Bread: The Famous Khleba
Bread (хлеб, pronounced “khleba”) is a quintessential Russian staple, and it comes in two main types:
1. Black Bread (черный хлеб): Made from rye, it has a sour flavor. Two common forms:
• Round loaves
• Brick-shaped loaves
When ordering, specify the shape rather than just saying “black bread.”
2. White Bread (белый хлеб): Made from wheat, with several variations:
• Batons (батон): Standard white loaves.
• Kalachi (калачи): Knot-shaped bread, often served with tea.
• Baranki (баранки): Hard, ring-shaped bread for tea; somewhat bland.
• Karavay (каравай): Decorative bread served at weddings, akin to Chinese celebratory steamed buns.
• Kulich (куличи): Sweet bread made for Easter, very sugary.
Pancakes and Pies
1. Blini (блины): Thin pancakes with a long history, served with various toppings like caviar, jam, or sour cream.
2. Pirogi/Pirozhki (пироги/пирожки):
• Pirog (пирог): Large pie, often filled with sweet apples (шарлотка).
• Pirozhki (пирожки): Small pies with diverse fillings like potatoes, meat, or cabbage.
3. Pryaniki (пряники): Honey gingerbread cookies, famously from Tula, with various shapes and designs.
Porridge: Thick and Filling
In Russia, porridge is eaten, not drunk, due to its thickness. Common types:
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Rice
• Oatmeal
Usually cooked with milk, porridge is a breakfast staple in Russian hotels and homes.
Soups: Hearty and Unique
Traditional Russian soups often feel like stews. The most popular ones:
1. Shchi (щи): Made with cabbage.
2. Borscht (борщ): Beet-based soup with a rich flavor.
3. Uha (уха): Fish soup.
Each region has its own variations, offering a range of tastes.
Kvass and Cold Soups
1. Kvass (квас): A traditional fermented beverage made from bread. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
2. Okroshka (окрошка): A cold soup made with vegetables like cucumbers, potatoes, and radishes, mixed with kvass or kefir for a tangy, cooling dish.
Another popular drink is compote, a sweetened fruit drink made by simmering berries, cherries, apples, or other fruits.
Salads You’ll Definitely Try
1. Olivier Salad (оливье): A classic potato salad with peas, sausage, and mayonnaise, known worldwide as “Russian Salad.”
2. Herring Under a Fur Coat (Селёдка под шубой): A layered salad with herring, potatoes, carrots, beets, and mayonnaise. Its purple top layer, thanks to the beets, makes it visually distinctive.
Enjoy exploring the rich and hearty flavors of Russian cuisine! Each dish carries a taste of the country’s history and culture.