While stuck in quarantine, it is very important to mix up your routine from time to time and try new things. Why not to treat yourself with some new delicious food? Although we don’t have a chance to take a real trip these days, no one can stop us from going on a virtual gastronomic journey to Russia. Here are 3 simple Russian recipes that will make your lockdown a bit more pleasant!
1. Olivier Salad – a dish with a French name and a Russian soul
This traditional salad is an absolute must during the Russian New Year’s Eve celebration. In other countries, it is better known as Russian salad. So why do we call it Olivier salad? It’s simple. The recipe was invented by Lucien Olivier, a Moscow’s chef of Belgian origin, in the 1860s. The original recipe contained some “fancy” ingredients, such as veal tongue, smoked duck, capers, veal tongue, grouse… But don’t worry, we don’t ask you to go looking for caviar or crayfish tails. The modern version is much more simple and affordable to cook. You will need:
- 3-4 boiled potatoes (cut in dice)
- boiled chicken tenders
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 3 eggs
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 4-5 pickles
- peas
- salt, pepper
- mayonnaise for dressing
Cut the ingredients, mix them properly, and Bon Appétit!
2. Syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes)
This is a popular dish that Russians often cook for breakfast. You will need:
- cottage cheese – 300 g
- 1 egg
- sugar – 2 tablespoons (or less, depending on your taste)
- pinch of salt
- flour – about 3 tablespoons
- raisins, nuts, dried apricots (or any dried fruits you like)
- 20-30 minutes of your time
1) Mix the ingredients and stir the dough until it comes together. The dough should be thicker than the American pancakes batter (depending on the cheese texture, you may need more or less flour).
2) Form the pancakes (about 5-6 cm in diameter), dip them in flour and fry on a pan until golden brown (on each side).
3) This is it! Serve the pancakes with your favorite jam, Greek yogurt, sour cream, condensed milk or maple syrup. Enjoy your breakfast!
3. Zapekanka
Zapekanka is much easier to cook than to pronounce. Another delicious dish made of cottage cheese, so appreciated by Russians, it is something between pudding and cheesecake. The ingredients are quite similar to the previous recipe:
- cottage cheese – 500 g
- 3 eggs
- semolina – 2 tablespoons (again, it depends. You may need more if the cheese is less thick)
- sugar – about 3 tablespoons
- pinch of salt
- vanillin
- raisins, nuts, dried fruits
1) Mix cottage cheese with sugar, eggs and semolina. Add some vanillin, salt, nuts and dried fruits. Whip the batter with a mixer or use a whisk.
2) Grease a cake tin with some butter, and bake for 30-40 minutes in the oven (180°C).
3) Let it cool for a while. Serve with your favorite topping. Enjoy.
When the quarantine is over and the borders are open, you can travel to Russia with Amparus Tour Operator and discover an authentic Russian cuisine.
