Classic Solyanka Soup

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Fry the onion and garlic in the pot until translucent, then season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook it through for 3–4 minutes (the goal is to cook out the strong acidic taste of the tomato paste).

Step 3

Add the meat and sausages to the pot and fry for another 3 minutes.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil, then add the bay leaf, olives, and pickled cucumbers and adjust seasoning, adding sugar or salt if desired.

Step 5

Simmer the soup for 10 minutes over medium heat so the flavors develop, then serve with sour cream and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6

Chop the onion, olives, ham/meat, sausages, garlic, and pickled cucumbers into small pieces according to your preference and place a pot over medium heat.