Get to know Russia, host of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, through its cuisine. Here are some dishes that all World Cup fans should know about.
1. Borscht
A simple beet soup, this sour dish is usually made with beef broth and garnished with sour cream. The classic borscht soup, made burgundy red by beetroot, uses lots of vegetables and a touch of bacon for extra flavour.
It is hot and hearty, a perfect accompaniment to warm meals during winter. The ingredients in borscht can be customised to be completely vegetarian or served with tender braised beef pieces in the soup.
A simple beet soup, this sour dish is usually made with beef broth and garnished with sour cream. The classic borscht soup, made burgundy red by beetroot, uses lots of vegetables and a touch of bacon for extra flavour.
It is hot and hearty, a perfect accompaniment to warm meals during winter. The ingredients in borscht can be customised to be completely vegetarian or served with tender braised beef pieces in the soup.
2. Pelmeni
If you’re a fan of xiaolongbao (Chinese steamed bun), then you’ll be a fan of pelmeni, Russian dumplings that are a must for New Year celebrations. Making pelmeni is a favourite family pastime during the long winter months, as they are common and convenient to make, and easy on the wallet as well. Typically, the filling in these dumplings consists of three kinds of meat: beef, pork and lamb. These fillings are wrapped in thin and unleavened dough before being boiled.
If you’re a fan of xiaolongbao (Chinese steamed bun), then you’ll be a fan of pelmeni, Russian dumplings that are a must for New Year celebrations. Making pelmeni is a favourite family pastime during the long winter months, as they are common and convenient to make, and easy on the wallet as well. Typically, the filling in these dumplings consists of three kinds of meat: beef, pork and lamb. These fillings are wrapped in thin and unleavened dough before being boiled.
3. Blini
Also known as Russian crepes or pancakes, blinis are thin and flat cakes that are prepared from batter and cooked on a hot frying pan. They are usually the diameter of a saucer.
Although they take a long time to prepare, blinis are best made in large batches as they freeze well and can be kept for months for quick dinners or visiting guests. They’re served with a dollop of sour cream and caviar, creating an authentic culinary experience.
Also known as Russian crepes or pancakes, blinis are thin and flat cakes that are prepared from batter and cooked on a hot frying pan. They are usually the diameter of a saucer.
Although they take a long time to prepare, blinis are best made in large batches as they freeze well and can be kept for months for quick dinners or visiting guests. They’re served with a dollop of sour cream and caviar, creating an authentic culinary experience.
4. Mushroom Julienne
This creamy mushroom dish is often served as a hot appetiser in Russian cuisine and consists of thinly sliced mushrooms and sour cream baked in a cocotte, topped with grated cheese and served in bread crust or a metal dish.
While the mushroom julienne may seem like a basic dish, its ingredients can be replaced by chicken or seafood, which provides variety. In Russia, where mushroom picking is a favourite family activity, this dish showcases the uniqueness of its culture.
This creamy mushroom dish is often served as a hot appetiser in Russian cuisine and consists of thinly sliced mushrooms and sour cream baked in a cocotte, topped with grated cheese and served in bread crust or a metal dish.
While the mushroom julienne may seem like a basic dish, its ingredients can be replaced by chicken or seafood, which provides variety. In Russia, where mushroom picking is a favourite family activity, this dish showcases the uniqueness of its culture.
5. Dressed Herring
In Russian, the name of this dish literally translates to “Herring under a fur coat” and is a very popular traditional Russian festive dish that is a must during holidays. The dressed herring is a layered salad made of thinly sliced pickled herrings, potatoes, onions, beetroots and carrots. Every layer of the salad is covered with mayonnaise, before grated boiled beetroot covered with mayonnaise as the final layer gives the salad a distinct purple colour.
In Russian, the name of this dish literally translates to “Herring under a fur coat” and is a very popular traditional Russian festive dish that is a must during holidays. The dressed herring is a layered salad made of thinly sliced pickled herrings, potatoes, onions, beetroots and carrots. Every layer of the salad is covered with mayonnaise, before grated boiled beetroot covered with mayonnaise as the final layer gives the salad a distinct purple colour.
