Russian Sweet and Sour Beef Stew "Solyanka"

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup

dried porcini or mixed mushrooms

cup/250 ml hot water

kg/4 lbs stewing beef

2353/200000 g

smoked sausages/Polish kilebasa

100 g

smoked bacon lardons

1 cup

pickes/gherkins (chopped)

marinated mushrooms (preferably from Eastern European store)

Kalamata olives (pitted)

onion (chopped)

2 cloves

garlic (minced)

carrot (sliced)

bay leaves

1/2 tsp

black pepper

1 tbsp

butter

500 g

tomato passata or crushed tomatoes

1 tsp

sweet paprika (smoked)

baby potatoes (halved)

2 tbsp

each chopped dill and parsley

sour cream/creme fraiche

lemon slices for serving (optional)