Has World Cup fever grabbed you yet? You might not be bothered as the USA team didn’t reach the finals but for many of us football/soccer fans around the world, the events in Russia will have us on the edge of our seats (hopefully). As a die-hard England fan, I know heartache, so I will need comfort from some Russian foods to eat during the World Cup. I’m hoping I’ll be doing some celebrating too so I’ll have a few drinks on hand. From soups to snacks to true delicacies, here are some Russian foods to eat during the world cup.
What might be described as mini cabbage burritos, you can fill up on golubsty before the evening game and you won’t need a half-time snack.
A versatile beetroot soup that can be served hot or cold but always with a swirl of crème fraiche or sour cream.
An ideal half time snack. Pelmeni are delectable little dumplings that are so versatile. Perfect them to serve in a broth or slathered in butter and cream.
One of the Russian foods that will definitely make you go yum! Knish is mashed potatoes, ground beef, onions and cheese filled inside thick dough pastry and deep fried/baked. There are lots of variations on the filling too.
If you just fancy a piece of cake with your half-time cup of tea, it has to be this honey cake.
An event like the World Cup is always a good excuse for a barbecue and Shashlik is a classic that is perfect for chucking on the grill.
If you’re having a barbecue or are cooking shashlik, it’s obvious that you have to have an Olivier Salad. You’ll know it by its popular name of Russian Salad.
Push that bucket of popcorn aside and dig into handfuls of chak-chak instead. This is deep fried little balls or logs of unleavened dough topped with hot honey syrup. The honey coated dough shapes are usually left to harden before eating.
Another of the great Russian foods perfect for that half-time cuppa, Tula Gingerbread is made with honey and it is usual to have patterns on the top. Maybe make yours with your national flag or team badge.
Perhaps best until (if) your team reaches the final, caviar is one of life’s great indulgences. Serve it on homemade blinis with a dollop of sour cream. Swap out the caviar for smoked salmon if you must.
Come on England. Come on England. Football’s coming home. It’s coming… Football’s coming home.