Cold Beet Soup

         

In Eastern part of Europe, there are many versions of this soup. I'm presenting here one of Ukrainian ones. I like this version because it's really good at a hottest time of the year because of plenty of delicious liquid, light and fresh.  Also it's convenient, because base of this soup can be stored in a jar in a fridge for a several days,  and variety of fresh veggies can be added right at a serving time.

Cold Beet Soup

For a base soup:

- 3 large potato, peeled

- 2 medium/large beets, peeled

- 3-4 liters of water

- 1.5 teaspoon lemon acid (or juice of 3 lemons)

- 1 tablespoon of salt (or to taste)

- 3 tablespoon of sugar (or to taste)

Add-ons:

- hard-boiled eggs, halved or roughly chopped

- cucumber, diced

- radish, diced

- sour cream (or yogurt)

- green onion (optional)

- fresh dill or parsley (optional)

1) Place peeled potato and beets into large pot with a water,  bring to a boil,  turn heat low and simmer,  partially covered, for up to 1.5 hours until potato is falling apart and beets are cooked through. 

2). Remove potatoes and beets in a sepate bowl. Chop potato into pieces right in that bowl. It's OK having potato almost mashed - it is going to be good in a soup.  Cool down beets under the cold water so you'll be able to handle it.  Grate beets on a large side of your grater. Transfer potato and beet back to the pot. 

3). Turn heat under the pot up. Add salt, lemon acid and sugar, taste the soup. It's important moment in your cooking, as on the balance of salt, acid and sweetness depends the final taste.  Keep adjusting it until you love it. It should be sweet-and-sour and not over-salted. When soup starts to boil,  turn heat off, take pot off burner. When soup is cooled down, pour in a large jar(s), keep in a fridge and serve cold. 

4). To serve, add vegetables of your choice (or see my list of ingredients). Dollop of sour cream or yogurt is the must. Replace dairy yougurt with any vegan yogurt, if you are like me and don't eat dairy.  It's the same delicious as with a dairy.

Notes:

- add-on vegetables I listed above,  are traditional additions. But you can be creative and add whatever you like.  I know people who likes pieces of bologna put in there,  or chopped garlic!