Solyanka (Russian Sour and Savoury Meat Soup)
A bold, tangy soup of smoked meats, gherkins, olives and lemon, finished with soured cream and dill.
- Time55 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.43 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft.
6 min - 2
Stir in the tomato purée and the sausage and cook for 3 minutes, until the sausage gives up its red oil.
3 min - 3
Add the ham, beef, stock, gherkins, brine and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
25 min - 4
Add the olives and capers and simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste. It should be salty, sour and savoury. Add a splash more brine if needed.
5 min - 5
Ladle into bowls. Top each with a lemon slice, a spoonful of soured cream and dill.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.