A bright and refreshing Latvian drink-dessert made from fresh carrots, thickened with starch and flavored with lemon or cranberry juice.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots 🥕
- 1.5 cups water 💧
- ½ cup sugar
- 10 g potato starch
- Lemon or cranberry juice (to taste) 🍋
Instructions
- Prep the carrots: Peel and grate the carrots on a coarse grater.
- Cook until soft: Place the grated carrots in a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil and cook until completely soft.
- Sweeten and flavor: Add sugar and lemon or cranberry juice for acidity. Stir well.
- Thicken: Dissolve the potato starch in a small amount of cool boiled water. Slowly add to the carrot mixture while stirring.
- Simmer briefly: Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly, pour into glasses, and sprinkle the surface with sugar to prevent a skin from forming.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled with a splash of cold milk!
Notes
🥕 Latvian Carrot Kissel – a Nostalgic and Refreshing Drink!
Hi there! I’m a big fan of traditional Latvian recipes, especially those that combine simplicity with pure, natural taste. Today, I want to share something truly unique – Carrot Kissel (in Latvian: Burkānu Kiselis) 🍹. If you grew up in the Baltics, you probably remember kissel from school canteens or grandma’s kitchen. But this version isn’t just nostalgic – it’s also surprisingly elegant. Made with fresh carrots, lemon or cranberry juice, and a hint of sugar, it’s a drink-dessert hybrid that’s refreshing, colorful, and packed with vitamins! Whether you're sipping it chilled in summer or serving it warm in winter, this kissel will win your heart. And guess what? It goes beautifully with a splash of cold milk 🥛.🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Add a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Top with a few cranberries or mint leaves for a festive touch.
- Serve with oatmeal cookies or Latvian rye bread for a cozy Baltic-style snack
