I had no idea what to expect but the recipe sounded interesting and unusual. It was amazing! We love soup for dinner and this is a keeper. A slice or two of Russin Rye with butter and we were all set. Next time I might add some diced potato - but maybe not!
Solyanka (Russian Sweet and Sour Beef Soup)
A mix of fresh and cured beef and pork gives this classic sweet and sour soup heft. This recipe first appeared in our March 2013 issue, along with Leah Koenig's article Purifying Pleasures.
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Credit: James Oseland
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. beef chuck, trimmed8 oz. kielbasa sausage
4 oz. boneless ham steak
2 oz. hard salami
4 whole black peppercorns
3 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf
4 oz. sliced bacon, minced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
¼ small head green cabbage, cored and thinly shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 tbsp. tomato paste
1 (15-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed
5 cups beef stock
1½ large dill pickles, chopped
1½ tbsp. capers, drained
¼ cup pitted black olives, sliced
1½ tbsp. sugar
½ lemon, thinly sliced
Chopped parsley, sliced scallions, and sour cream, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut beef, kielbasa, ham, and salami into ¼" pieces; set aside. Place peppercorns, allspice, and bay on a piece of cheesecloth and tie into a tight package; set aside.2. Heat bacon over medium-high heat in a 6-qt. saucepan; cook until crisp, 4–6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a bowl; set aside. Add meats to pot; cook until browned, 6–8 minutes. Add onion, celery, cabbage, and salt and pepper; cook until soft, 4–6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook, until slightly caramelized, about 2 minutes.
3. Return bacon to pot with spice package, tomatoes, and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, add pickles and capers; cook until beef is very tender, 40–45 minutes.
4. Remove spice package. Stir in olives, sugar, lemon, and salt and pepper. Serve with parsley, scallions, and sour cream.
Ratings & Reviews (1)
Solyanka (Russian Sweet and Sour Beef Soup)
Reviewed by CHARTMAN on
.
I had no idea what to expect but the recipe sounded interesting and unusual. It was amazing! We love soup for dinner and this is a keeper. A slice or two of Russin Rye with butter and we were all set. Next time I might add some diced potato - but maybe not!
Rating: 4
 Recipe - Saveur.com){kind=link}