Solyanka is a traditional Ukrainian soup that is known for its rich and spicy flavor. There are many variations of this dish, but mushroom solyanka with potatoes is one of the most popular. This soup is perfect for a family meal, especially during the colder months.
Secrets to Making the Perfect Mushroom Solyanka
To make mushroom solyanka with potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g mushrooms
- 300g potatoes
- 200g pickled cucumbers
- 2 onions
- 1 cup cucumber pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 100g olives
- 1/2 lemon
- Salt, pepper, bay leaf, and herbs to taste
The main secret to a delicious solyanka is the proper preparation of the ingredients. The vegetables need to be peeled and cut into medium-sized cubes. It is best to cut the mushrooms into thick slices so that they do not lose their shape during cooking.
Special attention should be paid to the selection of pickled cucumbers. They should be crunchy and not too sour. The cucumber pickle juice also plays an important role in creating the unique taste of solyanka.
Step-by-step Recipe for Mushroom Solyanka with Potatoes
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.
- Peel the onions and cut them into small cubes.
- Slice the mushrooms.
- Cut the pickled cucumbers into strips.
- Slice the olives.
- Cut the lemon into wedges.
- Chop the herbs finely.
- Cook the soup:
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot (2.5 liters).
- Add the potatoes and cucumber pickle juice. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Fry the onions in vegetable oil until golden brown.
- Add the mushrooms and fry until almost cooked. Add salt.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Add the cucumbers, mushrooms with onions and tomato paste, olives, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the cooked potatoes.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the herbs at the end of cooking.
- Serve:
- Pour the finished solyanka into bowls.
- Add a lemon wedge and a spoonful of sour cream to each bowl.
- Sprinkle with herbs.
Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor, you can use several types of mushrooms, such as champignons and oyster mushrooms.
- Instead of pickled cucumbers, you can use salted cucumbers.
- If you like spicy food, add a little bit of chili pepper to the solyanka.
- Solyanka can be served with rye bread or croutons.
Enjoy your meal!
