Chlodnik (Cold Beet Soup With Shrimp and Potatoes )

A slightly new take on the Polish classic--and SO pretty.

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb beet
• 1  lb raw shrimp
• 8  cups water
• 1  cup sour cream
• 4  tablespoons  chopped dill
• 3  tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3  tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
• 1  sliced lemon
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
• 4  green onions
• 4  radishes
• 3  hard-boiled eggs
• 3  potatoes
• 2  cucumbers, peeled and seeded
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Grate the beets; place in an earthenware container with 2 tablespoons of vinegar; let marinate one hour.
2. Peel and cut the vegetables (except the beets) into small dice; cook the diced potatoes in boiling water with a pinch of salt, drain and reserve.
3. Place the beets in a saucepan and cover with 8 cups of water; bring to the boil; reduce the heat and let cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar; cook 10 minutes longer.
5. Drain the beets, reserving the cooking liquid.
6. While the beets are cooking, bringing alarge pot of water to a boil.
7. Peel the shrimp; place into boiling water and cook until they are pink (do NOT overcook).
8. Drain and chop coarsely.
9. Place the beet cooking liquid into a bowl, whisk in the sour cream, add the beets, radish, green onion, cucumber, potatoes, shrimp, lemon juice, dill and the remaining tablespoon of vinegar.
10. Season with pepper, salt and ½ teaspoons sugar, cover and refrigerate for two hours.
11. Pour into serving bowls, sprinkle each with dill fronds and chopped hard-boiled eggs, and garnish with lemon slices if desired.