July 18, 2017
Hi Everybody!
We’re in the hot, humid dog days of summer. That’s why this week’s recipe is something cool and refreshing. It’s a traditional Polish cold soup, with cucumbers, buttermilk and fresh dill. Try it – you’ll like it.
CHLODNIK
Ingredients
1 lb beets with greens (that’s about 2 medium beets)
Kosher salt
2 cucumbers, peeled, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)
1 kosher dill pickle, coarsely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus 1/2 cup pickle brine
1 1/2 cups buttermilk or kefir (preferably low- or full-fat)
3/4 cup sour cream
2 TBS chopped scallions
Freshly ground black pepper
4 hard boiled eggs, halved
4 tsp finely chopped dill
Preparation
- Using a large knife, separate the greens and stems from the beets. Thoroughly wash the greens and stems; set aside. Scrub the beets, transfer to a medium pot, and cover with 1 inch of water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, uncover, and cook until the beets are tender when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes. Drain the beets; discard the cooking liquid. Let cool.
- Meanwhile, chop the beet greens and stems. Transfer them to a large pot and add 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer, without boiling, until the greens are tender, about 5 minutes. Let them cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Peel and coarsely grate the beets, preferably wearing gloves. Add to the pot with the cooled greens. Gently stir in the cucumbers, pickle, pickle brine, buttermilk, sour cream, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the pot and chill the soup at least 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings, if desired. Divide the soup among bowls; top with the eggs and dill.
HELPFUL HINT: This soup can be made two days ahead, covered and chilled.
This will cool down the whole family. It’s lovely to eat this when it’s hot out. I hope you enjoy it. Have a delicious week!
Best,
Judi