What are the three things Lithuanians miss the most? Above all - summer, because it is always too short. Then the sun, as sometimes in winter it shines in the capital for only half a day in an entire month. And, of course, Pink Soup, of which Lithuanians can never get enough.
Pink Soup is a cold, refreshing, bright pink beetroot soup that is a must-try when visiting Lithuania.
For Lithuanians, this soup is almost sacred, standing alongside with potato-meat dumplings, potato pie, and potato pancakes. An essential part of Pink Soup is boiled potatoes, which further enhance its flavor.
You can also make the soup yourself – all you’ll need is:
Ingredients
2-3 beetroots
3 eggs
2 spring onions
1 fresh cucumber or
3 small snack cucumbers
8 sprigs of dill
1 litre of kefir or buttermilk
Salt, freshly ground pepper
A dash of herb or white wine vinegar, to taste
4 waxy potatoes
1/2 tbsp butter
Preparation
1. If using fresh beetroot, cook it first for 30–60 minutes, depending on size.
2. Meanwhile, hard boil the eggs for about 8 minutes, then peel them. Finely chop 2 eggs and set the third one aside until serving.
3. Cut the spring onions into fine rings and grate the cucumber or the snack cucumbers with the skin on. Finely chop the dill.
4. Peel the cooked beetroot, grate it (tip: wear gloves, as beetroot stains easily), and mix it in a large bowl with the two chopped eggs, spring onions, grated cucumber, half of the chopped dill, kefir or buttermilk, and a little water.
5. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If desired, add a dash of herb or white wine vinegar for acidity. Chill well.
6. Peel the potatoes, cook them in salted water, drain, and then toss them in butter in a pan.
7. Pour the soup into bowls. Serve the potatoes separately on a plate. Sprinkle the remaining dill over the soup and potatoes. Quarter or finely chop the remaining egg and scatter it over the soup.
In honor of Pink Soup, paintings are created, maps of the best places to try it are compiled, awards are given, and since 2022, Vilnius has even hosted an annual “Vilnius Pink Soup Fest”
Although it is made with the same core ingredients in every household, each version tastes slightly different due to variations in proportions, interpretations, and additional components. Lithuanians also believe that anything can be made from Pink Soup - even cake and ice cream.
Foreigners may look at potato-meat dumplings with some suspicion, but they fall in love with Pink Soup after the first taste. This is supported by facts: on tasteatlas.com, Pink Soup ranks among the top three cold soups in the world.
Yes, we really are crazy about this pink soup - but just how much, you will only discover once you come to the festival.
