Authentic Russian Okroshka Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 quart of kefir or buttermilk
  • 1 quart of sparkling water
  • 4 boiled potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or red
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 bunch of radishes
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill
  • 1 bunch of green onions
  • 1 pound of cooked ham, bologna or sausage
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Cook the potatoes and eggs until they're done. Let them cool completely.
  2. Chop the cooked potatoes into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs and add them to the bowl.
  4. Wash and thinly slice the radishes. Add them to the bowl.
  5. Wash and chop the cucumber into bite-sized cubes. Add it to the bowl.
  6. Chop the dill and green onions finely. Save some for garnish and put the rest in the bowl.
  7. Chop the cooked ham into bite-sized cubes and add it to the bowl.
  8. Mix all the ingredients in the bowl until they're evenly distributed.
  9. In a separate pitcher, mix the kefir or buttermilk with the sparkling water. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Pour the kefir or buttermilk mixture over the ingredients in the bowl, just until they're covered.
  11. Stir the soup until everything is thoroughly mixed.
  12. Chill the soup in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
  13. Serve the soup cold, garnished with the remaining dill and green onions.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Potato Peeler - To peel the potatoes and cucumber.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the vegetables and ham.
  • Cutting Board - A surface for safe and convenient chopping.
  • Pitcher - To mix the kefir or buttermilk with sparkling water.
  • Spoon - For stirring and mixing the soup.
  • Pot - To boil the potatoes and eggs.
  • Egg Slicer - Optional, but helpful for slicing hard-boiled eggs.

Recipe variations

  • Use yogurt or sour cream instead of kefir or buttermilk for a tangy twist.
  • Replace the sparkling water with mineral water for a different level of carbonation.
  • Try using different types of potatoes like Russet or fingerling for a unique flavor.
  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or carrots for additional crunch and color.
  • Experiment with different herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for varying flavors.
  • Replace the cooked ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or smoked salmon for alternative protein options.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely and adding extra vegetables or tofu.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
  • For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.
  • Try serving the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.

Recipe overview

Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing and hearty dish is packed with boiled potatoes, eggs, fresh radishes, cucumber, dill, green onions, and chunks of cooked ham, all swimming in a tangy, effervescent mixture of kefir or buttermilk and sparkling water. This mixture gives the soup its characteristic tang and fizz, making it an ideal cooling dish. The beauty of Okroshka is that it's incredibly versatile - you can use your favorite sausage or even skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Expect a symphony of textures and flavors in each spoonful: the creaminess of the potatoes, the crunch of the radishes, the freshness of the cucumber, and the richness of the ham. The soup needs to be chilled for at least two hours before serving, making it a great make-ahead meal or appetizer for your summer gatherings. Enjoy it garnished with remaining dill and green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Don't be surprised if this becomes your new favorite summer soup!

Common questions

  1. Can I use yogurt instead of kefir or buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute yogurt for kefir or buttermilk in this recipe. However, the taste and texture of the soup may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Okroshka is a versatile soup, and you can customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include boiled beets, pickles, and cooked carrots.
  3. Can I use different herbs? Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs. Besides dill and green onions, parsley and cilantro are also commonly used in Okroshka.
  4. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make Okroshka ahead of time. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. It's best consumed within 24 hours.
  5. Can I add meat to this soup? Absolutely! The recipe suggests using cooked ham, bologna, or sausage. However, you can also use cooked chicken, beef, or even seafood for added protein.
  6. Is Okroshka a vegetarian-friendly soup? While the traditional recipe includes meat, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables or protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Pitcher - To mix and serve the kefir or buttermilk mixture.
  • Knife - For chopping the potatoes, eggs, radishes, cucumber, dill, and green onions.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Potato Peeler - To peel the boiled potatoes.
  • Soup Ladle - For serving the Okroshka soup into bowls.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the soup before serving.

Origin stories

Okroshka is a classic dish hailing from the vast and varied culinary landscape of Russia. It's a refreshing, cold soup that was born in a time before refrigeration, made with whatever was readily available in the garden and pantry. The name "Okroshka" itself offers a delightful glimpse into the dish's history. It comes from the Russian word "kroshit'" which means "to crumble", a fitting moniker as the preparation involves a lot of chopping and dicing. Traditionally, Okroshka was made with kvass, a fermented beverage common in Russia, but over time, versions using kefir or buttermilk have gained popularity. As versatile in its ingredients as it is rich in its history, Okroshka is truly a testament to Russian ingenuity and a love for wholesome, hearty flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.