🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍲 Soups > 🇧🇾 Belarus Soups > 🍲 Belarusian Borscht (Beetroot Soup) , Belarusian Mushroom Soup (Grzybny Sup) , Cold Beetroot Soup (Kholodnik)
🍲 Taste the Heart of Belarus: 3 Comforting Soups to Warm Your Soul
Published by Supakorn | Updated: February 2026
🥣 Introduction: The Comforting World of Belarusian Soups
If there’s one thing Belarus knows how to do right, it’s making soups that warm both body and heart. 🥰 In Belarusian homes, soup isn’t just a starter — it’s a whole meal, a moment of comfort, and a connection to tradition.
From the rich colors of beetroot borscht to the earthy aroma of forest mushrooms and the refreshing chill of summer okroshka, Belarusian soups are as diverse as the seasons themselves.
Belarus has a strong love affair with seasonal ingredients — root vegetables in winter, fresh herbs in summer, and forest finds all year round. This makes their soups incredibly vibrant, nourishing, and naturally flavorful.
In this guide, we’ll dive into three famous Belarus soups that capture the essence of the country’s culinary soul:
1.🥕 Borscht – the ruby-red beet soup beloved across Eastern Europe
2.🍄 Mushroom Soup (Grzybny Sup) – a creamy forest-inspired comfort bowl
3.❄️ Cold Beetroot Soup (Kholodnik) – a refreshing pink soup perfect for summer
Each of these recipes tells a story — of family tables, cozy kitchens, and age-old flavors that never fade.
🥕 Recipe 1: Belarusian Borscht (Beetroot Soup)
💬 About This Recipe
Let’s start with the superstar — Borscht. ❤️
Although many countries in Eastern Europe claim borscht as their own, Belarus has its own twist: it’s a little lighter than the Ukrainian version, often made with beef broth or just vegetables, and sometimes served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of dill.
It’s not just a soup — it’s a tradition. Families gather around steaming bowls during long winters, savoring the earthy sweetness of beets balanced with tangy tomatoes and fresh herbs.
The best part? It tastes even better the next day!
🧂 Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 large potato, cubed
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
- Optional: sour cream for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prep the veggies: Peel and grate beets and carrots; chop onions and potatoes.
2.Sauté base: In a large pot, heat oil, then add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until fragrant.
3.Add beets and tomato paste: Stir well, add vinegar (this keeps the beet color bright).
4.Pour broth and add potatoes: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes.
5.Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
6.Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and a spoon of sour cream.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the vinegar — it helps retain that beautiful red color.
- Use gloves when handling beets to avoid staining.
- Let it rest — borscht tastes best after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip any meat.
Q: How do I store it?
A: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
📝 Summary
Belarusian Borscht is comfort in a bowl — hearty, colorful, and rich in earthy flavors. Whether served hot in winter or chilled in summer, it’s a dish that speaks the universal language of home.
🍄 Recipe 2: Belarusian Mushroom Soup (Grzybny Sup)
💬 About This Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through a Belarusian forest, you’ll understand why mushroom soup is a national treasure. 🍄
Belarus is blessed with lush woodlands full of wild mushrooms, and locals have perfected the art of turning them into hearty, creamy soups. This dish is especially popular in autumn when the forests are alive with boletus, chanterelles, and porcini.
Belarusian mushroom soup is rustic yet deeply flavorful — a creamy, earthy delight that pairs beautifully with rye bread or boiled potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup fresh or dried mushrooms (porcini, champignon, or mixed)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 tbsp butter or oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Soak dried mushrooms (if using): Cover with hot water for 20–30 minutes. Save the soaking liquid!
2.Sauté base: In a pot, melt butter, add onion and carrot, and cook until golden.
3.Add mushrooms: Stir and sauté for 5–7 minutes.
4.Add potatoes and broth: Pour in broth (plus soaking liquid if available), simmer until potatoes are tender.
5.Add cream: Stir in sour cream and simmer gently.
6.Optional thickening: Mix flour with a little water and stir in for a thicker soup.
7.Serve: Garnish with herbs and enjoy with crusty bread.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t boil after adding sour cream — it may curdle.
- If using wild mushrooms, clean them thoroughly before cooking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use canned mushrooms?
A: You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Dried mushrooms give the best aroma.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2–3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
📝 Summary
This mushroom soup is pure forest magic — warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful feels like a walk through autumn woods. 🌲 It’s perfect for cozy evenings or holiday dinners alike.
❄️ Recipe 3: Cold Beetroot Soup (Kholodnik)
💬 About This Recipe
When summer hits Belarus, heavy soups take a backseat to something cool, bright, and refreshing — Kholodnik (холодник), also known as cold beetroot soup. 💕
Vibrantly pink and refreshingly tangy, Kholodnik is made with beets, cucumbers, dill, and kefir (a fermented milk drink similar to buttermilk). It’s served chilled, often with a boiled egg and sometimes with young potatoes on the side.
This soup isn’t just beautiful to look at — it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and probiotics.
🧂 Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 medium beets, boiled and grated
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped (plus extra halves for serving)
- 2 cups kefir (or buttermilk/yogurt diluted with water)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Cook the beets: Boil or roast until tender, then grate and let cool.
2.Mix vegetables: Combine beets, cucumber, eggs, and dill in a large bowl.
3.Add liquids: Pour in kefir, water, and lemon juice. Stir well.
4.Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
5.Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
6.Serve: Garnish with half an egg and a sprinkle of dill.
💡 Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Use cold ingredients — this soup must be served chilled.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it keeps the color bright.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt or kefir alternatives.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make Kholodnik ahead?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Traditionally with boiled baby potatoes or rye bread.
📝 Summary
Kholodnik is the perfect summer soup — light, tangy, and bursting with color. It’s a Belarusian favorite for good reason: refreshing, wholesome, and surprisingly filling. 🌸
🍽️ Final Thoughts
Belarusian soups might not be as famous globally as French onion soup or Italian minestrone, but they deserve a special place at your table. 🇧🇾
Each bowl tells a story:
- Borscht brings warmth and tradition.
- Mushroom Soup celebrates the earthy bounty of Belarusian forests.
- Kholodnik captures the freshness of summer in a single spoonful.
These recipes are simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or trying something new for yourself, Belarusian soups offer a taste of genuine Eastern European comfort.
So grab your ladle, pick a recipe, and get cooking! 🍲
And when you do, don’t forget to share your version — because food this cozy deserves to be shared with friends. ❤️
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