Russian cuisine is one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Rich flavors and textures fill the dish with brilliant hues.Russian cuisine is diverse, with regional peculiarities and flavors influenced by the people who live there. History and religion, lifestyle, geography, and harsh climate all impacted this cuisine’s development.
Many people think of Russia as a foodie destination, but the country’s traditional cuisine is exquisite. To many foreign visitors, Russian food is a surprise because it is inspired by Russia’s proximity to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Foods produced from vegetables and wheat is the traditional Russian dishes, including soups, packed dough’s, and porridges. The following is a list of 20 traditional Russian words that, no matter how long they’ve been around, never cease to bring up fond memories for Russians.
1. Salat Olivye
A classic potato salad is known as a “Russian Salad” throughout Ukraine and the Balkans. Salat Olivye is a traditional Russian dish served at New Year’s and Christmas parties. With a large amount of mayonnaise and a variety of vegetables, including boiled potatoes and peas, eggs, carrots, and peas, this salad is sure to please. The use of black pepper enhances the flavor.
2. Borscht
Although it originated in Ukraine, the dish has become a Russian delicacy. For many Westerners, the idea of a soup based on beets may sound weird, yet this hearty soup is one of Russia’s most well-known. Meat and sautéed vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and onions, make up most of this dish. Sour cream on top is the most acceptable way to eat it. However, it can be served either hot or cold.
3. Shchi
Cabbage soup, known as shchi, can be cooked with fresh or fermented cabbage. The essential ingredients for shchi include potatoes, carrots, onions, and some meat, such as chicken. Sauerkraut can also be used in place of the cabbage, and this is known as sour shchi.
4. Medovik
Layered honey biscuit cake topped with a custard cream of egg yolks, condensed milk, and butter creates the delectable Medovik. Medovik has royal roots, as it was initially produced for Russian Tzaritza, Alexander I of Russia’s wife, according to historical documents. Medovik, a traditional Russian dessert, is eaten on special occasions, but it may also be found in international patisseries.
5. Vatrushka
Sweetened cottage cheese and raisins fill circular, open-topped bread called a vátrushka. Vatra, which means ‘hearth’ or ‘fire’ in most Slavic languages, is said to have originated in Russia’s bordering countries. Perhaps the fact that vatrushka resembles a spherical and puffy sun is no accident.Various alterations have been made to this decadent treat over the years. Sure, locals can add even plain white yogurt!
6. Solyanka
Thick and filling, solyanka serves as a whole dinner on its own. A variety of meats and vegetables are combined in this hearty soup to make it a filling meal for the entire family. Adding chopped pickles to the recipe and garnishing it with a lemon slice is essential to its sour flavor. If you’d want to add fish and pickled cucumbers, you can.
7. Syrinki
Syrinki is a meal that can be served as a dessert or as a substitute for pancakes during breakfast. Syrinki is a Ukrainian snack made from cottage cheese, eggs, flour, sugar, and salt, which is then deep-fried till golden. For a sweeter version, you can increase the sugar in this recipe, or for a savory one, you can add more salt. It’s best served hot with a cup of tea or milk on the side and some fresh fruit chunks on top if you’d like.
8. Rasstegai
Russian pirogi include the dish rasstegai (cakes and pies). Its oval shape, so comfortable in hand, has earned it a cult following. Spices and minced meat can be used to make rasstegai. Traditional rasstegai, on the other hand, was cooked with salmon and rice. This is an excellent option for people who don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal. Rasstegai is now commonly sold in small bakeries and small shops in metro stations.
9. Beef Stroganoff
The Russian national cuisine of Beef Stroganoff dates back to the nineteenth century. It’s created with sautéed beef chunks and a light sauce of sour cream, mustard, and beef stock, and it’s delicious. Beloved Russian Stroganoff cook, an acclaimed French chef, is credited with inventing Beef Stroganoff’s roots. The method of chopping the beef and the inclusion of mustard in the creamy sauce reflect the dish’s French heritage.
10. Penmen
If you’re in Russia and haven’t had Penmen, you’re missing out! It is a pastry dumpling often filled with minced meat and encased in pasta-like dough. With butter and sour cream, they’re delicious on their own; they can also be thrown into a pot of soup. It’s a big hit in Russia and Eastern Europe!
11. Kasha
For Russians, a good day begins with a bowl of Kasha in the morning. Aside from being high in fiber and protein, Kasha is also tall in potassium. Either baked or boiled with hot water or milk, this traditional Russian dish is a portion of comfort food for many. Various forms of Kasha can be found. It is not uncommon to see people experimenting with bulgur and the more traditional grains like millet or rye.
12. Blini
Brini is a wheat pancake filled with anything from jam to cheese to caviar to onions to chocolate syrup. In Russia, it’s known as a crepe. Blinis are a definite bet in any restaurant, even if the menu doesn’t specify what else they serve. A springtime holiday called Maslenitsa celebrates the arrival of spring by serving blinis, a traditional Russian dish.
13. Paskha
In the countries of the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, the holiday dessert known as paskha is traditionally prepared around the time of Easter. As a part of the holiday meal, a sweet cheesecake that has been sweetened is adorned with motifs associated with Christianity.
14. Okroshka
This exciting and tasty cold soup is created from chopped veggies, bratwurst, and kvass. An appetizer or side dish is frequently offered with the fruit. Some Russians think that this meal should have a pronounced flavor because it is served cold. Beef tongue and airan or salted kefir are sometimes substituted for bratwurst because of this Powdered mustard is frequently added to the stock to enhance its flavor and aroma.
15. Stroganina
Russian sashimi is a variation of what’s more widely known as sushi. Frozen raw fish known as stroganina is served in thin, curled slices while it’s still cold. It has been part of Russian cuisine for hundreds of years. For millennia, many people in the Russian Arctic survived on a diet of raw fish and meat, which is not common in many civilizations worldwide.
16. Ptichye Moloko
A sweet treat called Ptichye Moloko is popular in Russian restaurants. The name of this Russian cake may have you scratching your head since it is not what it appears to be. Ptichye Moloko is a thick sponge cake topped with a foamy jello layer and then covered with chocolate. Even though it may look basic, it’s considered one of the best Soviet-era sweets.
17. Ikra
Ikra, more often known as caviar, is something that causes a stir in Russian culture. It is typically served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, like pancakes or crepes in texture and flavor. The flavor is salty and savory. Zakuska is often made with caviar spread on buttered bread.
18. Oladyi
According to an Old Russian adage, Blini and Oladyi may not feed the world, but they will offer happiness to your family and friends. Oladyi is a shorter version of Blini, but they’re just as delicious. Kefir, a sour dairy product similar to yogurt, is used to make the dough of these little pancakes, which are bursting with flavor.After the kefir has been drained and the ingredients have been mixed, it is pan-fried in a circular form similar to pancakes in the United States.
19. Guriev Kasha
To put it another way, guriev kasha isn’t your regular semolina porridge. The preparation of this classic Russian recipe comprises numerous unique processes, including baking milk or cream in the oven until a semi-golden crust is formed on the top.The creamy crust is then utilized to divide the layers of porridge. A semolina layer is placed on top of the nuts, jam, fruit, or nuts & dried fruit, sandwiched between the milk crust layers. Guriev kasha then gets coated with confectioner’s sugar and baked until the top is golden brown.
20. Smetana
You may expect to find sour cream, also known as Smetana, accompanying practically any traditional dish that is served in Russia, including crepes, soups, and even desserts on occasion. This sour cream is relatively fresh, and its peculiar flavor is enhanced because it melts quickly into warm dishes.
