Solyanka
Tangy soup of cured meats, pickles and olives. · Russia
Tangy soup of cured meats, pickles and olives.
About Solyanka
A hearty, sour-savoury broth is loaded with assorted cured and smoked meats, pickled cucumber, olives and capers, then finished with lemon and sour cream. It is a rich, briny Russian soup.
🏛️ History & Culture
Solyanka likely evolved from Russian peasant cooking as a way to use leftover salted and smoked meats, with documented popularity rising in the 18th and 19th centuries, though its exact origins are debated. The defining sour-and-salty character comes from pickled cucumbers, olives, capers, and lemon, making it a robust, restorative soup often served in restaurants and homes as a hearty winter meal.
Regional variations include meat solyanka (the most widespread), fish solyanka favored in coastal and river areas, and mushroom solyanka prepared during Orthodox fasting periods. Culturally, solyanka is celebrated as a warming, practically restorative dish — sometimes touted as a hangover remedy — and remains a staple of Russian cuisine, reflecting the country's tradition of preserving foods for long, cold seasons.
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Solyanka — frequently asked questions
What is Solyanka?
A hearty, sour-savoury broth is loaded with assorted cured and smoked meats, pickled cucumber, olives and capers, then finished with lemon and sour cream. It is a rich, briny Russian soup.
What is Solyanka made of?
Solyanka is made with mixed meats, pickles, olives, tomato and lemon.
Where does Solyanka come from?
Solyanka comes from Russia, and is especially associated with Nationwide. Solyanka likely evolved from Russian peasant cooking as a way to use leftover salted and smoked meats, with documented popularity rising in the 18th and 19th centuries, though its exact origins are debated.
Where can I eat Solyanka?
A Russian café, with a slice of black bread and sour cream.
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- 🇷🇺 Nevsky Pirog · Russia
- 🇷🇺 Olivier Salad · Russia
- 🇷🇺 Okroshka · Russia
- 🇷🇺 Medovik · Russia
- 🇷🇺 Rasstegai · Russia
- 🇷🇺 Pirozhki · Russia
- 🇵🇹 Cozido à Portuguesa · Portugal
- 🇺🇸 Tetrazzini · United States
- 🇮🇪 Irish Stew · Ireland
- 🇺🇸 Shrimp Bisque · United States
- 🇧🇹 Ema Datshi · Bhutan
- 🇵🇹 Cataplana · Portugal
- 🇩🇪 Bratwurst · Germany
- 🇮🇹 Nzuddi · Italy
- 🇬🇧 Sticky Toffee Pudding · United Kingdom
- 🇬🇧 Bakewell Tart · United Kingdom
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