Hearty Solanka Soup

This delightful solanka soup is a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends a variety of meat cuts and vegetables, resulting in a robust flavor. It features a combination of pork and beef kidneys, smoked pork shank, and beef bones, delivering a rich and savory base. Complemented by the tang of pickled cucumbers and the slight sweetness of carrots, this soup is a festival of flavors. The dish also incorporates olives and some spices, which further enhance and deepen its taste profile. A generous addition of tomato paste provides a vibrant hue and a balance to the meaty richness. The soup requires patience but rewards with deep, satisfying flavors that are perfect for cold days. Each spoonful delivers comforting warmth and nourishment, making it a favorite for festive occasions or intimate family dinners. Although it is somewhat complex, the result is a uniquely flavorful experience that resonates with culinary tradition and creativity. This versatile recipe allows room for personal touches and variations, ensuring that it can be tailored to any palate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g beef kidneys
• 2 pork kidneys
• 1 smoked pork shank
• 400 g beef bones with meat
• 200 g hunter sausages
• 100 g frankfurters
• 200 g carrots
• 500 g onions
• 150 g green olives
• 150 g black olives
• 200 g pickled cucumbers
• 500 g tomato paste

Spices and Sauces

• 3 bay leaves
• 3 allspice berries
• 20 g dill (can be frozen)
• Cooking oil

For Serving

• Lemons
• Sour cream

Preparation Time

Total time: Approximately 3 hours (180 minutes), including preparation and cooking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Tomato Paste: The day before making the soup, spread out the tomato paste in a heated pan. Allow it to lightly char for depth of flavor. Mix in finely chopped pickled cucumbers and let it cool. Store in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
2. Prepare the Kidneys: Thoroughly clean the pork and beef kidneys, removing excess fat. Boil them in separate large pots of cold water. Drain and rinse when it starts boiling. Repeat this process 3-4 times, adding a pinch of salt after the first boil.
3. Final Cook of Kidneys: When the kidneys are almost ready, add less salt than before, simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, skimming off any foam.
4. Boil the Meat: In a separate pot, boil the smoked pork shank with beef bones in cold water. As they simmer, occasionally skim the foam. Cook until the meat easily falls off the bone.
5. Skim and Shred the Meat: Remove the cooked meat from the pot, let cool, and shred into bite-sized pieces.
6. Prepare Vegetables and Sausages: In a third pan, heat oil and sauté sliced carrots until slightly charred. In the same manner, cook onions separately until soft.
7. Cook the Sausages: Slice and sauté the frankfurters and hunter sausages until golden and crisp. Choose sausages with a natural casing for better texture.
8. Assemble the Soup: Add carrots and the prepared tomato-cucumber mixture to the broth. Toss in bay leaves and allspice, then bring to a simmer.
9. Add Vegetables: After the carrots are slightly softened, add onions and dill to the pot, continuing to simmer.
10. Incorporate the Sausages: Add the sautéed sausages and let simmer for a couple of minutes before adding the shredded meat.
11. Bring Back to Boil: Once it begins to boil again, lower the heat and immediately add the olives.
12. Finish with Olives: Add green olives with their brine and drained black olives.
13. Incorporate the Kidneys: Drain and add the boiled kidneys to the mix.
14. Adjust Consistency: If desired, thin the hearty soup with warm water to achieve the preferred consistency.
15. Final Touches: Allow individuals to personalize servings with lemon slices and a dollop of sour cream.
16. Preservation: This soup base can be cooled, jarred, and frozen for long-term storage.
17. Vegetable Notes: Ensure not to overcook the carrots to avoid a mushy texture.
18. No Salt Needed: Avoid adding extra salt; olives and pickles offer enough seasoning.
19. No Pickled Cucumbers: For the best taste, use only pickled cucumbers, not those that are in vinegar.
20. Enjoy Your Meal: Serve this hearty dish warm and enjoy the symphony of flavors crafted meticulously.

Tips

• Adjust Ingredients: You can customize the quantities based on your taste preferences and the size of your pot.
• Storage Advice: Consider making a larger batch and freezing portions for a convenient meal option later.
• Char for Flavor: Slightly charring the tomato paste can significantly enhance the depth of flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal per serving
• Protein: 30 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbs: 15 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace meats with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers; adjust seasoning for flavor balance.
• Spicy Version: Add chili peppers or hot paprika for a touch of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure sausages are gluten-free substitutes if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an herbaceous note.
• Serve with a side of mixed green salad.

Best Places

1. The Soup Kitchen - Cozy place known for its hearty soups.
   Location: 33 Charity St, London, UK.

2. Borscht Belt Bistro - Known for Eastern European dishes, offering a wide refreshment menu.
   Location: 45 Kosciuszko St, New York, USA.

3. Soup Sanctuary - Enjoy a variety of artisan soups and homemade bread.
   Location: 120 King St W, Toronto, Canada.

4. Broth Brothers - Features a diverse range of home-style soups.
   Location: 22 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.

5. Aroma Corner - Offers a wide selection of comforting international soups.
   Location: Via Ugo Bassi 14, Bologna, Italy.

6. Slurp Soups - Inventive and delicious twists on classics.
   Location: 9 Degraves St, Melbourne, Australia.

7. The Warm Bowel - Known for its creative soup concoctions and vibrant atmosphere.
   Location: 88 George St, Sydney, Australia.

8. Supa Star - Mixes tradition and innovation in their soup offerings.
   Location: Quigley’s Point NY50, Dublin, Ireland.

9. Soup for the Soul - Consistently delivers flavorful and nourishing soups.
   Location: 390 W Broadway, Vancouver, Canada.

10. Heritage Soup Co. - Celebrated for authentic and traditional soup recipes.
    Location: 125 Lygon St, Carlton, Australia.

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of solanka soup!