Solyanka


Solyanka is a thick, spicy and sour Russian and Ukrainian soup that is common in Russia, Ukraine, and other states of the former Soviet Union and certain parts of the former Eastern Bloc. It was one of the most popular dishes of the former East Germany.

Overview

There are three basic types of solyanka, with the main ingredient being either meat, fish, or mushrooms. All of them contain pickled cucumbers with brine, and often cabbage, salted mushrooms, potatoes, smetana, and dill. The soup is prepared by cooking the cucumbers with brine before adding the other ingredients to the broth.
Solyanka is also popular in the former East Germany, where it is commonly found in restaurants and available in canned form in grocery stores. This practice stems from the era when Soviet troops were stationed in the GDR, and Soljanka was found on the menu at many East German restaurants. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was raised in East Germany, is fond of Solyanka.