Botvinia (Cold, Green Vegetable Soup with Fish)

Name: Botvinia (Cold, Green Vegetable Soup with Fish)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large cucumbers peeled, halved, seeded and diced; 1 1/2 pounds spinach fresh, washed; 6 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed; 1 1/2 pounds sorrel leaves fresh; 3 tablespoons horseradish root fresh, grated; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 pound crab meat; 1 1/2 pounds fish, sturgeon poached, cut into 1 inch pieces, or poached whitefish; 1 cup scallions, spring or green onions sliced; 1/4 cup onions chopped; 1 clove garlic minced; 2 ounces vodka; 1 1/2 quarts beer

Servings: persons

1 large cucumbers peeled, halved, seeded and diced
1 1/2 pounds spinach fresh, washed
6 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
1 1/2 pounds sorrel leaves fresh
3 tablespoons horseradish root fresh, grated
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 pound crab meat
1 1/2 pounds fish, sturgeon poached, cut into 1 inch pieces, or poached whitefish
1 cup scallions, spring or green onions sliced
1/4 cup onions chopped
1 clove garlic minced
2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 quarts beer

1
Instead of beer you could use 1 1/2 qt Kvas (see attached recipe)
2
Boil 3 quarts of water in a large pan.
3
When boiling briskly add the spinach and the sorrel.
4
Cook uncovered at a brisk boil for 6 to 8 minutes.
5
drain water off, wash vegetables in cold water, then puree in blender.
6
cool to room temperature.
7
Combine the other ingredients in bowl, except for the beer and vodka.
8
When mixed well slowly add the beer and the vodka stirring constantly.
9
Chill for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 large cucumbers peeled, halved, seeded and diced, 1 1/2 pounds spinach fresh, washed, 6 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed, 1 1/2 pounds sorrel leaves fresh, and more.

Yes, Botvinia (Cold, Green Vegetable Soup with Fish) falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!