Kholodnik Po-Minski (Chilled Ruby Beet, Cucumber, Radish & Kefir Soup with Hot Potatoes) – Authentic Belarus Recipe

Ingredients for Kholodnik Po-Minski (Chilled Ruby Beet, Cucumber, Radish & Kefir Soup with Hot Potatoes) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) julienned roasted red beets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crisp cucumbers and radishes, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup halved boiled eggs and hot dill potatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with kefir and sour cream
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Belarus seasoning (mountains of fresh dill and scallions, lemon juice)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and kefir and sour cream for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in mountains of fresh dill and scallions, lemon juice and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Belarus's kitchen.
3. Add julienned roasted red beets and crisp cucumbers and radishes, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in halved boiled eggs and hot dill potatoes, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.