Chren

Authentic Vegetarian Chren Recipe from Russia with Beets and Horseradish

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chren, also known as horseradish sauce, is a popular condiment in Eastern European cuisine. It is known for its strong and spicy flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to meats, sandwiches, and other dishes.

History

The origins of chren can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where horseradish has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and as a flavoring agent. Over time, it evolved into a popular condiment that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of whole or sliced cooked beets
0.5 jar (2 oz or 57 g) of ground horseradish

How to prepare

Place the ingredients into a blender.
Blend until the mixture is finely ground.
If desired, you can add vinegar, although the prepared horseradish usually has enough flavor.
Transfer the mixture into a clean jar.
Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for a week before using.

Variations

You can add other ingredients to chren, such as mustard, honey, or mayonnaise, to create different flavor profiles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing chren, be sure to use fresh horseradish for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of horseradish to suit your taste preferences, adding more for a spicier sauce or less for a milder flavor. Allowing the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for a week before using will help the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chren with roasted meats, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the ingredients in a blender is the best way to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for chren.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh horseradish, you can use prepared horseradish from a jar.

Make Ahead Tips

Chren can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve chren in a small bowl or jar with a spoon for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Chren pairs well with roasted meats, sausages, and sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store chren in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It does not need to be reheated before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 20

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chren is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

Chren may contain allergens such as sulfites.

Summary

Chren is a low-calorie condiment that is high in vitamin C and potassium.

Summary

Chren is a flavorful and spicy condiment that is easy to make at home. Enjoy it with your favorite dishes for an extra kick of flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during a sunny summer day, while rummaging through old recipe books in my grandmother's attic. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, a faded piece of paper fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for chren, a traditional Ukrainian horseradish condiment that I had heard of but never tried making myself.

I could almost smell the pungent aroma of freshly grated horseradish as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for horseradish root, vinegar, sugar, and salt, all of which I had in my pantry. Excited to try something new, I decided to give it a go.

I followed the recipe carefully, grating the horseradish root until my eyes watered and my nose tingled. I added the vinegar, sugar, and salt, stirring the mixture until it reached a thick and creamy consistency. The sharp scent of horseradish filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished chren, so I spooned some onto a piece of crusty bread and took a bite. The fiery heat of the horseradish hit me immediately, followed by a tangy sweetness that lingered on my tongue. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I knew that I had discovered something truly special.

I shared the chren with my family, and they were equally impressed by its bold flavors. My grandmother, who had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine many years ago, recognized the recipe instantly. She told me that chren was a staple in Ukrainian cuisine, often served with meats, sausages, and other savory dishes.

She shared her own memories of making chren with her own grandmother, using freshly grated horseradish from their garden. She explained how the condiment was not only delicious but also believed to have medicinal properties, helping to clear sinuses and aid digestion.

As I listened to my grandmother's stories, I felt a deep connection to my heritage and a sense of pride in carrying on this culinary tradition. I knew that this recipe for chren would become a beloved favorite in my own kitchen, passed down through generations just like my grandmother had done before me.

Since that day, I have made chren countless times, always savoring the process of grating the horseradish root and mixing it with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Each batch brings back memories of that sunny summer day in my grandmother's attic, where I stumbled upon a piece of my family's history in the form of a simple but flavorful condiment.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and carry on the traditions of my ancestors. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and share a piece of my culture with others. And whenever I make chren, I am reminded of the love and dedication that my grandmother poured into her own cooking, passing down recipes and stories that will always hold a special place in my heart.