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Russian Okroshka Soup – Refreshing Cold Summer Soup

شوربة أوكروشكا الروسية – حساء بارد منعش
Posted on by Nana

Introduction

Russian Okroshka Soup is a refreshing cold summer soup popular in Russia and neighboring countries. It features a rich mix of fresh vegetables, boiled eggs, pickles, and aromatic herbs, with a liquid base of kefir or buttermilk. This soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making it a complete light meal, ideal for hot days.

The secret to a successful Okroshka is using fresh ingredients, cutting them uniformly, and balancing acidity, salt, and a refreshing texture. This recipe provides detailed preparation steps with important tips for perfect results.

1. Main Ingredients

Vegetables

  • Fresh cucumber: diced into small cubes for a refreshing taste and crisp texture.
  • Boiled potatoes: diced into small cubes, forming the main base of the soup.
  • Boiled carrots: add natural color and mild flavor, also diced small.
  • Fresh celery: finely chopped, adds aroma and a fresh green touch.
  • Green or regular onion: finely chopped, enhances flavor and aroma.

Protein

  • Boiled eggs: diced, providing a rich texture and boosting nutritional value.
  • Russian sausages or cold boiled meat: optional, to enrich protein content.

Herbs and Seasoning

  • Fresh parsley or dill: finely chopped for natural aromatic flavor.
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste.
  • Pickles: add a balanced tangy note.

Soup Base

  • Kefir or buttermilk: forms the refreshing liquid base.
  • Cold water or light broth: to adjust consistency as needed.
  • Lemon juice or a little vinegar: adds balanced natural acidity.

2. Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Boil potatoes and carrots until tender, then cool before cutting.
  2. Boil eggs for 8–10 minutes, cool, and peel.
  3. Cut all ingredients into uniform small cubes for balanced texture and flavor distribution.
  4. Finely chop fresh herbs to enhance aroma.
  5. If using canned peas, drain and cool.

Tips

  • Uniform cubes ensure consistent texture in every bite.
  • Cooling ingredients before mixing with kefir preserves the refreshing cold character of the soup.
  • Ingredients can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for easier later assembly.

3. Preparing the Soup

  1. Place all diced ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Gradually add kefir or buttermilk, gently mixing to coat ingredients evenly.
  3. Add cold water or light broth to adjust consistency; soup should be liquid but pleasantly thick.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and chill the soup.

Practical Tips

  • Use appropriate acidity to avoid overly sour taste.
  • Gentle mixing preserves cube shapes and prevents crushing.
  • Longer chilling enhances flavor blending.

4. Serving

  • Serve very cold in deep bowls or cups.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill.
  • Add egg cubes or pickles on top for an attractive presentation.
  • Can be served as a light appetizer or side dish alongside other Russian meals.

5. Common Mistakes

  • Using warm ingredients → loses the refreshing cold quality.
  • Not chilling the soup enough → flavors are unbalanced and ingredients uneven.
  • Adding too much vinegar or lemon → overpowers vegetables and eggs.
  • Uneven cutting of ingredients → inconsistent texture in each spoonful.

6. Storage and Reheating

  • Store in the refrigerator for one day only to ensure fresh taste.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it alters the fresh texture upon thawing.
  • Adjust consistency before serving with extra kefir or cold water if needed.

7. Flavor Adjustments

  • Increase fresh herbs for a stronger, fresher taste.
  • Adjust acidity with lemon juice according to preference.
  • Substitute kefir with yogurt for a creamy texture while keeping freshness.
  • Add a little red pepper for a mild spicy kick without affecting coldness.

8. Conclusion

Russian Okroshka Soup is a refreshing summer dish, rich in vegetables and eggs, and easy to prepare. Focusing on chilling ingredients, cutting them evenly, and balancing taste and texture ensures a cold, harmonious, delicious, and refreshing soup that can be served as a light meal or side dish with traditional Russian cuisine. Following practical tips and precise steps guarantees professional results even for beginners in the kitchen.