Beet Kvass

Name: Beet Kvass
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 lbs beets, scrubbed and coarsely chopped; 2 slices rye bread or pumpernickel, cubed or torn; 8 cups filtered water; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp caraway seeds (optional); 2 garlic cloves (optional), sliced; 1 tbsp fresh horseradish (optional), thinly sliced

Traditional fermented Eastern European drink made from beets, water, and rye bread. Slightly tangy and earthy with probiotic benefits, served chilled as a refreshing beverage or cooking ingredient.

10 minEasyServes 645 cal/serving

Eastern EuropeanNon-Alcoholic DrinkNo-CookVegan

Ingredients

2 lbs beets, scrubbed and coarsely chopped
2 slices rye bread or pumpernickel, cubed or torn
8 cups filtered water
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
2 garlic cloves (optional), sliced
1 tbsp fresh horseradish (optional), thinly sliced

Instructions

1

In a large glass jar, combine 2 lbs scrubbed and coarsely chopped beets, 2 slices cubed or torn rye bread or pumpernickel, 8 cups filtered water, and 1 tsp sea salt. If desired, add 1/4 tsp caraway seeds (optional), 2 sliced garlic cloves (optional), and 1 tbsp thinly sliced fresh horseradish (optional) for additional flavor.
2

Stir well to combine and distribute the ingredients. Cover the jar loosely with a cloth or coffee filter and rubber band to allow air circulation while keeping dust out.
3

Place the jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Let it ferment for 3-5 days, stirring once daily. The kvass will gradually develop a tangy taste and red color.
4

After 3-5 days, when the kvass reaches your desired flavor, strain out the solids using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5

Pour the strained kvass into clean bottles and refrigerate. It will keep for several weeks in the cold.
6

Serve chilled as a beverage on its own or mixed with sparkling water for a lighter drink.

Questions

Can I make Beet Kvass gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 slices rye bread or pumpernickel, cubed or torn. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Can I halve or double Beet Kvass?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. To make a pitcher, multiply everything and stir over ice at the end.

Serve it with

Kisel dessert
Blin breakfast
Pirozhki starter

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