Everyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of trying Russian soups may find them unfamiliar, but trust me when I say they’re delicious. As someone who’s not as well-versed in this cuisine as I’d like to be, I’ve still managed to explore and enjoy ten different Russian soups that I’m excited to share with you. Each one is a masterclass in flavor and nutrition, packed with wholesome ingredients that are surprisingly easy to prepare.
You may recognize some of the names or have heard whispers about borscht, but others will likely be new to your culinary radar. That’s exactly what makes cooking so exciting – experimenting with new flavors and discovering hidden gems. So go ahead and give these ten Russian soups a try, you never know which one might become your new favorite!
Russian Potato and Mushroom Leek Soup
Veering away from traditional soups, this recipe combines a medley of vegetables and herbs to create a truly satisfying dish. With its rich, velvety texture and abundant ingredients like diced potatoes, mushrooms, leeks, carrots, and fresh dill, it’s no wonder my dad affectionately refers to it as ‘stick to your ribs’ food. Variations are endless when it comes to customizing this soup to suit your tastes.
Feel free to get creative with toppings such as additional fresh dill, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or any other ingredient that catches your eye. However you choose to enjoy your soup, you’ll likely appreciate the depth of flavors and textures in every spoonful. To fully immerse yourself in this comforting experience, serve it alongside a crusty, dark bread – perfect for sopping up the last remnants of broth.
Beef, Barley, and Pickle Soup (Rassolnik)
Not only can beef and barley soup be found in most grocery stores, but beef, barley, and pickles soup is also available, albeit less commonly. This variation still retains the same core ingredients as its more traditional counterpart, including tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and barley. However, it’s the addition of dill pickles that sets this recipe apart from others in its category.
The inclusion of these tangy ingredients significantly alters the flavor profile of the soup, imbuing it with a noticeable dill taste and adding a zesty kick that helps to balance out the richness of the beef and earthiness of the barley. Despite being an unconventional combination, the end result is surprisingly effective and well worth trying.
Fish Soup aka Ukha (Russian Classic)
Judging by its name, one might expect fish soup to be a rich, bold dish, but in reality, it’s quite mild. The broth is thin and takes less than an hour to prepare, making it a quick and easy meal option. When combining the tender chunks of salmon with rice, carrots, onions, small potatoes, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper, you’ll notice that the flavors are more herb-forward rather than fishy.
This similarity to vegetable herb soup is what makes it such an excellent choice for lunch – you’ll catch a hint of the fish but mostly savor the savory goodness and subtle herbal notes, especially if you’re like me and prefer a generous amount of salt.
Schavel Borscht (Sorrel Soup)
Yellowing its place in the annals of culinary history, schavel borscht has emerged as a refreshing and light option for those seeking a respite from heavier fare. Its mild flavor profile is akin to that of fish soup, but instead of relying on seafood, this version employs chicken or pork as the primary protein source. The addition of generous portions of schavel, a widely recognized leafy green vegetable, elevates the dish to new heights.
While it can stand alone, serving schavel borscht with a side salad or cheese provides a welcome contrast and helps to round out the meal.
Shchi- Russian Cabbage Soup (Щи)
Making soups with an abundance of ingredients is a great way to experiment with flavors and textures. Instead of opting for a more straightforward recipe, consider trying this Russian cabbage soup, which offers a rich and complex taste experience. Preparation only takes 20 minutes, but the cooking time increases to around 90 minutes. One of the standout features of this soup is its impressive variety of vegetables.
Cabbage, carrots, onions, mushrooms, potatoes, and more all come together to create a deliciously chunky broth. The flavor profile is particularly noteworthy, with a tangy, sauerkraut-like taste that’s both refreshing and invigorating. To enhance the tartness, consider serving the soup with a dollop of sour cream. This simple yet effective addition adds a creamy richness to the dish without overpowering its unique character.
The overall effect is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting accompaniment to a weeknight dinner.
Okroshka Recipe: Russian Summer Soup
Beneath its deceptively simple appearance as a bowl of milk with veggies, herbs, and ham floating in it, Okroshka is actually a chilled summer soup that defies such a mundane description. Fortunately, its actual ingredients are far more appetizing than the initial impression suggests.
Onion Soup with Processed Cheese and Fresh Herbs
Wait until you try this heavenly onion-based soup – it’s an explosion of flavors that will blow your taste buds away! It’s a masterclass in textures and tastes, boasting a rich, creamy base infused with buttery goodness and a generous helping of melted cheese. But what really sets it apart is the sheer amount of caramelized onions that add a depth of flavor and sweetness.
You can, of course, add a sprinkle of fresh basil for extra taste or some crunchy croutons on top, but let’s be real – you won’t need to. This is one soup that I could easily devour without any toppings at all, but serving it with a side of good bread is highly recommended. Trust me, you’ll want to use that crusty goodness to mop up every last drop from the bowl.
Classic Borscht (Beet Soup)
First of all, let’s talk about the aesthetic appeal of classic borscht – its vibrant red color is truly stunning. And what’s even better is that this beautiful soup is relatively easy to prepare, taking only around an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. If you’re not a fan of beets, then borscht might not be the perfect choice for you, as it heavily relies on their distinctive flavor.
However, if you don’t mind the taste of beets and are looking for a deliciously healthy soup option, borscht is definitely worth giving a try.
Pasta with Milk (Russian Milk Soup)
Dumpling (Pelmeni) Soup
Not only is Pelmeni soup a hearty and delicious meal, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The Russian version of Chinese wonton soup features a variety of vegetables and thick, doughy dumplings stuffed with your choice of meat, onions, and spices. As you can imagine, this mouth-watering dish is super filling, and its incredible taste makes it a standout. If you have some homemade pelmeni (dumplings) already on hand, you can whip up this soup in about 45 minutes.
If you need to make the dumplings from scratch, be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time.
10 Traditional Russian Soups
Instructions
Achieving culinary mastery is just around the corner, but only if you have the right recipe and tools at hand. The first step towards creating an unforgettable meal is to select your favorite dish that will serve as the foundation for your cooking endeavors. Once you’ve made your selection, it’s essential to organize all the required ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
