Top 4 Latvian Soups

Aukstā zupa is a refreshing Latvian cold soup with an unusual, deep pink color. It is made with beets, cucumbers, kefir, hard-boiled eggs, and milk sausage. Greens such as dill and scallions are essential, and most people also enjoy the soup with a dash of vinegar. All of the ingredients are mixed together, seasoned with salt and pepper, and the soup is then left in the refrigerator until well-chilled. It's recommended to serve the soup with a few slices of dark bread on the side. Aukstā zupa is a seasonal dish, so it's practically impossible to find it in restaurants during winter, but most places have the soup on their menus in summer.Expand

Frikadeļu zupa is a Latvian meatball soup with numerous variations and recipes. The soup is usually prepared with a combination of water, carrots, celery, and potatoes. It is flavored with bay leaves and peppercorns. The meatballs are made with ground beef or pork (or a combination), milk, eggs, onions, flour, and breadcrumbs. After the mixture is formed into small balls, everything is simmered together until the vegetables and meatballs are fully cooked. When served, this nourishing soup is typically enriched with the addition of sour cream and finely chopped parsley or dill.Expand

Skābeņu zupa is a traditional sorrel soup. It is made with beef stock, chopped sorrel leaves, pearl barley, onions, potatoes, and lemon juice. Common additions include grated carrots and smoked pork ribs, while hard-boiled eggs and sour cream are typically used as garnishes. Although skābeņu zupa is most commonly served warm or hot, it is very refreshing when served ice cold on hot summer days. The word skābeņu in the name of this soup is derived from skābs, meaning sour, referring to sorrel’s flavor.Expand

Skābu kāpostu zupa, also known as sauerkraut soup, is a traditional dish made with sour cabbage (sauerkraut) as the main ingredient. The soup typically starts with a meat-based broth, often made with pork ribs, smoked pork, or ham hocks, which give it a rich and savory flavor. The sauerkraut is simmered in the broth, imparting its characteristic tanginess. Additional ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions are often added to provide balance and texture, while spices such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and dill enhance the flavor. Some variations include adding a bit of barley for heartiness or cream for a smoother texture. The soup is usually served hot and may be accompanied by rye bread, which complements its sour and savory notes. Skābu kāpostu zupa is a popular comfort food in Latvia, often enjoyed during the winter months or as a warming dish for family gatherings.Expand