Solianka: Russian soup filled with mortar

Last updated Aug 24, 2025

Solianka

Solianka is a delicious dish from the soup family. Due to its raw ingredients, this soup can be a complete meal. Solianka is a traditional Russian soup that has been cooked and eaten in this country since ancient times. The deliciousness of this soup is very famous.

At YummCook.com we provide you with the easiest and best way to cook Solianka. You can prepare this soup full of energy at home. This food is consumed more in winter and is very useful for strengthening the immune system.

Necessary ingredients to prepare Solianka: Russian soup filled with mortar

You can use any kind of meat in this soup, we use veal here.

Meat	250 Grams
Butter	200 Grams
Mushrooms	5
Sausage or ham	200 Grams
Water	3 Glasses
Flour	1 Spoon
Olives	200 Grams
Fragrant leaves	5
Tomatoes	2
Tomato paste	2 Spoons
Chopped dill	1 Spoon
Garlic	2 Cloves
Pickled cucumbers	2
Salt, pepper, paprika	As needed

How to prepare Solianka: Russian soup filled with mortar

Step 1

First, we put the deep dish on the heat and chop the meat into very small pieces. Chop the sausage or ham very finely. Put 100 grams of butter in the dish until it melts, then chop the onion and garlic and add it together. Put the meat and sausage in the dish and fry until their color changes a little.

Step 2

In another container, put another 100 grams of butter on the heat until it melts, chop the tomato and fry it along with the tomato paste and add it to the ingredients.

Step 3

Chop the mushrooms and olives and add them to the soup ingredients. Mix the flour in a bowl with cold water and add it to the ingredients along with the spices and chopped salted cucumber and dill. Then leave it for 1 hour until it is completely cooked.

Benefits of Solianka: Russian soup filled with mortar

Strengthen the immune system
Strengthening the digestive system
Anti-inflammatory
Rich in protein

Disadvantages of Solianka: Russian soup filled with mortar

High sodium
High cholesterol
Digestive problems for people with stomach problems

What is Solianka?

Solianka (солянка) literally means “salted” or “pickled” in Russian, referring to the key ingredients like pickles and brined vegetables that give this soup its signature tang. Traditionally, it includes a combination of smoked meats, sausage, or fish, along with cabbage, olives, lemon slices, and sour cream as garnish.

The bold flavors make Solianka a perfect dish for cold days or when you want a filling, satisfying meal. Its mix of ingredients means it can also be considered a complete meal, offering proteins, fats, and carbs all in one bowl.

Solianka Sriuba: A Lithuanian Twist

If you’ve come across the term Solianka Sriuba, you’re likely dealing with the Lithuanian or Eastern European variation of this soup. “Sriuba” means “soup” in Lithuanian, so Solianka Sriuba is simply Solianka soup as made or adapted in Lithuania.

This version often incorporates local ingredients and sometimes leans towards a lighter broth while still preserving the traditional sour and smoky profile. Solianka Sriuba can also be found in Polish and other Baltic cuisines, showing the wide cultural appreciation of this dish.

Russian Milk Soup: A Creamier Alternative

While Solianka is known for its sour and salty flavors, Russia also has a tradition of Russian Milk Soup — a different style of soup that is creamy and mild. This soup is made with milk as the base instead of broth or stock and typically includes ingredients like potatoes, rice, carrots, and sometimes fish or meat.

Russian Milk Soup offers a comforting, soothing flavor profile that contrasts with the punchy taste of Solianka. It is ideal for those who prefer lighter or creamier soups, especially for children or when a gentler meal is desired.

How to Make Solianka: Solianka Receptas (Recipe)

Here’s a simple, authentic Solianka receptas you can try at home to experience this rich Russian classic:

Ingredients:

300g mixed smoked meats (sausage, ham, or beef)
1 large onion, chopped
2-3 pickled cucumbers, sliced
1 cup black olives, pitted
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2-3 cups beef or chicken broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1-2 bay leaves
Sour cream (for garnish)
Fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot. Add onions and cook until golden.
Add the chopped smoked meats and cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, pickled cucumbers, olives, and bay leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Remove bay leaves, serve hot with lemon slices, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh herbs.

Health Benefits of Solianka and Russian Milk Soup

Both soups have their unique nutritional profiles. Solianka’s mix of pickled vegetables and meats provides protein, vitamins, and probiotics from fermented ingredients. The broth-based nature makes it low in fat but rich in flavor.

Russian Milk Soup, on the other hand, offers calcium and vitamin D from milk, combined with vegetables for fiber and nutrients, making it a wholesome, balanced meal.

Variations of Solianka Around the World

Depending on the region, you might find different takes on Solianka:

Fish Solianka: Popular near coastal areas, uses smoked or salted fish instead of meats.
Vegetarian Solianka: Uses mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
Solianka Sriuba: As mentioned, this Baltic version might be lighter but equally flavorful.

Why You Should Try Solianka Today

If you enjoy trying new international dishes, Solianka offers a unique experience with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s perfect for cold weather, family dinners, or when you want something comforting but different. Plus, with variations like the milk soup or the Lithuanian Sriuba, you have plenty of options to explore

In the end

Solianka is a very nourishing and energetic soup that you can cook with any kind of meat you like. The family of soups and stews are very useful for the body, especially during the period of illness. You can consume this soup a lot in winter because it strengthens It becomes body. Salty cucumber and aromatic vegetables are optional in this soup. You can change any type of ingredients according to your taste.

1. What is Solianka soup?

Solianka is a traditional Russian soup known for its rich, tangy flavor, made with a mix of meats, vegetables, and pickled ingredients.

2. How is Solianka different from other soups?

Unlike typical soups, Solianka combines sour and savory tastes using ingredients like pickles and olives, making it uniquely flavorful and hearty.

3. Can Solianka be a complete meal?

Yes, thanks to its mix of proteins, vegetables, and broth, Solianka can serve as a filling and balanced meal on its own.

4. Is Solianka easy to make at home?

Absolutely! With common ingredients and simple steps, Solianka is a great homemade soup for anyone to try.