Draniki are considered to be a Belarusian dish, although they are an integral part of Russian and Ukrainian culinary traditions. The etymology of the word gives us a hint of how Draniki were cooked originally. No graters or blenders existed at the time the dish was invented, so potatoes were ground with the use of [...]
On hot summer days we prefer light, refreshing appetizers, drinks and, of course, salads. Salads as we know them now appeared in Russian cuisine only in the middle of the 19th century. Marinated and pickled vegetables were accompanied by fresh vegetable appetizers with a dressing. Before that, only meat dishes were served with a dressing. Since Soviet times to present days [...]
Summer brings a lot of changes to one’s life no matter whether you spend this time in a stuffy office or in countryside. Summer also colors your diet with new flavors. So, it is important not to waste a moment and try all seasonal dishes. Summer food is lighter as it includes many vegetables and [...]
For Russian people little pies or pirozhki are a symbol of home comfort, coziness, parents love and family gatherings. Usually grannies treat their grandchildren with pirozhki. That is why this dish embodies the connection of generations and the depths of traditions. Originally pirozhki were a festive dish which is reflected even in the root of [...]
The recipe of Beef Stroganoff originated in Russian cuisine in 18th century. At that time recipes similar to Beef Stroganoff such as Beef Klops and Chopped Beef evolved. There are two versions of the recipe’s origin. According to the first version Alexander Stroganoff owned “an open table” in Odessa, which every educated and well-dressed “walk-in” [...]
With the coming of spring the season of cold soups begins. Perhaps, every country has its own recipe of cold soup which in summer heat serves more as a tonic than food: Tarator in Bulgaria, gazpacho in Spain, soup from sour cherry in Hungary, Ukrainian beet soup. In Russia the most popular cold soup is [...]
The arrival of spring is felt distinctly when young potato appears on the counters. It is so good when boiled to perfect crumbly condition, seasoned with butter and garnished with dill. But these young potatoes are most delicious when combined with rye bread and squash caviar. This simple, traditional blend of flavors is reminiscent of [...]
It just wouldn’t be Easter Sunday in Russia without Kulich. This tall, cylindrical sweet bread is the centerpiece of a traditional Easter feast. Not to be confused with paskha, a molded sweet cheese dessert made with farmer cheese and dried fruit. Kulich is a delicious combination of bread and cake. Soft and buttery, with a [...]
If you’re Russian or have Russian friends, you’ve probably been privy to some pretty weird Russian food concoctions. And we’re not talking about the pink mayo, herring-under-fur-coat, thing! Beyond BuzzFeed’s bizarre Russian food, we wanted to know whether some of the oldest wives tales about Russian food hacks are actually true. For example — does drinking [...]
Vinaigrette is a classic Russian beet salad. Featuring root vegetables like beets and potatoes, sauerkraut is the real star of this salad. Dressed with simple olive (or sunflower oil) vinaigrette is a simple and colorful dish that should be enjoyed all year long. Many people believe that this colorful salad with a beautiful name is [...]
Traditions of the Great Lent originate from ancient Orthodox Christians. Also known as the Great Fast, the Great Lent is a time of physical cleansing and spiritual introspection. Observers adhere to abstinence from certain foods and indulgences for over 40 days. Bringing the physical and spiritual into balance through fasting, prayer, and repentance, the Great [...]
Maslenitsa is Russian Mardi Gras that lasts a whole week. Sometimes called Butter Week, Cheesefare Week, or Pancake Week, Maslenitsa is a time to eat blini, play games, and have snowball fights. Celebrated a week before the Orthodox Lent (also called Great Lent), Maslenitsa is rooted in ancient Slavic traditions of sun worshipping. In the [...]
