1. Okroshka
Okroshka - Photo: nicknamemiket
Russia’s national soup is not borsch – their famous beet soup – but Okroshka, a cold soup made from raw cucumbers and spring onions combined with boiled potatoes, cooked meat and eggs. It is mixed with a lightly alcoholic brew made of fermented bread and garnished with sour cream or diluted kefir.
2. Olivier Salad
Olivier Salad - Photo: dancetrax
Olivier salad is a historic Russian dish that has gone through many changes over the years. The newest version can be found at both fine dining establishments and simple cafes. Basically a chunky potato salad, it combines mayonnaise with boiled meats, fresh vegetables and salty additions like capers, olives or pickles along with hard-boiled eggs.
3. Kvass
Kvass - Photo: robobby
Even though it is lightly alcoholic – 1.2 percent alcoho l – this drink is considered to be acceptable for Russian children to drink. It is made by fermenting rye bread and is flavoured with mint, spicy herbs or fruits like strawberries.
4. Dressed Herring (Herring Under Fur Coat)
Dressed Herring - Photo: jdoucet
Salted herring is hidden under a layered salad of boiled potatoes, carrots, onions and mayonnaise. Grated beet roots give the dish a purple hue, garnished with hard-boiled egg whites or sour cream.
5. Kholodets
Kholodets - Photo: Apple Min
Considered one of the best foods to eat with vodka, this cold jellied meat dish is usually served with horseradish or mustard. It is reported to be one of those dishes that ‘tastes better than it looks.’
6. Bliny
Bliny - Photo: ipasha
This thin Russian pancake – similar to French crepes – has surprising fillings, from condensed milk to mince meat to cheese curds. Smoked salmon, fried mushrooms and caviar can also be found tucked inside.
7. Kissel
Kissel - Photo: Evelien De Bruyne
This light sweet dish is traditionally presented after dinner but before desert. Served either hot or cold, the Kissel is made with fruit juice which has been thickened with a starch and lightly flavored with red wide or dried fruit.
8. Sbiten
Sbiten - Photo: автор
A once popular honey-based drink is trying to make a comeback in Russia and now mass produced. Sbiten is not brewed, but made by boiling down honey with spice and jam. Sometimes red wine is substituted for the water to give it an alcohol kick
9. Dried Fruit KomPot
Kompot - Photo: funtik.cat
This traditional Russian drink is a good way to liven up boiled water, which is often necessary to kill bacteria in tainted water supplies. Sugar is added to the boiled water and infused with either fresh or dried fruits such as apricots.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That Bliny looks very nice
really surprising.
Really interesting. Thanks for sharing.