Meat Okroshka

Meat Okroshka Recipe from Russia with Bread Kvass and Vegetables

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meat Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing dish is made with a base of bread kvass and filled with a variety of ingredients such as hard-cooked eggs, boiled beef, fresh cucumbers, radishes, and potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish make it a favorite among many.

History

Okroshka has been a popular dish in Russia for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century and was traditionally made with a base of kvass, a fermented beverage made from rye bread. Over the years, different variations of okroshka have emerged, including Meat Okroshka, which includes meat as one of the main ingredients.

Ingredients

1.5 liters of bread kvass
4 hard-cooked eggs
10 oz (300 g) of boiled beef
several green onions
2 – 3 radishes
2 fresh cucumbers
3 boiled potatoes
1 – 2 tbsp of sour cream
1 tbsp of sugar
mustard
salt

How to prepare

Grind the egg yolk with the sour cream, mustard, salt, and sugar.
Dilute with cold kvass.
Add small cubes of fresh cucumbers, radishes, boiled beef, minced egg whites, boiled potatoes, and chopped green onions.

Variations

Substitute the beef with chicken or ham for a different flavor.
Add chopped dill or parsley for extra freshness.
Use yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold kvass for this recipe to keep the soup refreshing.

- Boil the beef until it is tender and then allow it to cool before adding it to the soup.

- Cut all the ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Adjust the amount of sour cream, mustard, and salt to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meat Okroshka cold with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Meat Okroshka is a no-cook recipe, making it perfect for hot summer days. Simply chop the ingredients, mix them together, and chill before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find bread kvass, you can substitute it with a mixture of water and vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Meat Okroshka can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Meat Okroshka in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a dollop of sour cream for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meat Okroshka with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Meat Okroshka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Meat Okroshka is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (sour cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Meat Okroshka is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a summer meal.

Summary

Meat Okroshka is a delicious and refreshing cold soup that is perfect for summer. With its mix of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Russian dish with friends and family for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Marina in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the enticing aroma of fresh dill and vegetables. Marina greeted me with a warm smile and a bowl of chilled Meat Okroshka.

I had never heard of this dish before, but one look at the colorful medley of meat, potatoes, cucumbers, and herbs floating in a tangy, creamy broth was enough to make my mouth water. Marina laughed as she saw my expression and explained that Meat Okroshka was a traditional Russian cold soup, perfect for beating the summer heat.

She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. Marina's grandmother was a talented cook who loved experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. She had a knack for combining simple, humble ingredients in such a way that they transformed into a dish that was both comforting and refreshing.

As I savored each spoonful of the Meat Okroshka, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Marina happily agreed to teach me, and we spent the afternoon chopping vegetables, boiling potatoes, and simmering tender chunks of meat in a flavorful broth. The kitchen was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking utensils as we worked side by side, creating a dish that was not only delicious but also filled with memories and tradition.

Marina shared with me the secret to a perfect Meat Okroshka – using the freshest ingredients possible and allowing the flavors to meld together overnight in the refrigerator. She also taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail when preparing the dish, as each step contributed to the overall taste and texture of the soup.

After hours of cooking and chatting, we finally sat down to enjoy our labor of love. The Meat Okroshka was everything I had hoped for and more – creamy, tangy, and bursting with the flavors of summer. The combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant herbs was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds with every spoonful.

From that day on, Meat Okroshka became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. Each time I cooked the dish, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Marina's kitchen and the bond we had forged over a shared love of good food and cherished traditions.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings to create a Meat Okroshka that is uniquely my own. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of summer flavors and a tribute to the culinary legacy passed down to me by Marina and her grandmother.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Meat Okroshka on a hot summer day, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful people and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. The recipe may have originated from Marina's grandmother, but with each batch I make, I am adding a piece of myself to the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that make up this beloved dish.

And so, as I take another spoonful of the chilled Meat Okroshka, I am reminded of the power of good food to bring people together, to create lasting bonds, and to nourish both body and soul. In this simple bowl of soup, I have found a connection to the past, a link to the present, and a promise of many more delicious meals to come.