Solyanka
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
354 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Russian, Ukrainian, Eastern European
Solyanka
Description
Solyanka combines several types of smoked and cooked meats including bacon, kielbasa, smoked pork or ham, and chicken or beef, which are browned to develop depth of flavor before simmering. The soup also includes vegetables such as onions, celery, carrots, shredded green cabbage, and sauerkraut, contributing to its robust texture and mild tanginess. Pickles, olives, and capers add distinct salty and briny notes, while tomato paste and paprika enhance the savory and slightly sweet undertones. Simmered in rich beef broth with bay leaves, this slow-cooked soup offers a hearty and satisfying experience.
The soup is traditionally served hot with a dollop of sour cream that mellows the acidity and adds creaminess. Fresh herbs like dill, green onions, and parsley bring brightness, and a squeeze of lemon adds freshness to each serving. Solyanka works well as a main course during cooler weather or as a substantial starter in a multi-course meal.
This recipe allows adjustments such as using celeriac instead of celery for a more authentic European flavor and choosing sauerkraut based on fermentation rather than vinegar pickling to avoid overpowering sourness. Salt, pepper, and even a bit of pickle juice can be added at the end to tailor the balance of flavors. The combination of smoked meats and tart accompaniments creates a distinct and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Bacon cut into lardons, smoked
- 12 ounces kielbasa sausage , sliced (or other flavorful smoked or cured sausage)
- 12 ounces smoked pork cut into small strips or diced, Kassler or smoked ham
- 2 chicken breast cut into cubes, medium, or 12 ounces lean beef
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped, large
- 2 celery ribs diced (for a more genuine European flavor use 1 cup of diced celeriac instead
- 2 carrot peeled and julienned or diced, medium
- 3 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup sauerkraut unless you can find a brand that is fermented and not pickled with vinegar, otherwise it's overpoweringly tangy, German, drained
- sauerkraut click link for my recipe, homemade
- 6 ounce tomato paste canned
- 4 pickles about 1 1/2 cups) cut into small strips, large, German or European style
- 1 cup olives black or green according to preference, rinsed and drained, whole pitted, or 3/4 cup sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers , drained
- 10 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika sweet
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 bay leaf
- sour cream , for serving (omit if dairy free)
- dill for serving, chopped, fresh
- green onions
- parsley
- lemon for serving, slices
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, fry the bacon over medium-high heat until it is crispy, then add the kielbasa and fry until starting to brown. Transfer to a bowl and set aside, leaving the remaining fat in the pot.
- Fry the chicken or beef until cooked on the outer surface but not entirely cooked through. Add the smoked pork or ham and cook for another minute. Add this to the bacon kielbasa mixture and set aside.
- Add the oil to the pot and cook the onions until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the celery, carrots and shredded cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and sauerkraut. Add the pickles, olives, capers, bay leaves, paprika, salt, pepper and the beef broth. Return the meat to the pot. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and a little pickle juice if you like.Ladle the soup into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, green onions or parsley, and a half slice of lemon. Will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 354 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 354kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 79mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 2987mg | 124% |
| Potassium | 982mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 3476IU | 70% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 93mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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