13 Easy Traditional Russian Soups

Traditional Russian soups are a dish everyone needs to try, however, unless you’re Russian or have Russian relatives, then you may not be familiar with what these soups are. 

Well, in that case, trust us when we tell you it is something you certainly need to try! Here, we have outlined 13 different traditional Russian soups that are sure to blow you away. 

Each soup is filling and flavorful, and, the best part? They don’t require a lot of work or effort to make! You’ll be rewarded with nutritious meals without any hassle. 

You may be familiar with a few of these recipes – or may have come across the word “borscht” before), although others may be completely new to you. 

Don’t worry, that is perfectly fine! One of the joys of cooking is experimenting with new flavors and discovering fresh favorite foods – and these 13 traditional Russian soups bear no exception!

With this in mind, this article will explore 13 traditional Russian soups with easy recipes that you need to try. 

Let’s get straight into it! 

1. Rassolnik

If you’re unfamiliar with Rassolnik, essentially it is a Russian cucumber soup that is known for its sour and salty tastes. In the soup, you’ll find vegetables and meat, usually beef. 

The signature aroma of this soup is achieved by the pickled cucumber, whereas the added pearl barley, beef, and potatoes make it a hearty main meal. 

In addition to this, you’ll find an array of herbs and spices to contribute a huge role in the preparation of Rassolnik. 

When making this soup, it is important to create the perfect balance between sour and salty. The ratio between the vegetables (beets, carrots, etc.) and salty (brine and cucumber) needs to be perfect. 

If you’re in the mood for something different, then this soup is the ideal option. 

2. Russian Potato And Mushroom Leek Soup

This chunky, creamy soup is packed with diced mushrooms, potatoes, dill, carrot, leeks, and much more. You’ll receive just the right amount of heartiness here. 

Once you are ready to serve your soup, top it with crumbled bits of bacon, fresh dill, your favorite kind of cheese, and whatever other toppings you desire. 

Regardless of how you enjoy your soup, this comforting bowl of goodness is sure to hit the spot. 

Serve it with some dark, thick bread for the perfect pairing – this way you can mop up all those delicious flavors. 

3. Schavel Borscht

Schavel borscht, otherwise known as sorrel soup, is another soup containing a thin broth that is both mild and light – leaving you without those heavy feelings. 

In fact, it is pretty similar to fish soup. However, instead of fish, you’ll find pork or chicken. In addition to this, you’ll also find a generous amount of schavel – a popular leafy green vegetable. 

You can either serve the soup with a side of cheese or a salad since you will need something extra to fill you up. 

4. Ukha

For some, the thought of fish soup can put them off the idea. Typically, you would expect bold, umami flavors. However, surprisingly, these flavors here are pretty mild. 

Ukha consists of a thin broth soup that can be whipped up and served on the dinner table within an hour’s time. 

Here, you will combine a fourth cup of rice, tender chunks of salmon, small potatoes, onions, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper to make a flavorful soup. 

It is similar to a vegetable herb soup, however, you are getting more delicious protein thanks to the salmon. While you will find hints of fish, this is mostly overpowered by herb flavors and salty broth. 

What you’re left with is a delicious soup perfect for lunch. 

5. Okroshka

At first glance, Okroshka looks like a big bowl of milk with chopped veggies, herbs, and ham floating around it. Luckily for you, no milk is involved here. Instead, you’re rewarded with an appetizing meal. 

Known as a summer soup, it combines sour cream, water, vinegar, green onions, dill, potatoes, ham, cucumbers, and eggs. 

This is the perfect, light soup for those warm summer evenings. Plus, it is super simple to make and will provide you with all those healthy nutrients, too. 

6. Shchi

Fresh cabbage soup, otherwise known as shchi, is considered one of Russia’s national dishes, and, similar to the other recipes on this list, it can vary from region to region. 

However, in this recipe, you’ll find a meatless soup that doesn’t contain any sauerkraut. You’re rewarded with a mild yet hearty vegetarian soup that is filled with tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage. 

