into our cuisine. Surprisingly close. The Czech Republic has its own tradition of cold dishes – think of cucumber salad with sour cream or cold cucumber soup. Chłodnik litewski may stand out with its beet color, but its core idea – using fresh ingredients and serving them cold – is culturally and tastefully very close to us.

Imagine a summer barbecue with friends. Instead of traditional potato salad, you set a bowl of chłodnik with an egg slice and dill sprigs on the table. Not only will you surprise your guests, but you'll offer them something light, nutritious, and different. Or a quick dinner after a day at the pool – instead of fried dishes, you reach for a pre-chilled bowl of pink soup. Practical, quick, and tasty.

Chłodnik Rewrites the Rules of Seasonal Cooking

In a world where vegetables are available year-round, we often forget the importance of cooking with seasonal ingredients. Chłodnik follows this rule. It is made in spring and summer when cucumbers, radishes, and fresh dill are at their peak. Not only do they taste better, but they also have higher nutritional value and a smaller ecological footprint.

It is also interesting how such a traditional dish has found its place in vegan and lactose-free kitchens. Modern recipes often use plant-based kefirs or fermented drinks made from almonds, oats, or soy. Chłodnik is not just a dish of the past but a living part of contemporary culinary culture.

As Polish chef Marta Dymek, known for promoting plant-based cuisine, says: "Chłodnik is not just food – it's a memory of summer, the garden, and the pure joy of simple flavors."

Thanks to its simplicity and adaptability, chłodnik has found its way into households beyond Poland and Lithuania. In Czech kitchens, it is not yet well-known, but with the growing interest in healthy cooking and returning to roots, this could change soon.

So next time you're thinking about preparing something quick and refreshing, give this unassuming pink soup a chance. You might fall in love with it just like millions of people in Poland and Lithuania. And maybe you'll start each summer with a bowl of chłodnik in the fridge.