Thread: Russian food.

Hi.

Just wondering what the nicest Russian food is? I mean in England you dont really see anything Russian as far as I know - the closest we get are beers in posh bars. I'm just interested, although I hate cabbage so that cappage soup stuff (cant remember the name) is out of the question!

Andy

Too bad you don't like cabbage. Russian foods made with cabbage are my favorite!
Cabbage soup (schi), stuffed cabbage leaves, cole slaw with cranberries in it, fried cabbage with onions, vareniki stuffed with cabbage, piroski stuffed with cabbage.......

I don't like cabbage either, though stuffed cabbage leaves are OK.
I like pelmeny and bliny with творог.

Yes the Russian cheese selection is pure heaven. Actually all Russian dairy products are delicious. Far superior in taste and texture to American dairy products.

Well when I say I hate cabbage thats not strictly true, but I'm not a big fan. Although fried with onions does actually sound quite nice. I love cheese so that would be cool.

Sco

Good homemade soup is a staple in Russia. I make a big pot at the beginning of every week every and we usually have soup each day. I like a big spoon of sour cream in my soup bowl!

Nobody mentioned пирожки, this has to be a national закуска!

When I go to a party that's a potluck, I like to make them even tho they are labor intensive. But yummy!

Here are some places you can find good stuff--
http://www.ruscuisine.com/
http://www.cooking.ru/
http://www.recipesource.com/ethnic/euro ... exall.html
http://www.russianfoods.com/recipes/view/default.asp

Originally Posted by JB

I like a big spoon of sour cream in my soup bowl!

Yeah, schi and other soups with a big spoon of sour cream (or even two!) and red hot pepper - yum!
The only problem, if I eat too much of it, I become drowsy.

It does sound good the soups. i am picturing like a thick warm creamy soup. What about if you go to a reseraunt? What are the main types of meat/fish that you can get?

Andy

Always hated sour cream in soups. But occasionally... why not?

When we go out to eat we usually go around 2pm and have the business lunch. Most cafes in my city have a choice of complete meals for 79-140p. Usually includes salad (either crab,beet,tomato and cucumber or potato), soup of the day, main dish with hot potato or rice side, tea or juice. For 40p each we usually have a beer. Main dish is a choice of stroganoff, fish, pelmeni, chicken or pork.

Would you tell me, please, what types of cheeses are available in Russia (Moscow)? I sometimes share recipes for Italian food and it would be most helpful to know of possible substitutions that are available locally. (I do remember from previous posts that many of you don't like Parmesan cheese.)

Thanks!

Barbara

Well they do have parmesan in Russia, that I know for a fact.

Everything from every country is available in Moscow (for a price ). Stockman's in the Ikea Mall, Ramstore and Perekrostok are your best bets for foreign foods. But you won't find these gourmet items at Walmart prices......Skippy p-nut butter runs about $6 an 8oz jar, liquid vanilla extract is about $5 a half ounce (15ml) and 8 flour (vacumn packaged) tortillas are $8. I have never found dry parmesian in the sprinkle can but fresh comes in a wedge. I just use Georgian cheeses in place of mozzerella and forget parmesian, Also Russian "tvorog" cheese makes a good substitute for riccotta or cottage cheese. But be sure and buy the unsweetened product without fruits or nuts.

Check out the sales at....

www.stockmann.ru
www.ramstore.ru
www.perekrestok.ru

The Перекресток site even has an "Italian Kitchen" with recipes!

Thank you, JB!!!

Barbara

you can find more on the Russian search engine www.yandex.ru
just click on the dom highlight on the home page .

I have a question. I know it's embarassing to ask, cause I'm native Russian, but anyways..
What would you recommend to cook for american guests as an additions to a nice bowl of soup? I want to make a "russian" dinner, but do not want it to be totally traditional "russian" with soup, salad, hot course, desert with a lot of tea.. I don't think that unprepared people can take it all in once I want them to enjoy it.
So far, I came up with soup+pirozhki. I think some kind of salad would be good, but not sure.

Any suggestions, please?

When I cook "Russian " for Americans I get as traditional as possible. The only thing I alter is the fish courses (unless I'm having Russian guests also). I don't do the American style "cocktails" but start with the cold foods and beverages set on the table when guests arrive. I substitute cold sliced salmon and cold smoked fish for the red caviar and salted Russian fish. (Americans usually won't eat Russian style fish). Russian salads, sliced meats and bread fill the table. I warn people that more food is coming and usually serve several hot courses so people have a chance to taste several different things. Stuffed cabbages or stuffed peppers are easy because they can be prepared the day before or morning of the party and they are easy to reheat and serve. Pelmeni, pirozhki and vareniki are also easy side dishes. Finish off the meal with tea and sweets (Russian candys and cakes).
Part of the fun of having Americans for dinner is to suprise them with real Russian hospitality. If you serve them the traditional skimpy American style meal with those boring cocktails and chips beforehand it doesn't show how beautiful and abundant a Russian table is. I always feel sorry for Americans who go to Russia and tell me how they ate at American style hotels and resturants there. I think they missed one of the best experiences in Russia, that long, luxurious dinner filled with good food and good conversation.

Thank you. I like the idea of cold salads and drinks served before we sit down to eat.. And I think the hot meal will be potato with meat inside.
will see
Thanks again.