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Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup that tastes much like a Russian salad but is a soup. The name comes from the Russian “kroshit” which means to chop and the key to this dish is to chop all the ingredients very well.

The classic version of this soup uses kvas (typical Russian and Ukrainian drink) as its base. Then they add a boiled potato and egg, a mixture of raw vegetables, such as cucumber, radish or onion, some ham or other meat, and a dressing based on aromatic herbs such as parsley, dill, tarragon…

However, today I’ve taken it upon myself to customize this classic recipe just a bit. I’ve switched out the potato for sweet potato, an ingredient with a similar texture, but with less starch and great nutritional properties (it is an antioxidant, immune system booster, and is rich in magnesium and folic acid…)

A yogurt base the highlight of Okroshka

La bebida kvas es sustituida habitualmente fuera Rusia por yogur griego o kéfir. Yo he usado yogur griego, un alimento que tiene una textura cremosa irresistible e increíbles beneficios:

Outside Russia, the drink Kvas is usually substituted for yogurt or kefir. I’ve chosen to use Greek yogurt, it has an irresistible creamy texture and some incredible benefits:

• • Good source of proteins, calcium, iodine, and vitamin B12. 
  • By going through a whey straining process, it has very little lactose, carbohydrates, and sugar.
  • It is a probiotic that reduces stress and anxiety: This effect is probably due to the relationship between the gut and the brain, and the ability of the gut to produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
  • It is filling: like with all protein sources, eating Greek yogurt makes us feel fuller and eat less between meals.
  • Lowers Blood pressure. 

• • Helps maintain bone density and prevent Osteoporosis.
  • Good for athletes: as it is rich in protein, it helps to build muscle mass. 
  • Improves intestinal health: like all probiotics, its good bacteria help to maintain a diverse gut microbiota and a strong immune system.

Are you bored of Gazpacho?

Okroshka is a great alternative to Gazpacho, or Salmorejo, and other more commonly found cold soups. 

If you want to surprise your guests this summer, this dish will hit the mark! It is very different than what we are typically used to and above all it is exquisite! Undoubtedly, the perfect starter on a hot day. And besides, if you keep reading, you’ll see that it takes no time to prepare and is quite simple in fact. 

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Okroshka Soup

Course Tags dinner, lunch, Soup

Coisine Tags rusa

Keyword Okroshka Soup

Ingredients

• Sweet Potato
• Wild Asparagus
• Cucumber
• Radish
• Greek Yogurt
• Lemon Juice 
• Fresh Dill
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Garlic clove
• Sesame Seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the sweet potato with salt and 3 cloves for 20 minutes.

2. Cut and salt the wild asparagus and cook them for a few minutes in a pan with a little olive oil.

3. Dice up the radish very finely and the cucumber into small pieces.

4. Now it is time to make the base of the soup. Do this by mixing a tablespoon of greek yogurt (or a little more) per person with a tablespoon of water. Whisk everything together until combined well.

5. Add in the lemon juice, fresh dill, a little salt and pepper, and a splash of olive oil along with the other vegetables.

6. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds for a professional finishing look.

Notes

Note: I didn’t put an amount for any vegetable so that you can personalize this dish as you see fit. Maybe you’d prefer some more sweet potato, or maybe less radish and more cucumber? Whatever the case, go for it and have fun!

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