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+ servings
Solyanka Soup Recipe

Savor the Comfort of This Hearty Solyanka Soup Recipe

Experience the rich flavors of Solyanka Soup, a hearty dish with ham, pickles, and olives that's easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 stalks Celery Can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 4 cups Water
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
For the Flavor
  • 1 cup Pickles Sweet or spicy pickles should be avoided for authentic flavor.
  • 1 cup Olives Green or black olives can be used based on preference.
  • 1 cup Cubed Tomatoes Canned or fresh can be used.
  • 1 cup Ham Substitute with smoked tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 1 medium Carrot Can be shredded for quicker cooking.
For Thickening and Texture
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Pickle Juice
For Finishing Touches
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Can be replaced with yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Lemon Fresh juice brightens the overall flavor when serving.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Dill Substitute dill with parsley if unavailable.
  • Salt to taste.
  • Ground Black Pepper to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Solyanka Soup Recipe
  1. Begin by cutting the celery into quarters and placing it in a large pot. Add enough water and chicken broth to cover the vegetables, then bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
  2. While the broth is boiling, julienne the pickles, slice the olives, cube the carrots, finely dice the tomatoes, and cube the ham. Each cut should be uniform for even cooking.
  3. In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 4-6 minutes. Stir in the cubed carrots, cooking until they're tender, which should take another 3-5 minutes.
  4. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the all-purpose flour, mixing well to create a roux. After a minute, add the cubed tomatoes, pickle juice, and sour cream, combining thoroughly.
  5. Remove the boiled celery from the pot and discard it. Add the prepared pickles to the broth and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes.
  6. Now, introduce the cubed ham and sliced olives to the pot. Pour in the sautéed vegetable mixture from earlier and stir well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, helping meld the flavors.
  8. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and dill. Ladle the warm Solyanka Soup into bowls, finishing with a spritz of fresh lemon juice and a dollop of sour cream on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, add cilantro and dill right before serving. This keeps their aroma vibrant and fresh in your Solyanka Soup!

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