5 traditional Russian dishes you must try!
Russia has plenty of delicious traditional dishes to tickle your taste buds. People are often surprised at the variety and flavors of Russian dishes, which were influenced by the country’s connection to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Russian cuisine is a reflection of the geographical features of this enormous country, its Christian beliefs and interesting customs. These are the dishes you can’t leave this country without trying.
1) Pelmeni
It is impossible to imagine modern Russian cuisine without such a traditional dish as pelmeni, or dumplings. Many people debate about the origins of this dish as different countries around the world have their own adaptations of it. These are Uzbek manti, and Georgian khinkali, or Chinese xiaolongbao. Many believe that the recipe came into Russia from China via Siberia and Ural, back in the 15th century. In many families it’s still a family tradition to sculpt dumplings together. The filling of traditional Russian dumplings is a mixture of three types of minced meat – beef, lamb and pork. They are then served with a side of sour crème.
2) Beef Stroganoff
This dish is also named meat po-stroganoffski. Originally, beef stroganoff belongs to the dishes of Russian cuisine. It has a fascinating story. The famous French chef Andre Du’pon invented this meal specifically for influential family member Alexander Stroganoff. The slices of beef are sautéed in the skillet with onions and mushrooms, and dressed with mixture of heavy whip cream and sour cream, and stewed altogether
3) Syrniki
This dish is my absolute favourite! It is yet another take on pancakes but they are made from quark (cottage cheese), eggs and flour. Simplicity and delicious taste of this recipe will make syrniki one of your favourite breakfast recipes. Crispy and golden on the outside and warm and creamy on the inside, syrniki are perfect to serve with sour cream, jam, honey or fresh berries.
4) Cabbage meat rolls
The name of the dish has become popular recently. Itappeared in the XVIII-XIX centuries. At those times, Russiancuisine mostly relied on French cuisine which resulted onborrowing of their dishes.It is very simple and satisfying dish which consists of mincedbeef mixed with rice and wrapped in the cabbage leaves, andstewed in a mixture of sour cream and tomato sauce.
5) Blini (Russian crapes)
Russian cuisine was heavily influenced by religious traditions. For example, the custom of baking pancakes has been preserved from the days of paganism: people used to bake pancakes, round, just like the sun. Russian pancakes are very thin and not too sweet like French crêpes, but you are encouraged to add any filling of your choice. The Traditional ones are pancakes with sour cream and salmon, caviar or mushrooms, and for the those of you with a sweet tooth – condensed milk, honey or berries. There is even a special holiday, Maslenitsa, which happens every year one week before the start of spring, when for the whole week we, Russians, eat pancakes.
