Tan (salty yoghurt drink)

Recipe from Vasily Emelyanenko's book "Favorite dishes. Selected recipes.

Belarusian-style cold beetroot soup with sorrel is a refreshing summer dish rooted in Belarusian culinary traditions. It features the best seasonal ingredients: juicy beets, aromatic sorrel, crunchy radishes, and cucumbers. The soup has a surprisingly bright flavor that combines the light sourness of sorrel, the sweetness of beets, and the creamy softness of kefir. Proteins and yolks add richness to the dish while herbs provide freshness. Historically, cold soups in Eastern European cuisine served as a relief on hot summer days. Cold beet soup not only quenches thirst but also satisfies while remaining light. Traditionally served well-chilled, sometimes with sour cream or boiled potatoes. It is a true embodiment of summer coolness on a plate.

Šaltibarščiai is a bright and refreshing Lithuanian cold borscht that provides coolness in the summer heat. This dish is deeply rooted in Lithuanian culinary traditions, preserving its unique recipe for centuries. Its characteristic pink color comes from beets, which add sweet notes to the borscht. Fresh cucumbers and radishes enhance the flavor with a crunchy texture, while kefir and tan provide a slight tanginess. Dill completes the flavor palette with freshness. The borscht is served with boiled potatoes and eggs, making it a wholesome and nutritious dish. Šaltibarščiai is perfect for hot days when you crave something light and cooling. Its rich taste and aroma make it a favorite dish both in Lithuania and beyond.

Recipe from Vladimir Sidorov, chef of the restaurant "Cheretto More".

Tarator with tan, cucumbers, green onions, and roasted bell peppers is a refreshing and light cold soup perfect for summer heat. The roots of tarator trace back to the Balkans, where it is traditionally made with fermented dairy products and fresh vegetables. In this version, tan adds a pleasant tanginess to the dish while roasted sweet pepper provides a subtle smoky aroma. Cucumbers offer crunchy freshness and lemon juice enhances the refreshing effect. Green onions add a delicate spiciness that enriches the flavor. This dish is ideal as an appetizer or light lunch and pairs well with rye bread and fresh herbs. The ease of preparation and harmony of flavors make tarator with tan a great choice for those who appreciate fresh and healthy dishes.

Summer cold soup made of greens and kefir is a refreshing dish from Ukrainian cuisine, perfect for hot summer days. Its roots go back to the traditions of consuming simple, nutritious, and healthy foods. This soup combines lightness and richness of flavor: aromatic dill, cilantro, parsley, and spinach give it freshness, while kefir and tan (ayran) add a slight tanginess and creaminess. With cooling and the addition of ice cubes, the soup becomes an ideal way to quench thirst and satisfy hunger at the same time. It is often served as an appetizer or light lunch. The soup pairs well with rye bread or boiled potatoes. Its simplicity in preparation makes it indispensable in summer diets, while its rich flavor and health benefits make it a favorite dish for many.