Low carb Solyanka soup

This is my favourite soup! It is rich, full of flavour, thick, super satisfying and YUMMY!

I normally cook a large pot, and freeze any leftovers so it can be eaten later. 

This soup is one of the best examples of Russian cuisine and every housewife has her own recipe, so here is my low carb version.

Ingredients

1/4 large celeriac root (or 1/2 of a small one) (cut into small cubes)

2 l stock or water

1 onion (chopped)

1 carrot  (grated)

2 celery sticks (cut into small cubes)

2 garlic cloves (chopped)

200 g cooking chorizo sausage (cut into small cubes)

200 g pork ham or good quality pork sausage (cut into small cubes)

 5-6 medium pickled cucumbers (I prefer Polish ones)

70 g pitted olives

2 tbs tomato puree 

salt 

black pepper

fresh parsley and dill (chopped)

lemon (optional)

Method

1. Place celeriac into a large pot, cover with stock or water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer.

2. Meanwhile heat oil in a large pan, add onions and celery, saute until soft and turning golden. Add carrot and garlic and saute for another 2-3 minutes.  Add sauteed veggies to the pot.

3. Add oil to the pan and fry chorizo and ham. When golden, add to the pot.

4. Cut cucumbers into small cubes and add to the pot. I like my Solyanka soup a bit more tangy, so I add a couple of tablespoons of cucumber brine as well. Cut olives in half and add to the soup.

5. Add tomato puree and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes until veggies are soft and all the flavours are combined. 

6. Turn off the heat, add chopped herbs, cover with lid and let the soup stand for 5 minutes to infuse with fresh herbs.

7. Serve with sour cream or creme fraiche, sprinkle of herbs and a slice of lemon. My husband likes a clove of fresh garlic pressed on top as well (garlic is good for men's health, if you know what I mean)

Enjoy and fell in love with this super soup!