Okroshka

by Mary on August 16, 2014

okroshka with cucumber, potato, radish, and avocado

okroshka with cucumber, potato, radish, and avocado

On a streak with the summer soups! This is my version of a Russian summer soup that was originally made with kvass, a beverage fermented from rye bread. In Soviet times Russians began to make the soup with other ingredients like kefir instead. This would be ‘Soviet okroshka‘ except for the avocado which must make it West Coast American okroshka (smile).  Not traditional, but good. I prefer the kefir thinned with water. Since this is a soup for summer when new potatoes are in season, and new potatoes are the best kind, use them if you have them. I didn’t have any either time that I tested this recipe, maybe next time!

Okroshka
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 quart (4 cups) plain 1% kefir
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 4 eggs, hardboiled, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium boiled potatoes, cubed, or 12 oz. small new potatoes, Yukon Gold is my favorite.
  • 1 med or large cucumber, diced
  • 1 bunch radishes, sliced
  • 1 avocado, pitted and cubed
  • ¼ cup scallions, finely chopped
  • ½ cup dill, finely chopped
  • ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. salt
Instructions
  1. Prepare the eggs, vegetables and herbs (boiling and chopping the eggs and the potatoes, dicing and chopping the other veggies and herbs).
  2. Veggies and eggs should be cold before serving.
  3. Mix the kefir with water and with the parsley, dill, and salt.
  4. Place a mound of veggies in the middle of each soup bowl.
  5. Pour the kefir mixture over the veggies, serve.

 

okroshka soup with potato, radish, cucumber, and avocado

cold okroshka soup

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Angie August 16, 2014 at 11:26 am

The soup looks not only tasty, also very healthy, Mary.
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mary September 6, 2014 at 4:55 am

It is! I see you are gearing up for fall with your pumpkin and cranberry salsa, I’m still kind of stuck on summer with ice cream recipes in my queue, I guess I’m not ready to let go!

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Hannah August 17, 2014 at 1:00 am

No way, this is just too crazy a coincidence! I was reading a book about traditional Russian cooking and the idea of okroshka absolutely captivated me. It sounded like the perfect summer dish, so I had been researching recipes already, and now you’ve dropped the near perfect rendition right in my lap. I’m thrilled! It looks just as delicious as it sounded. Swap in coconut kefir and remove the eggs, and I’m sold. 🙂
Hannah recently posted..Summer’s Sweet BountyMy Profile

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mary September 6, 2014 at 5:01 am

That is quite a coincidence Hannah! Coconut kefir is a good ingredient to know about, I have never seen though even though I shop at excellent natural grocery stores in my area. I will have to keep an eye out. It ought to be plenty filling even without the eggs.

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Marcia August 17, 2014 at 2:13 am

I’ve never heard of this (my Russian cooking skills are nil) but it looks wonderful.

Yes to your comment about skating and mental strength. Mastering nerves is more than half the battle. : )

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mary September 6, 2014 at 5:08 am

Thanks Marcia! And yes, that simple but profound advice about taking a deep breath is always relevant for skating and other things!

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Laura August 17, 2014 at 4:06 pm

They sell this at our international market! I love all the colors. Perfect for this hot day!
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mary September 6, 2014 at 5:05 am

Cool, Laura, I have not seen it as a deli item in my area! I suppose there are not many Russians where I live. I like the colors, too, red and green or purple and green are favorite produce color combos for me.

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Claudia August 20, 2014 at 4:54 am

Consequently delectable! That seems impressive.

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mary September 6, 2014 at 5:06 am

Thanks, Claudia!

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