Okroshka facts for kids
Okroshka is a super refreshing cold soup that comes from Russia. You can also find it in Ukraine and Belarus. The name "Okroshka" likely comes from the Russian word "kroshit'". This word means "to crumble into small pieces." It describes how the ingredients are prepared for this unique soup.
A traditional Okroshka soup is made with many fresh ingredients. It usually includes raw vegetables like cucumbers and spring onions. You'll also find boiled potatoes and eggs. For a heartier meal, cooked meat like beef, veal, sausages, or ham is often added. All these ingredients are mixed with kvass. Kvass is a special drink made from fermented black or rye bread. It has a slightly fizzy taste. Okroshka is often served with sour cream on top.
Over time, people have created different versions of Okroshka. Instead of kvass, some recipes use light kefir, which is a fermented milk drink. Others might use vinegar, mineral water, or even a little bit of beer.
How Okroshka is Made
Making Okroshka is quite simple. First, all the ingredients are cut into small cubes. Then, they are mixed together with kvass right before you eat the soup. The amount of chopped food compared to the liquid is similar to how you mix cereal with milk. This helps the vegetables stay a bit crunchy and keeps their texture. Even though some ingredients are similar to those in a Russian salad, Okroshka tastes very different because it's a cold soup.
Why Okroshka is Popular in Summer
Okroshka is most popular during the warm summer months. It's a perfect dish for hot weather because it's served cold and is very light. The kvass adds a unique flavor, and the fresh vegetables make it feel like a cool salad. You can add salt and sugar to your Okroshka to make it taste just right for you.
This soup is always served chilled. Sometimes, people even add ice cubes directly into the soup. This helps keep it extra cold and refreshing when it's really hot outside.
Images for kids
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Classic okroshka with beef. Nearby are plates of smetana, a special dressing (made from pounding yolks, Russian mustard, horse radish, green onion, and salt), and a cup of kvass
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Okroshka with the dressing added
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Kvass is added to the mixture
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The soup is mixed and smetana is added
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The mixed soup with ice
See also
In Spanish: Okroshka para niños
