By Introduction
If you’re thinking of trying Russian foods, you’ve come to the right place. This roundup of popular Russian foods will give you a good idea of what to expect.
Russia is a land with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Influenced by the cuisines of its many neighbors, Russian cuisine has something for everyone.
Popular Russian dishes include pelmeni (dumplings), borscht (beet soup), blini (pancakes), and stroganoff (beef or chicken in sour cream sauce). Other common ingredients in Russian cooking are potatoes, rye bread, cabbage, and beets.
If you’re looking for something hearty and filling, try pelmeni or borscht. For something lighter, try blini with salmon or stroganoff over mashed potatoes. And don’t forget the vodka!
Popular Russian Foods
There are many popular Russian foods that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Some of the most popular dishes include pelmeni, borscht, blini, and pirozhki.
Pelmeni is a type of dumpling that is typically filled with meat (usually pork or beef) and served with sour cream. Borscht is a hearty soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables. Blini are thin pancakes that are often served with caviar or salmon spread. Pirozhki are pastries filled with meat or vegetables. Other popular dishes include stroganoff, goulash, and kasha.
Russians typically enjoy their meals with bread and butter, as well as some form of pickled vegetable (such as cucumbers, cabbage, or mushrooms). Tea is also a very popular beverage in Russia – it is not unusual to see people drinking tea at all hours of the day!
1. Borscht
Borscht is a popular soup in Russia that is typically made with beetroots as the main ingredient. Other vegetables that are commonly used in borscht include potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions. This soup is usually served with sour cream and dill on top.
2. Kholodets or Studen
Kholodets, also known as studen, is a traditional Russian dish made from boiled pork or beef bones. The meat is then removed from the bones and shredded, before being mixed with vegetables and seasonings. It is then chilled and served cold, often with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Kholodets is a hearty dish that is perfect for winter gatherings. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish, but can also be enjoyed as a main course. If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, kholodets is definitely worth a try!
3. Vareniki
Vareniki are a staple in Russian cuisine. They are essentially dumplings that can be filled with any number of different things, but the most popular fillings are potatoes, cheese, and meat. Vareniki can be boiled, baked, or fried, and they make a great addition to any meal.
4. Ukha
ukha is a type of Russian soup that is typically made with fish. It is a clear soup that is often served with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.
5. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is one of the most popular Russian dishes. It is a dish of sautéed beef and mushrooms in a sour cream sauce. The dish is named after Count Pavel Alexandrovich Stroganov, who was a 19th-century Russian aristocrat.
The dish is said to have originated in Russia in the 18th century, but its exact origins are unknown. Some believe that it was created by French cooks who were working for the Russian aristocracy. Others believe that it was created by a Russian chef who worked for the Stroganov family. Regardless of its origins, the dish has become a staple of Russian cuisine.
Beef Stroganoff is typically served with noodles or rice. It can also be served with potatoes or vegetables. The dish is usually garnished with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
6. Solyanka
Solyanka is a thick soup that originates from Russia. It is typically made with beef or pork stock, and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions. Solyanka can also be made with fish or mushroom stock. The soup is usually seasoned with sour pickles, capers, and lemon juice.
7. Olivier/Russian Salad
Olivier salad, also known as Russian salad, is a traditional dish in Russian cuisine. It is made with chopped vegetables, typically potatoes, carrots, peas, and apples, and dressed with mayonnaise. Olivier salad is often served as a side dish or as part of a buffet.
8. Kasha
Kasha is a popular Russian dish made from buckwheat groats. The groats are boiled in water or broth and then fried in butter. Kasha can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It is often served with chopped onions, mushrooms, and bacon.
9. Kvass
Kvass is a popular Russian drink made from fermented black or rye bread. It has a slightly sweet and sour taste and is usually quite effervescent. Kvass is often flavoured with fruit, herbs or spices and is traditionally served in a tall glass with a metal straw.
Kvass has been consumed in Russia for centuries and was once considered a healthy alternative to water due to its fermentation process. Today, kvass is still widely drunk across the country and is seen as a refreshing summer beverage. It can be bought ready-made from most supermarkets or made at home using a simple recipe.
10. Shchi
Shchi is a type of soup that is very popular in Russia. It is usually made with cabbage, potatoes, and meat (usually beef or pork). Sometimes other vegetables are added as well. Shchi is usually served with sour cream on top.
11. Pirozhki
Pirozhki are Russian pastries that can be either baked or fried. They are usually made with a yeast dough and filled with various fillings such as potatoes, ground meat, rice, or onions. Pirozhki are typically small in size and served as a snack or side dish.
12. Syrniki
There are many different types of Russian foods, but one of the most popular is syrniki. Syrniki is a type of fried pancake that is made with cottage cheese, flour, eggs, and sugar. They are often served with sour cream or jam.
13. Pelmeni
If you haven’t had the chance to try pelmeni yet, you’re missing out on one of Russia’s most popular and delicious dishes! Pelmeni are little dumplings made from unleavened dough and typically filled with meat (usually pork, beef, or lamb). They can be boiled, baked, or fried, and are often served with sour cream, vinegar, or mustard.
Pelmeni have a long history in Russia, dating back to the 13th century when they were first mentioned in Russian literature. Since then, they’ve become a staple of Russian cuisine and can be found in restaurants and homes all across the country. Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal or a light summer dish, pelmeni are sure to hit the spot!
14. Okroshka
Okroshka is a traditional Russian soup that is typically made with kvass, a fermented bread drink, as its base. It is usually made with beef or pork, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and radishes are often added to the soup. Okroshka is typically served cold, which makes it a perfect summertime dish.
15. Caviar
Caviar is one of the most popular Russian foods and is often served as a starter or appetizer. It is made from the eggs of sturgeon fish and is usually salted and seasoned with lemon juice, onion, and dill. Caviar can be eaten alone or on top of bread or crackers.
16. Shashlik
16. Shashlik is a Soviet-era dish made of skewered and grilled meats, typically lamb or pork. It is often served with pita bread, onions, and sour cream.
17. Pozharsky Cutlet
Pozharsky cutlets are a Russian dish made of ground beef, pork, or lamb that is mixed with onions, bread crumbs, and spices. The mixture is then shaped into balls or patties and fried. Pozharsky cutlets are often served with mashed potatoes, buckwheat kasha, or rice.
18. Dressed Herring
Herring is a popular seafood in Russia, and there are many ways to prepare it. One popular way is to dress the herring, which involves marinating the fish in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. The herring is then often served with potatoes, onions, and bread.
19. Bliny
Bliny are a type of pancake that is very popular in Russia. They are made from a variety of different flours, including wheat, buckwheat, and rye. Bliny can be served with a variety of different fillings, including meats, vegetables, cheeses, and fruits. They can also be served sweet or savory.
20. Rassolnik
A rassolnik is a Russian soup that is traditionally made with pickled cucumbers, pearl barley, and beef or pork. It is often garnished with dill and served with sour cream.
Conclusion
Russian cuisine is full of delicious dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. From borscht and pelmeni to blini and caviar, there’s something for everyone in Russian food culture. Whether you’re looking for an exciting way to spice up your dinner menu or just curious about what foreign foods are like, exploring popular Russian foods is a great way to go. With their rich flavors and unique combinations of ingredients, these dishes will bring any meal to the next level!
