Growing up with such a big Russian influence on my daily life whether it was media, literature or food, I’ve become accustomed to Russian dishes and even fell in love with this cuisine. Every culture has its own flare when it comes to food, each is unique in its own way, which is why Russian cooking is not like anything you have tried before. Are you curious to try it out yourself? Here are some Russian dishes to start with.
Russian cuisine is very big on soups and this soup is one of the signature Russian dishes. It’s two main ingredients are beef and beets in addition to an overwhelming amount of vegetables. Borscht is usually topped off with sour cream right before it is served for the complete flavorful experience! If you are interested in making it yourself, here is a recipe to try out. gourmettraveller.com.au.
No family gathering or celebration in a Russian household is complete without Olivier salad on the table. No really, this traditional salad is a must have for every Russian family! It is usually made with diced eggs, potatoes, pickles, carrots, and sausage all mixed in mayonnaise. Personally it is one of my favorites, you haven’t lived until you try it! enjoyyourcooking.com
Even thinking about Piroshki brings back so many childhood memories and makes my mouth water. Not only are they convenient for transportation but they are absolutely delicious. There is an assortment of different fillings that you can stuff the dough with but one of my personal favorites is mash potatoes! Check this out allrecipes.com
Piroshki is a traditional Russian dish that is a type of pastry filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings. It is a popular street food and is also served as an appetizer or snack. The dough is usually made with flour, yeast, milk, and butter. Common fillings include potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, meat, fish, and cheese. Piroshki can be fried, boiled, or baked, and they are often served with sour cream. Piroshki is a great way to get a taste of traditional Russian cuisine and can be found in most Russian restaurants.
Pelmeni greatly resemble any type of dumplings that you may have come across before but they come with their own twist. Many families usually pre-make them beforehand and place them in the freezer until it is time to boil them. Traditional pelmeni are made of homemade dough and a filling made of a mixture of pork, onion, garlic and salt. ruscuisine.com will show you how to make them.
Another one of my personal favorites is blini. They are what you would call Russian pancakes. However Russians often roll them up with meat or even jam to give them more of a flavor and make the overall dish more filling. They are actually really easy to make and don't require much work as this recipe shows russianbites.com
When the weather gets warmer and the scorching sun beats down, the only thing I cannot wait for besides frozen treats is okroshka. It is what some call a Russian summer soup that is served cold. It mostly made of water, sour cream and chopped vegetables, so it is very light on your stomach. I will not lie, I can eat about 3 bowls of this dish on a hot summer day. You'll find a great recipe her natashaskitchen.com
Shashlik is very popular in Eastern Europe and Asia. It is a very well known summer food that is usually made on family barbecues and social gatherings. The trick is in properly marinating the meat. It takes a while to master but you know you got it right when the meat of your choice is soft and juicy! Try this recipe thedomesticman.com
Every culture has a lot to offer when it comes to food and these are just some of the most well known Russian dishes. What are you most excited to try out?