Authentic Russian Solianka Soup Recipe

Ingredients

400g beef
200g smoked sausage
200g pickled cucumbers
3 potatoes
2 onions
2 carrots
2 cloves of garlic
50g tomato paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1.5 liters of water
100g cured olives
2 tablespoons capers
3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Sour cream for serving
Parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

Cut the beef into small pieces and boil in water until cooked.
While the beef is cooking, chop the onions and carrots, and dice the potatoes and pickled cucumbers.
In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the onions and carrots until they are soft.
Add the diced potatoes to the beef pot and continue boiling.
Slice the smoked sausage and add it to the pan with onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the sautéed vegetables and sausage to the beef and potato pot.
Add the pickled cucumbers, tomato paste, and minced garlic to the pot and stir well.
Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Chop the cured olives and add them to the pot along with the capers and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes before removing from heat.
Serve the soup hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Tools for making

Cutting board - To chop and prepare the ingredients.
Chef's knife - For cutting the beef, onions, carrots, and other ingredients.
Large pot - To cook the soup.
Pan - To sauté the onions and carrots.
Wooden spoon - For stirring the soup while cooking.
Measuring spoons - To measure the tomato paste, lemon juice, and other ingredients.
Soup ladle - To serve the solianka into bowls.
Soup bowls - To serve the solianka.
Sour cream dish - To serve the sour cream alongside the soup.
Garnish plate - To present the chopped parsley for garnishing.

Recipe variations

Replace beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor.
Use different types of smoked sausage such as kielbasa or chorizo.
Experiment with different types of pickled cucumbers, such as spicy or sweet varieties.
Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
Try adding a splash of red wine or vinegar for a tangier taste.
Add a teaspoon of paprika or chili powder for an extra kick of spice.
For a creamier version, add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Garnish with dill or chives instead of parsley.
Serve with crusty bread or Russian sourdough rye bread on the side.

Recipe overview

Solianka is a hearty and delicious soup that originates from Russia. It's known for its tangy, savory, and slightly sour flavor profile, thanks to ingredients like pickled cucumbers, capers, and lemon juice. The key ingredients in Solianka include beef, smoked sausage, pickled cucumbers, and vegetables, all simmered together to create a robust and flavorful soup. The recipe calls for a variety of ingredients, but don't be daunted - the cooking process is straightforward and the result is well worth the effort. The soup can be enjoyed as a main course and is perfect for cold days. Topped with sour cream and garnished with parsley, Solianka is a true comfort food that will warm you up from the inside. Expect a unique blend of flavors that are deeply satisfying and memorable. Get ready to add a new favorite to your soup repertoire. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different type of meat like chicken or pork, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste and cooking time.
How long does it take to cook the beef? It usually takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook the beef until it is tender.
Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of pickled cucumbers? Traditionally, Solianka uses pickled cucumbers for their tangy flavor. However, you can use fresh cucumbers if you prefer, but it will result in a slightly different taste.
Can I omit the olives and capers? Yes, you can omit the olives and capers if you don't like them or if you don't have them on hand. However, they do add a unique flavor to the soup.
Can I freeze Solianka? Yes, Solianka can be frozen. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make Solianka vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and sausage, and using vegetable broth instead of water. For a vegan version, also omit the sour cream garnish or use a vegan alternative.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - for chopping and preparing ingredients
Chef's knife - for cutting the beef, vegetables, and pickled cucumbers
Pot - for boiling the beef and cooking the soup
Pan - for sautéing the onions, carrots, and sausage
Stirring spoon - for stirring the soup while cooking
Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of ingredients
Ladle - for serving the soup
Soup bowls - for serving the Solianka
Sour cream dish - to hold the sour cream for serving
Garnish tray - for holding chopped parsley

Origin stories

Solianka, a hearty, spicy and sour soup, is a classic dish hailing from Russian cuisine. Known for its distinctive taste, Solianka is a melting pot of flavors, much like Russia itself, a vast country with an incredible diversity of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. What makes Solianka unique is its use of pickled cucumbers and brine, imparting a characteristic tangy flavor. This soup is the epitome of comfort food in Russia and is often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream. Interestingly, Solianka, which means 'mishmash' or 'hodgepodge', perfectly encapsulates the soup's eclectic mix of ingredients - typically including several types of meat, pickles, olives, capers, and lemon. It's a fitting metaphor for the cultural melange that is Russia, with its rich tapestry of influences from East and West.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.