Shashlik – easy basic marinade

Barbecue and grilling are widely popular in Russia. Most of the time the Russians enjoy Caucasian style shashlik. The main difference to European or western style barbecue is the size of meat pieces. In the Caucasus, small pieces of meat and vegetables are thread onto long metal skewers. This reduces the cooking time and allows preparing the main and the side dish at the same time. It is important not to pack the skewers too tightly. Otherwise the meat will not be cooked through. Especially kids love to bite juicy meat pieces right off skewers.

Pea Soup

The pea soup is very popular in Russia. According to the Russian recipe, the pea soup is cooked with dried green peas and smoked meat, which gives it an intense spicy flavor. Unlike in other countries, the Russian pea soup is not pureed. The hearty pea soup is perfect on a cold winter day. To serve: Cut black bread into small slices, rub it with freshly squeezed garlic and roast in the oven or in a pan.

Rassolnik

Rassolnik is a salty sour soup. In Russia cucumber brine was used as a base for various dishes already in the Middle Ages. The main difference between brine-based dishes is the amount and concentration of the brine. The most popular brine-based dishes are Solyanka and Rassolnik. Rassolnik is a mild soup. It can be made only of vegetables or with giblets (chicken liver, gizzard and heart) as well as with beef or veal innards. If you add meat, choose lean beef. The proper combination of herbs is very important for Rassolnik. Rassolnik shouldn’t taste too sour or salty. It is necessary to get the right proportion between neutral vegetables (carrots, beets, etc.) and salty ingredients (cucumber pickles and brine).

Matryoshka (Babushka) Eggs

Nesting doll Matryoshka is one of the most recognizable symbols of Russia. This funny appetizer is not only delicious, but also decorative and gives a party a Russian touch. To arrange the boiled eggs and decorate them as Matryoshka, carefully cut off at the wide end. For a sophisticate variation the eyes can be made of caviar.

Shchi

Shchi (russ.: щи) is one of the most typical dishes of the Russian cuisine. It can be cooked in different ways. There are three main variations of shchi: ‘green shchi’ with fresh cabbage (russ.: щи свежие), ‘sour shchi’ with sauerkraut (russ.: щи кислые) and vegetarian shchi (russ.: щи постные).

Cold Summer Borscht

This light variation on the famous traditional dish is a wonderful treat on hot summer days.

Red Beet Salad

Beetroot (Russian: свёкла [swjókla]) is used in many ways in Russian cuisine. Beetroot contains many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid as well as potassium, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium and others.

Salad Vinaigrette

Vinaigrette (russ.: винегрет) is not just a salad. It is a fine mixture of science and art. Specialists argue over the ingredients: some take apples instead of carrots; others add meat or fish and make a dressing using mayonnaise or sour cream. As you know, there's no accounting for taste. Here is a basic.recipe

Borscht

Borscht is actually a traditional Ukrainian dish. Borscht became very popular in Russia centuries ago. Now this rich stew is associated with Russia and is also known as the Russian red (or beet) soup. Step by step picture recipe.

Solyanka

Solyanka (russ.: солянка) – a rich salty spicy stew – is one of the most popular dishes of the Russian cuisine. There are different kinds of Solyanka: with meat, sausages, fish or mushrooms. Most important ingredients are cucumber pickles or salted mushrooms. In Russian Solyanka means "salty", derived from the word соль - [sol] (salt).