If you’re looking for some richer flavors, swap the water for vegetable broth. Then top your soup with some sour cream and fresh dill for the finishing touches. 

Once done, serve your soup with some rye bread for a comforting and filling lunch or dinner – you’re going to want to eat this throughout the winter months. 

7. Borscht

Everyone needs to try this traditional Borscht recipe at least once. It combines earth beetroots with fresh dill and other delicious vegetables to provide you with a comforting meal. 

This is a healthy, frugal, and hearty method to using up all your garden veggies – allowing you to stretch your food budget while ensuring your family is happy and fed. 

One of the great things about this recipe is its gorgeous colors from the beets and cabbage. Moreover, it is packed with protein and is incredibly healthy. You’ll find tons of iron, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, vitamins K & C, and vitamin B6. 

Since this recipe comes from a lineage of European peasants who had to survive harsh winters, it combines a few staple food ingredients. This is both budget-friendly and delicious. 

8. Cheesy Potato Leek Soup

There is no better combination than cheese, leeks, potatoes, and onions – and this soup combines all those delicious ingredients! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then it is simply going to blow your mind. 

It is buttery, cheesy, and creamy – featuring tons of yummy onions. For some added taste, consider throwing some basil into the mix. Plus, you can use some croutons for an added crunch. 

If you’re looking to go one step further, you can even consider topping your soup with extra cheese; although, do this sparingly since you’ll have enough in the soup! 

In fact, this is one of those soups that you can eat simply without any toppings at all. 

Although we do recommend serving it with some fresh bread – you’ll want every drop you can get!

9. Pelmeni

This is the Russian version of Chinese wonton soup. Pelmeni features thick, doughy dumplings packed with species, onions, meat, and a broth made with plenty of veggies. 

As you have probably guessed, this soup is incredibly filling; however, it tastes amazing! If you have already made the pelmeni (dumpling), then the soup can be whipped up in less than 45 minutes. 

However, if you’re planning to make the dumplings from scratch, then expect to leave some extra time to achieve this. 

10. Russian Milk Soup

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the soup that looks like a big bowl of milk. In fact, this recipe does, in fact, contain milk! 

Russian milk soup features a semi-sweet soup that is often served for breakfast – combining water, milk, sugar, pasta, and salt. 

The recipe takes under 30 minutes to make and is something you have probably never tasted before. Essentially, it could be compared to pasta cereal. Although trust us, it tastes way better than it sounds. 

11. Russian Sauerkraut Soup

Sauerkraut soup, otherwise known as sour schi, is a traditional Russian soup having been made over the last several hundred years. 

Original recipes for this dish (these include sour schi, gray schi, and green schi) typically contain some kind of cabbage, meat, potatoes, carrots, and species. 

In this recipe, you’ll find pork broth used for the sauerkraut schi which enhances all those delicious flavors. 

12. Solyanka

This Solyanka (sour soup with mixed meat) recipe is deliciously thick with origins from Russia and Ukraine. The term Solyanka comes from the Russian word ‘salt’, this could be a nod to the salty meats in the recipe. 

In this recipe, you’ll use a selection of meats to create various tastes and textures. Whether you’re using smoked pork shoulder, bologna, smoked sausages, or any other cured meats, you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful experience. 

13. Russian Chicken Meatball Soup

This Russian chicken meatball soup is made using fresh and light ingredients, such as aromatic vegetables, rice, and potatoes, alongside tender chicken meatballs. This is a soup that the whole family is sure to enjoy. 

Frequently Asked Question

Final Thoughts

There is nothing more comforting than soup, and if there is something Russians know how to do it is making a delicious hearty soup. 

This shouldn’t come as a surprise since the country faces some fierce winters. Therefore, having a comforting soup is like second nature there. 

From Solyanka and Borscht to Rassolnik and Okroshka, hopefully, this guide has informed you about the best traditional Russian soups. These recipes are sure to warm you from head to toe.