10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) Recipe

Cold, creamy, tangy, and fantastically pink, this 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) is the ultimate summertime refresher. Inspired by Eastern European kitchens, this vibrant soup delivers cooling comfort and an explosion of garden-fresh flavors—whipped up in just minutes and requiring next to zero cooking!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of honest, fresh ingredients turn into a bowl of magic here. Every item plays a crucial role—giving the 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) its crispness, creamy tang, and crave-worthy color.

• Kefir (1 l): This tangy fermented milk drink is the soul of the soup, lending a creamy base and probiotic goodness—substitute with buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream if needed.
• Long cucumber: Adds a snap of juicy crunch and helps keep the soup light and refreshing.
• Hard-boiled eggs (4): Provide creaminess and protein, making the soup extra satisfying and velvety.
• Marinated beets (500 g): These beets bring bold color, earthy sweetness, and lively tang; marinated beets add an exceptional flavor, but plain cooked beets work in a pinch.
• Fresh dill (a small bunch): Herbaceous and aromatic, fresh dill brightens the whole bowl—don’t skimp if you want that classic borscht experience!
• Horseradish (½ teaspoon): Just a bit wakes up the soup with a hint of fiery zing (add more for extra kick).
• Spicy mustard (½ teaspoon): This sharp mustard balances the creaminess and gives the soup that Eastern European signature.
• Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors—use regular salt if you prefer.
• Radishes (3): Their peppery bite pops against the gentle sweetness of beets; skip them if you want a milder soup.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to riff on tradition! This 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) is endlessly adaptable—make it bolder, creamier, heartier, or lighter to fit your cravings, dietary preferences, or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Add potatoes: For a more substantial meal, stir in diced boiled potatoes—classic and delicious for extra staying power.
• Dairy swaps: Use buttermilk, full-fat yogurt, or even a blend of sour cream and water for varied creaminess or to suit dietary needs.
• Herb it up: Try fresh chives, parsley, or even a touch of tarragon alongside (or instead of) dill for new layers of flavor.
• Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt or kefir, skip the eggs, and load up on extra veggies for a dairy- and egg-free version.
• Spice level: Adjust the horseradish and mustard to dial the heat from subtle to fiery—taste and tweak!
• Less sugar, more tang: If your beets are overly sweet, balance with extra lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.

How to Make 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht)

Step 1: Chop the Crunchy Veggies

Peel the cucumber for a softer texture (or leave the skin on for more color and crunch), then slice it into small dice. Do the same with fresh radishes—thinly sliced or diced, as you like. Toss everything into a large mixing bowl where all the magic will happen.

Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs

While your veggies rest, quickly boil the eggs—10 minutes in simmering water gives you perfectly firm yolks. Plunge them into cold water to cool, then peel. Grate the eggs or chop them finely for extra creaminess and a pretty texture.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Add the marinated beets (grate or chop if they aren’t already), and chop the dill finely for even distribution. Drop both into the bowl with your cucumbers and radishes, along with your now-cooled eggs. It’s already looking so vibrant!

Step 4: Add the Liquid Gold

Pour in the kefir (or buttermilk/yogurt), then add the horseradish, mustard, and a good pinch of kosher salt. Stir gently but thoroughly, watching the soup turn a mesmerizing shade of pink. Taste and adjust salt, mustard, or horseradish to your liking.

Step 5: Chill, Serve, and Enjoy

If you’ve got the patience, pop your bowl in the fridge for 20–30 minutes for ultimate chill—otherwise, serve straight away! Ladle into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and savor the cool, tangy burst of flavor. The 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) is ready to steal the show.

How to Serve 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht)

Garnishes

A generous shower of fresh dill is classic and truly transforms every spoonful. Try topping your bowl with sliced radishes, a wedge of hard-boiled egg, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair—each garnish adds new color, flavor, and a satisfying finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your borscht with thick slices of crusty rye bread, crispy roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad. On especially hungry days, a handful of new boiled potatoes works beautifully in or alongside your bowl—comfort food at its best.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) in mason jars with fresh dill sprigs for a picnic, or try small espresso cups at brunch for a fun amuse-bouche. For a dinner party, pour into wide bowls and swirl a touch of yogurt in a spiral—it’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) keeps beautifully in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even tastier!

Freezing

While technically you can freeze the soup, creamy bases like kefir sometimes separate after thawing—the texture may get a bit uneven. If you do freeze it, whisk well after thawing and add a splash of fresh kefir or yogurt to restore its silky texture.

Reheating

This borscht is meant to be chilled, not warmed! If it thickens a bit in the fridge, just give it a good stir before serving. To refresh leftovers, simply pour into bowls and add fresh herbs or a bit of extra kefir to loosen as needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, fresh, and truly unforgettable soup, this 10-Minute Cold Beet Soup (Cold Borscht) is a must-try. It’s as easy as it is joyful—delivering flavor, color, and comfort in every spoonful. I hope you give it a go, customize it to make it your own, and share it with someone you love. Enjoy every cool, creamy bite!

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