Cold Whey Okroshka with Beef, Dill and Sour Cream

Name: Cold Whey Okroshka with Beef, Dill and Sour Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 l cold dairy whey; 200 g cooked lean beef, diced; 2 whole medium cucumbers, diced; 6 whole radishes, thinly sliced; 4 whole scallions, finely chopped; 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 100 g sour cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 whole hard-boiled eggs, optional

This chilled okroshka uses tangy whey with cooked beef, cucumber, radish, scallions and dill.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 30 minMakes 4 to 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

This chilled okroshka uses tangy whey with cooked beef, cucumber, radish, scallions and dill. Sour cream and mustard make a creamy dressing that is loosened with cold whey just before serving. Chill all ingredients first and add the liquid gradually; taste the soup cold, since chilled dishes often need a little extra seasoning. Refrigerate whey, cooked beef and vegetables until cold; boil eggs if using, cool, peel and chop. Dice cucumbers and beef; slice radishes and finely chop scallions and dill. Whisk sour cream, mustard, salt and pepper in a large chilled bowl. Fold in beef, vegetables, dill and optional egg; gradually stir in whey until the soup reaches the desired consistency.

Cold Whey Okroshka with Beef, Dill and Sour Cream

How to tell when it is ready

Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately in chilled bowls.

Tips

Refrigerate whey, cooked beef and vegetables until cold.
Dice cucumbers and beef.
Whisk sour cream, mustard, salt and pepper in a large chilled bowl.
Fold in beef, vegetables, dill and optional egg.

Troubleshooting

If soup is too tangy, add more sour cream or a pinch of sugar.
If too thick, stir in cold whey a little at a time.

Substitutions

Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
Use chopped parsley in place of some dill.

Variations

Use cooked chicken instead of beef.
Add a diced boiled potato for a heartier soup.

Serving suggestions

Serve in chilled bowls with extra dill.
Add chopped hard-boiled egg.
Offer rye bread alongside.
Serve with a little extra mustard at the table.

Make ahead

Measure the ingredients in advance and prepare the components described in the steps. Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days; store the chopped solids and whey separately for best texture.

Storage

Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days; store the chopped solids and whey separately for best texture.

Food safety

Use fully cooked beef and keep dairy-based soup at or below 4°C (40°F); discard if left out over 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know okroshka with whey, beef and fresh herbs is ready?

Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately in chilled bowls.

How should I store okroshka with whey, beef and fresh herbs?

Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days; store the chopped solids and whey separately for best texture.

Serve in chilled bowls with extra dill. Keep refrigerated and use within 2 days; store the chopped solids and whey separately for best texture.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Cold Whey Okroshka with Beef, Dill and Sour Cream