White kvass

A restaurant version of an old cold soup is prepared in "Zaseka" with three fish products: salmon, sturgeon and shrimp. But even if you don't have sturgeon on hand, take note of the principle of making such botvinya : in addition to beet tops, which gave the soup its name, it uses spinach chopped in a blender. It gives the soup thickness, freshness and an emerald hue. Yes, and only sour kvass, okroshka, is appropriate in botvinya. The recipe was shared by Timur Lyasnikov, chef of the restaurant "Zaseka" (Penza).

The recipe was shared with us by Takhira Tsakoeva, brand chef of the Kislovsky Taste&Place restaurant.

Recipe from Alexey Razboev, brand chef of the "Yorsh" restaurants (Moscow).

Recipe from Vlad Piskunov, chef of the restaurant "Matryoshka".

Fish botvinya is a classic dish of Russian cuisine that is refreshing and rich in flavors. Historically popular among peasants and traders, it offers a hearty yet light cold soup. The base is an aromatic fish broth made from cod, complemented by beet greens, sorrel, radishes, and cucumbers to create a pleasant contrast of freshness and tartness. White kvass and crushed ice provide a refreshing chill to the dish, perfect for a hot day. Botvinya is rich in vitamins and easy to digest, while creamy horseradish adds zest. It is served chilled with sour cream, enjoying the unique combination of sour, sweet, and salty flavors. This is not just food but a culinary heritage that can surprise even the most discerning gourmet.

Okroshka on white kvass with quail eggs and tarragon is a refreshing dish of Russian cuisine, perfect for hot summer days. Its roots go back to ancient Russian culinary traditions where the combination of kvass with vegetables and herbs created a light yet nutritious meal. White kvass gives the soup a soft, slightly sour taste that harmonizes with the freshness of cucumbers, radishes, and greens. Quail eggs add tenderness while tarragon brings subtle anise notes, giving the dish a special sophistication. The dressing with miso paste, mustard, and horseradish adds spiciness and depth of flavor to the okroshka. This dish can be served as a standalone treat or as a light accompaniment to a summer table.

The debate about what to season okroshka with - kefir or kvass - will never subside, as well as about what exactly should be on the list of ingredients for this summer soup. Nevertheless, it contains the entire Russian soul, and the charm lies in the fact that it is prepared completely differently from region to region, from family to family. Our version for the "Golden Thousand" is with white kvass and beef.

Botvinya in white kvass is a refreshing dish of Russian cuisine, perfect for summer days. This ancient cold soup combines the freshness of greens with the rich taste of kvass. Botvinya has been prepared since the 19th century and was valued for its ability to quench thirst and provide a feeling of fullness. The main ingredients are beet tops and sorrel, which give the soup a slight sourness. Salmon adds tenderness, while cucumbers provide a pleasant crunch. Grated horseradish and herbs enhance the flavor, and crispy Borodinsky bread with garlic turns the meal into a true gastronomic ritual. Serving it with ice cubes intensifies the refreshing effect, making botvinya an excellent choice in hot weather.

A recipe shared with us by the chef of the St. Danilov Monastery, Oleg Olkhov.

Meat okroshka according to the recipe of the pedantic William Pokhlebkin. With turnip and tarragon, on two kvasses, with cucumber brine. Russian luxury.