Okroshka (cold kvas soup)

Okroshka is a traditional cold soup made mainly in eastern Ukraine.

The origin of okroshka is an open question, because no reliable historical evidence on this subject has survived to the date. However, most historians associate the appearance of okroshka with the baptism of Kievan Rus. According to the chronicles, after the act of baptism, Prince Vladimir ordered to distribute to the peasants "food, honey and kvas." Probably, after that kvas became widespread among commoners. Together with black bread and green onions, it became the basis for cold soup.

But the word "okroshka" became widespread only in the early twentieth century. It indicates the method of cooking okroshka: all the ingredients need to be finely chopped. By the way, almost anything can be the component of cold soup. Basic ingredients are cucumber, radish and green onion.