Russian Cuisine: Solyanka

Russia is famous for soups like Borsht and Shchi. But have you ever heard of Solyanka (солянка)? This Russian dish is thick, spicy and sour all at the same time.

Typically, the soup is packed full of different kinds of meat,  such as beef, ham, sausage, chicken or even fish. However, like most Russian soups,  it always includes plenty of vegetables. Usually cabbage, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, mushrooms and of course dill and Smetana (Сметана). Once the ingredients are combined, broth is added and the soup is left on the stove to simmer before being served warm. There are many other variations to Solyanka that usually use different meats. Such as sea food or mostly vegetables versions.

The soup has become quite popular outside of Russia as well. It can be found on menus of many Eastern European countries and even in canned form in some stores. However, its best enjoyed in Russia itself!