Chlodnik is a cold beet soup and it is a summer staple in Poland. It utilizes seasonal vegetables, such as young beets, cucumber, radishes, and herbs. It is eaten cold and tastes very refreshing - perfect on a hot and humid summer day. The beautiful color is guaranteed to make this dish the center of attention at any summer gathering.

 Ingredients

• 1 bunch of beets with greens on
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 32 oz of broth
• 2-3 cups of water
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of kefir
• 4 medium radishes
• ½ medium cucumber
• ½ bunch of parsley
• 1/2 bunch of dill
• Hard boiled eggs for serving

 Directions

1. Chop the leaves and stems off the beets and cut into small pieces.
2. Wash the beets and chop them into very small pieces
3. Heat oil in a large pot, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the beets and cook for a minute.
4. Add broth, beet greens and stems, the bay leaf, and enough water. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 30 minutes or until beets are softened. Remove bay leaf and let cool, preferably overnight.
6. Grate radishes and cucumber. Finely, chop parsley and dill.
7. When the soup is cold, add the herbs, veggies, and kefir. Stir well and serve cold.
8. Hard boiled eggs or cooked potatoes are a great add on to this soup too!