Learn how to make you own Russian horseradish (Hron). Hren pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it's awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

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So, what is Hrеn (Hron)? Hren means “horseradish” but it refers to a horseradish relish. It pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it’s awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

As it is, hren is easy, even if you do cook your own beets. It’s potent stuff (I guess it depends on whose Hren you try). The one made by Maria for church dinners usually makes your eyes water, just like a nice punch of wasabi!


Ingredients for Russian Hren Horseradish (hron):

1/4 cup  of Cream-style Horseradish (we used extra-hot version, we like it HOT)
2 large beets
1/4 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp vinegar for boiling beets PLUS 1/2 tsp vinegar for final product
3/4 tsp salt for boiling beets PLUS 1/8 tsp salt for final product

Learn how to make you own Russian horseradish (Hron). Hren pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it's awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

How to make Russian/ Ukrainian Horseradish Hren:

1. Place washed beets in the medium pot and cover with enough water to just cover the top of the beets. Add 1 Tbsp vinegar and 3/4 tsp salt to the water and boil about 1 hour, or until beets are easily pierced with a knife (cooking time for beets depends on what kind of beets you have).

Learn how to make you own Russian horseradish (Hron). Hren pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it's awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

2. Once beets are done, let them cool to room temperature. Use a plastic bag or gloves to remove skin from beets. If you don’t use gloves, your hands and nails will stain a bright pink. Finely grate beets using fine grater.

Learn how to make you own Russian horseradish (Hron). Hren pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it's awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

3. Once beets are grated, add 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp vinegar and 1/8 tsp salt and mix. Than add 1/4 cup of horseradish  or to taste. If you like it super HOT, use less of the beets and more horseradish, just make sure you warn your dinner guests.

Learn how to make you own Russian horseradish (Hron). Hren pairs really well with meat, particularly turkey and it's awesome on any kind of kielbasa.

(You can also add more salt, vinegar or sugar to taste).
There you have it.

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Russian Hren Horseradish Recipe

4.91 from 10 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Ingredients 

Servings: 2 cups
  • 1/4 cup of Extra Hot Cream-style Horseradish
  • 2 large beets
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp vinegar + 1/2 tsp
  • 3/4 tsp salt + 1/8 tsp

Instructions

  • Place washed beets in the medium pot and cover with enough water cover the top of the beets. Add 1 tbsp vinegar and 3/4 tsp salt to the water and boil about 1 hour, or until beets are easily pierced with a knife.
  • Cool cooked beets to room temperature. Use gloves to remove skin from beets. Finely grate beets using fine grater.
  • Once beets are grated, add 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp vinegar and 1/8 tsp salt and mix. Than add 1/4 cup of horseradish or to taste. You can also add more salt, vinegar or sugar to taste.

Notes

Regular Horseradish can be used, just add more.
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Hren
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Comments

  • Sarah
    January 2, 2024

    Hi! Do you know if this would work when wanting to make a crema if you just added some sour cream and mayo?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 2, 2024

      Hi Sarah, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe

      Reply

  • Cindy
    August 20, 2023

    I made this today and so so good! How long does it last in the fridge in a container?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 20, 2023

      Hi Cindy, I refrigerate it after it’s cooked. I’m not sure if it can be preserved. I’ve never tested it. It was all gone in less than 2 weeks. But yes, it can last over a week.

      Reply

  • Carma
    October 19, 2022

    Do you think you could use canned beets for this recipe or would they be too soft?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 19, 2022

      Hi Carma, I haven’t tested that myself to advise, but here’s what one of my readers wrote: “We always use canned beets, so we can make it in a flash. Our side of the family is always in charge of the Hren. We have found that the creamy horseradish works best with ham and prime rib. This is a favorite of ours at Christmas and Easter!” I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Jessica
    January 6, 2022

    Is there anyway we be able to can this? Suggested information on how to would be great! Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 6, 2022

      Hi Jessica, we never attempted to can this recipe so I can’t offer any advice on canning.

      Reply

  • Chris
    August 30, 2021

    Do you have any idea how many cups of grated beets you ended up with. Kind of hard to judge with just the photos of the beets.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2021

      Hi Chris, around 2 cups approximately.

      Reply

  • Amber V.
    June 28, 2021

    My Lithuanian grandpa used to make this! I remember him grating the horseradish by hand (he grew his own) out on the back porch. So spicy but so good. Thanks for bringing back some awesome memories 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 28, 2021

      You’re welcome, Amber. I hope you’ll also love our version and recipe!

      Reply

  • Gagi
    May 2, 2021

    Oh yes! I forgot! It is not easy to find horseradish everywhere in the world (We are in the moment in Tahiti…). I found that replacing horseradish with Wasabi works great!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 3, 2021

      that’s great to know that wasabi is a good substitution for horseradish. Interesting!

      Reply

  • Gagi
    May 2, 2021

    In Serbia we also add grated carrots…delicious 😋

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 3, 2021

      that sounds great with added grated carrot. Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply

  • Dianne Skinner
    March 30, 2021

    Hi Julia, my mom (Ukrainian) used to make this from scratch every fall, grating the cooked beets, and the raw horseradish which she did outside. When I do not have access to fresh beets, I purchase 2 cans of cooked sliced beets and use a potato masher instead of grating them. Works perfectly, Yum….yum.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 30, 2021

      Sounds good! Thanks for sharing that with us, Dianne.

      Reply

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