List of Russian dishes

List of Russian Dishes

Russian cuisine is a collection of the different cooking traditions of the Russian people. The cuisine is diverse, with Northern and Eastern European, Caucasian, Central Asian, Siberian, and East Asian influences. Russian cuisine derives its rich and varied character from the vast and multi-ethnic expanse of Russia. This article provides a list of notable dishes found in Russian cuisine.

Appetizers

Zakuski: Zakuski is a type of appetizer, served in a similar manner to Spanish tapas, that kicks off almost all Russian meals. It's a spread of cold dishes, including salads, pickled vegetables, and other bite-sized treats.

Blini: Blini are thin pancakes, similar to crepes, that are traditionally made from buckwheat flour and served with sour cream, jam, honey, or caviar.

Soups

Borscht: Borscht is a beet soup that originated in Ukraine and was quickly adopted as a Russian specialty as well. Beets may seem like a strange base for soup to many Westerners, but there are plenty of reasons that this hearty soup is one of Russia’s most famous dishes.

Shchi: Shchi is a traditional Russian soup with cabbage as the primary ingredient, which gives it a distinctive taste. It's often served with a dollop of sour cream.

Main Courses

Beef Stroganoff: Beef Stroganoff is a Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). From its origins in mid-19th-century Russia, it has become popular around the world, with considerable variation from the original recipe.

Pelmeni: Pelmeni are dumplings of Russian cuisine that consist of a filling wrapped in thin, unleavened dough. The word pelmeni is derived from pel'n'an' – literally "ear bread" in the native Finno-Ugric Komi, Udmurt, and Mansi languages.

Desserts

Pirog: Pirog is a baked case of dough with a sweet or savory filling. They are often served after the main course and are a staple of Russian cuisine.

Syrniki: Syrniki are sweet pancakes, or fritters, made from cheese. They are a popular breakfast dish and dessert in Russia.

Drinks

Vodka: Vodka is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage with different varieties originating in Poland and Russia. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol, but sometimes with traces of impurities and flavorings.

Kvass: Kvass is a traditional Slavic and Baltic fermented beverage commonly made from rye bread, which is known in many Central and Eastern European and Asian countries as "black bread". This is a non-exhaustive food and drink related list.