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Overhead shot of chilled beet borscht in a white bowl, topped with a quartered egg, dill, and swirl of sour cream

Light Chilled Beet Borscht with Dill and Buttermilk

A cold, tangy beet soup made with simmered beets, buttermilk, and crisp garden vegetables, best made a day ahead.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: European-inspired
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 500 g beets about 3 medium, peeled
  • 4 cups vegetable broth / 960 ml
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk / 240 ml
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
Vegetables and Toppings
  • 1 cup cucumber / 150 g; diced small
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 hard boiled eggs chopped, for serving
  • 6 tbsp sour cream / 90 g; for serving

Method
 

  1. Peel the beets and grate them on the large holes of a box grater. Set aside.
  2. In a 4-quart / 3.8L saucepan, combine the grated beets and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the beets are fork tender.
  4. Stir in the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper while the broth is still warm, since the vinegar helps the color stay bright pink. Taste and adjust the salt.
  5. Remove from heat and cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to the fridge. Chill completely, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Once fully cold, whisk in the buttermilk and lemon juice until the broth turns bright pink and smooth.
  7. Stir in the diced cucumber, radishes, and green onions. Fold in most of the dill, saving some for garnish.
  8. Ladle into bowls. Top each with chopped hard boiled egg, a dollop of sour cream, and the reserved dill.

Notes

  • Grate beets for faster, more even cooking
  • Chill broth completely before adding buttermilk
  • Taste again after chilling, cold mutes salt
  • Add vinegar early to protect the pink color