Russian cuisine is very colorful and unique. It is a ménage of various cultural, social, and historical backgrounds that make it feel like an adventure for the palate. Russian cuisine is made up of a variety of rich and abundant ingredients such as red meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and fruit. Their dishes range from delectable dumplings, pies, pancakes, noodles, rolls, roasted meat, baked poultry, and refreshing drinks. Here are some of the best-tasting traditional dishes of Russia that you should definitely try.
Borscht
It is a reddish-colored sweet & sour soup that is made from beetroot and meat. It is sauteed with vegetables such as carrots, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and potatoes. It can be either served as a hot or cold soup and topped with sour cream (smetana) and garlic bread (pampushka).
Kasha
It is a porridge that is usually eaten for breakfast, generally made of buckwheat, oat, rice, barley, or millet. It is cooked by boiling the flour in water and milk and can be flavored with butter, condensed milk, and sugar. Aside from being a breakfast meal, it is sometimes eaten as an afternoon snack. It is easy to cook, nutritious, and can be eaten on its own.
Pelmeni
Pelmeni is a dumpling that is considered a staple food and called “the heart of Russian cuisine”. Similar to the Chinese’s xiaolongbao or the Japanese gyoza, it is made of minced meat (lamb, pork, or beef), and usually includes horseradish and cabbage. Its thin dough is made from flour and water and can be served with sour cream (smetana) or with the broth it was boiled in. It makes a great “comfort” food too.
Okroshka
Russians love a good soup! Okroshka is a cold soup that can be served as a main meal or a side dish. It is composed of fresh diced vegetables, eggs, baked or boiled potatoes, sausage, veal, ham, or beef. It is made with black rye called kvass (a fermented drink). It is usually served with smetana (sour cream).
Shashlik
Shashlik is the Russian version of a kebab. It is a combination of grilled meat and vegetables on skewers. Since the beginning of the 20th century, shashlik has been a popular Russian household and urban street food. Every family has its own secret recipe with the perfect marinade. The meat used is generally lamb, however, pork, beef, and venison are also used sometimes.
Blini
Blinis are Russian pancakes or crepes, made of flour (usually buckwheat or wheat). Blini can be eaten as a snack or dessert, or even as a main meal. Round and thin, they can have different kinds of fillings, such as berries or fruits, and can be topped with smetana, honey, caviar, or butter. Blini can be pan-fried, but it is traditionally baked in ovens.
Beef Stroganoff
Originating in Russia, this world-famous beef recipe has its history way back during the time of the wealthy Russian tsars. Pieces of beef are sauteed and served with onions, mushrooms, and savory smetana sauce. Commonly served in high-end restaurants and considered a luxurious dish, beef stroganoff is quite easy to prepare.
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