solianka

solianka
Originally uploaded by kattebelletje.

This soup, called solianka or soljanka, I made the first time years and years ago, from a book on one grand Russian dinner, called something like "Perestroika Style Dinnerparty". The book had descriptions on how to make piroski, kvas, blini with caviar, a charlottka, a vegetable pie, but also this soup, and with the student house I was in then, we cooked the whole book for one grand dinner in Russian style. I remembered it for being so tasty so I made it again. I couldn't find the book so I started cutting 4 potatoes, half a knob celery and some onions into chunks and put them in a pan of water. I added some salt and a tin of tomato paste and let it simmer for 2 hours or so. Also, I added a tin of ready made beef broth (I very much am a cook-from-scratch-person, but sometimes you run out of time), a smoked Dutch sausage in slices, and some fresh carrots and tomatoes. This soup you can add a lot of Eastern Europe kind of vegetables, but in the end, add some sugar, some lemon juice, cut up gherkins (like the flavour) and add them, and two spoonfuls of capers. The soup has a very hearty flavour. Put in bowls and add a big scoop of creme fraiche or double cream. You could also scatter on some fresh dill. Lovely with bread (or leftover no-knead bread...)