Okroshka

Okroshka Recipe - Traditional Dish from England and Russia

Region / culture: England, Russia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing dish is made with a combination of buttermilk, vegetables, eggs, and meat, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.

History

Okroshka has been a popular dish in Russia for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. It is believed to have been created by Russian peasants who needed a way to use up leftover ingredients during the hot summer months. The name "okroshka" comes from the Russian word "kroshit," which means to chop or shred, referring to the chopped vegetables and meat used in the soup.

Ingredients

10 cups of boiling water
4 tbsp of chicken bouillon base
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 qt (946 ml) of buttermilk
5 green onions, minced well
0.5 english cucumber, chopped
1 cup of ham or kohlbasa, chopped
2 lemons, juiced
0.5 cup of celery, chopped fine
salt, to taste
fresh dill, chopped fine, to taste

How to prepare

Add chicken bouillon base to boiling water and stir. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
While the broth is cooling, prepare the vegetables, eggs, and ham.
When the broth has reached room temperature, add buttermilk, lemon juice, vegetables, eggs, and ham.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add salt and dill according to taste.
Refrigerate the soup.
The soup is best served well chilled.

Variations

Try using kefir or yogurt instead of buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Add fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
Experiment with different vegetables such as radishes or bell peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the broth cool to room temperature before adding the buttermilk to prevent curdling.

- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.

- Adjust the amount of salt and dill to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve okroshka chilled with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Okroshka is a no-cook dish, making it perfect for hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize okroshka with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and meats. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon base for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Okroshka can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish okroshka with a sprig of fresh dill or a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Okroshka pairs well with a light beer or a glass of chilled kvass, a traditional Russian fermented beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover okroshka in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To serve, simply stir well and enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of okroshka contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Okroshka is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the vegetables and buttermilk.

Fats

The fats in okroshka come primarily from the buttermilk and any meat added to the soup.

Proteins

Protein in okroshka comes from the eggs and meat, providing a good source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Okroshka is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the vegetables and lemon juice.

Alergens

Okroshka may contain allergens such as eggs, dairy, and meat. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, okroshka is a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Okroshka is a delicious and refreshing cold soup that is perfect for summer. With its mix of buttermilk, vegetables, eggs, and meat, it provides a balanced and nutritious meal that is sure to satisfy. Enjoy this traditional Russian dish with your own twist on ingredients and flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was on a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon a small Russian cookbook at a flea market. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Okroshka, a traditional cold soup that seemed both simple and refreshing.

I had never heard of Okroshka before, but the ingredients and the process intrigued me. Chopped vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy kefir mixed together to create a light and flavorful soup that was perfect for hot summer days. I knew I had to try making it myself.

As I read through the recipe, I realized that some of the ingredients might be a bit difficult to find in my small town. But that didn't deter me. I was determined to recreate this traditional Russian dish in my own kitchen.

I set out to gather the ingredients, substituting some items for what I could find locally. I chopped cucumbers, radishes, and boiled eggs, all the while imagining the flavors melding together in the cold soup. I mixed in the kefir, a fermented milk drink that added a tangy and creamy element to the dish.

Finally, I added in some dill and a dash of salt to enhance the flavors. The soup was ready, and I poured myself a bowl to taste my creation. The first spoonful was a revelation - the crisp vegetables, the creamy kefir, and the subtle hint of dill all came together in a harmonious blend of flavors.

I was hooked. From that day on, Okroshka became a staple in my summer cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, picnics, and any time I wanted a light and refreshing meal. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding in new ingredients or adjusting the proportions to suit my taste.

Over the years, I shared my love for Okroshka with friends and family. I would often bring a batch to potlucks or dinner parties, where it was always met with rave reviews. People were always surprised by the unique combination of ingredients and the bold flavors that came together in this simple cold soup.

As I continued to make Okroshka, I began to delve deeper into its origins and history. I learned that it was a popular dish in Russia, particularly during the summer months when fresh vegetables were abundant. It was often served as a light and refreshing meal to combat the heat and humidity of the Russian summer.

I also discovered that there were many variations of Okroshka, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. Some versions used different types of meat or fish, while others incorporated additional herbs and spices for added flavor. I experimented with these variations, trying out new ingredients and techniques to create my own signature version of the dish.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I continued to explore new recipes and techniques, always seeking to expand my culinary skills and knowledge. But Okroshka remained a constant in my cooking repertoire, a dish that never failed to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

And so, my journey with Okroshka continues to this day. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that cooking can bring. I am grateful for the flea market find that introduced me to this traditional Russian soup, and for the countless hours of enjoyment it has brought me over the years.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Okroshka on a warm summer day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life - good food, good company, and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. And as I take that first spoonful, I am transported back to that moment many years ago when I first discovered the magic of Okroshka. It is a memory I will always cherish, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.