Explore Chłodnik or Cold Borscht : a Polish cold beet soup with beets, cucumbers, herbs, and creamy base. Sweet and tangy, perfect for summer meals or starters.

Here's a recipe for Chłodnik, a cold beet soup from Poland:

Ingredients:

  - 4 medium beets, cooked and peeled

  - 1 cucumber, peeled and diced

  - 2 scallions, finely chopped

  - 1 cup plain yogurt

  - 2 cups kefir or buttermilk

  - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  - Salt and pepper, to taste

  - Hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1- Grate the cooked and peeled beets into a large bowl.

2- Add the diced cucumber and finely chopped scallions to the bowl.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, kefir or buttermilk, lemon juice, and chopped dill.

4- Pour the yogurt mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.

5- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6- Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

7- Serve cold, garnished with chopped hard-boiled eggs if desired.

Enjoy this refreshing Chłodnik soup on a hot summer day!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Chłodnik soup recipe:

Beets (4 medium beets, cooked and peeled):

  - Calories: 232

  - Carbohydrates: 53g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 14g

  - Sugars: 38g

benefits:Beets are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can help lower blood pressure, improve athletic performance, and support digestive health due to their fiber content.

Cucumber (1 cucumber, peeled and diced):

  - Calories: 45

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 5g

benefits: Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories. They contain antioxidants and may help with hydration, weight management, and skin health.

Scallions (2 scallions, finely chopped):

  - Calories: 32

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 2g

benefits: Scallions are low in calories and rich in vitamins K and C. They also contain antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Plain yogurt (1 cup):

  - Calories: 149

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 8g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 12g

benefits: Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. It can support digestive health, strengthen bones, and help maintain a healthy weight.

Kefir or buttermilk (2 cups):

  - Calories: 240

  - Carbohydrates: 28g

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 6g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 28g

benefits: Kefir and buttermilk are fermented dairy products that contain probiotics. They can support gut health, boost immunity, and improve digestion.

Lemon juice (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

benefits: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It can aid digestion, promote hydration, and support skin health.

Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped):

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

benefits: Dill is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It may help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and support bone health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and any variations in preparation methods.