Russian cuisine is a true treasure, with its piervoye (first courses) being an essential part. Among these, we must mention solianka, a delicious peasant soup that can be made with fish, beef, or mushrooms.

Introduction to Solianka

Solianka is a spicy soup that blends elements of rassolnik and shchi. It can be made with fish or meat. Each Slavic country has its own version, such as Georgia, or the Eastern German regions. It is particularly enjoyed in winter, during the end-of-year festivities, but it can also be very effective the day after a celebration to alleviate the effects of alcohol.

Where does the name solianka come from?
The name comes from combining the words selianine (peasant, and by extension, selianka: peasant food) and sol (salt). To the base ingredient (meat, fish, or mushrooms), various seasonings are added: pickles, smetana (sour cream), capers, olives, tomatoes, lemon, and more.

Georgian Solianka Recipe

Pickles and lemon bring an exquisite touch to this traditional soup.

Ingredients:

• 500g of beef
• 2 onions
• 1 ladle of water
• 1 cup of tomato puree
• 1 cup of white wine
• 2 large pickles
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Fry the onions: Finely chop the onions and fry them in a pan with a little oil.
2. Add the beef: Cut the beef into pieces and add it to the pan with the onions.
3. Cook in a large pot: In a large pot, pour the water, tomato puree, and white wine. Add the meat and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the pickles: Slice the pickles thinly and add them to the pot.
5. Cover and cook: Cover the pot and let it cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Solianka in Russian Culture

For Russians, solianka is a special experience. In the Izvestia newspaper, food critic Macha Privezentseva quotes a famous line from Oblomov, the iconic character of Ivan Goncharov:
"Paradise exists, but with my sins, I’ll never be accepted there. Let’s have a drink! Here comes the solianka."

As Macha Privezentseva explains, "The result is a perfect puzzle, with the fat balanced by the sour, the neutral with the salty, the spicy with the sweet, and the simplicity with the refinement."

Conclusion

Solianka is more than just a soup; it’s a symbol of Russian tradition, a dish with a rich history and flavor, ideal for celebrations or to alleviate the effects of a party. With its unique combination of contrasting flavors, solianka is a true reflection of the rich Russian culinary heritage.