Soljanka: Spicy, sour soup with pickles and sausages.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g smoked sausage, sliced
- 150g beef, cut into small pieces
- 100g ham, diced
- 4 pickles, diced
- 1 liter beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons black olives, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Sour cream or lemon slices for serving
Soljanka Soup is a robust and flavorful Eastern European soup known for its tangy and spicy taste. The dish has its origins in Ukraine and Russia and is typically made with a tomato-based broth that seeps into a variety of meats such as sausages, smoked meat, and sometimes ham or bacon. Additionally, it is packed with pickles which give it a distinctive sour note. The soup is further enriched with onions, olives, capers, and a blend of spices, including lots of fresh dill for garnish. Cream or a lemon slice is often added to each serving to balance the flavors. This hearty soup is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting meal with a kick and can be served either as a warming winter dish or a flavorful option for any mealtime.
Introduction:
Embark on a flavorful journey with this classic Russian soup – Soljanka, brought to you by CALLEkocht. This hearty dish is influenced by a blend of culinary traditions, combining tender meats and tangy pickles for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly nights or as a soul-warming lunch, this recipe is a beloved favorite from Grandma’s kitchen, and now you can recreate it at home.
Ingredients:
- 300 grams of cooked beef (boiled in broth)
- 300 grams of Kassler (smoked pork) or substitute with ham
- 3 onions
- 3 German bockwurst (or similar sausage)
- 3 carrots
- 88 grams of pickles (small pickled cucumbers)
- 1 organic lemon
- 600 milliliters of tomato passata
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of salt (for cooking the meat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 whole peppercorns
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Ladle
- Bowl and fork for serving
Instructions:
1. Begin by boiling beef in a pot of water with 2 tablespoons of salt, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns. Let it cook for about 2.5 hours or until fork-tender before removing the meat. Save the broth.
2. In the same broth, boil the Kassler (smoked pork/ham) for approximately 1 hour. Remove the meat and set it aside. Strain the broth for later use.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onions, cut the carrots into quarter circles, and finely chop the pickles.
4. Heat roughly three tablespoons of olive oil in a pot and sauté the onions until translucent.
5. Add carrots to the pot and sprinkle with a bit of salt to help them release water; continue to sauté.
6. Peel the pickles, cut them into small pieces, and reserve the pickle brine.
7. Add the tomato passata to the sautéed vegetables, let it simmer briefly, then pour in the strained meat broth. Bring it to a boil.
8. While the soup base simmers, cut the beef and Kassler into bite-size pieces, taking care to slice against the grain for tenderness.
9. Add the meats and pickles to the soup. Adjust the consistency of the soup with the reserved pickle brine to taste.
10. Let the soup cook together for a little while until all the flavors are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
11. Serve the Soljanka hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Cooking Tips:
- Cut the meats and vegetables into pieces that fit comfortably on a soup spoon for an enjoyable eating experience.
- Adjust the amount of pickle brine gradually to find the perfect balance of tanginess in your Soljanka.
- If you don’t have Kassler, a smoked pork chop or another type of ham can be a great substitute.
Servings: Serves 6-8 people
This recipe is a tried-and-true gem from the collection of CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes. For more delightful dishes and cooking inspiration, visit their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CALLEkocht
YouTube channel - CALLEkocht - Grandma's Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@CALLEkocht
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