Russian Food III
Hi there, and welcome to the third page of my Russian food review series.
We've covered a lot - but the list just keeps growing. To be honest I never thought I knew so much about Russian cuisine! Perhaps I should become a chef?
Just kiddin'! I'd never give up on my site - it's just too much fun! I love writing these pages - and I hope you like them as well.
...and if you don't - I can still be a Russian food chef! 
Shchi
Like borscht? Then you'll love shchi as well!
Shchi are *very* similar to borscht, but they're made without beet or tomatoes - enough to make them completely different.
In shchi, cabbage is the king - but they can also be made from sauerkraut. Sauerkraut schi are called "sour" - although sour taste should always be present.
In summer, we make sorrel shchi called "green". The range is wide, as you see. I bet we could make shchi from almost any herb - this is a very, very flexible dish!
The only rule is that shchi are to be made from meat broth. All kinds of meat are good - beef, pork and even chicken, don't bother thinking too much.
Ha-ha, tricked ya! This rule has exceptions, too! Come on, you're in Russia - nothing is for certain around here!
You *can* make shchi without meat - they are called "pustye" or "hollow". The thing is they won't be very nourishing - but that may be good if you're on a diet!
Shchi are very old Russian food - their very name comes from ancient Russian language. But unlike many "extinct" dishes shchi are extremely popular both in Russia and CIS.
Vodka
Oh, those Russians....
Bet you heard this name before. If you haven't - well, then, welcome to Earth!
Vodka is a megabrand - widely known in Russia and abroad! Its name comes from Russian "voda" (water), and its history is vague.
Official version states Vodka was invented by Mendeleev, a famous Russian chemist who created periodic table of elements.
Not everyone agrees. Some historians claim it was invented in 15th century by Iranian pharmacist! Personally, I find that hard to believe - considering how Muslims treat alcoholic drinks...
Many associate vodka with drunkards and ruined liver, but in fact it can be good for your health - if you drink it right.
Some doctors even say that 50 grams of vodka daily are extremely good for cardiovascular system!
Never tried this, but it must be great after a plate of fresh, hot Russian borscht!
Whatever is true, these days Vodka rules the world of spirits. Don't forget to buy a bottle when someone invites you over!
Golubtzy
Trust me - those ARE good!
Golubzy are Russian cabbage rolls - and yet another traditional Russian food dish.
The stuffing is made of mincemeat with rice and onion - but again, you're only limited by your imagination. Put in whatever you wish - and it can still be golubzy!
The meat is usually beef, although it can be pork. My bet is chicken and even fish will do, although my wife says otherwise. Don't narrow down the possibilities - everything you think is good - is good!
There's a also a Russian food dish called "Lenivye golubzy". "Lenivye" means "lazy" - and here's why.
Making rolls is a pain. You have to pick the right cabbage leaves, of just the right size, with no holes. Can take you ages, and that's not a good idea when you've got a hungry family up your back!
But who said you've got to make rolls? Just make the meat balls, put the cabbage inside or above them - et voila!
The difference isn't that important, really! The idea is to eat them warm and tasty - the rest is insignificant.
Sometimes we make Caucasian golubzy called "Dalma" - with small meat balls wrapped in grape leaves. Dellllicious - but that's a completely different story!
Sweets
Tea, anyone?
Russian sweets aren't *that* different from their foreign counterparts. But - we have some crown jewels as well!
For example, we got delicious Russian chocolate candies - some of the best in the world! I don't know how - but we managed to beat even Belgians - to my taste, at least!
Don't forget about pirozhki! Stuff them with home-made jam - and you've got a delicious dessert - waiting to be eaten with a cup of blazing tea!
We love delicious pies with many kinds of fillings, in all shapes and sizes. No better thing than to have one right after meal!
There are plenty of cakes as well. Not neccesarily Russian, but "russified" a long time ago. Some of the most famous are "Napoleon" and "Ptich'e Moloko" - and only "Ptich'e Moloko" is truly Russian!
Ahhh, and we also like drinking tea with caramel - a uniquely Russian habit!
Appetizers
I'm hungry already!
Our appetizers are mostly eaten during the meal, not before. Yep, sounds strange, but consider they are made for eating together with vodka - and you'll get the idea!
These days, they are served separately - just for the taste. It may not look very natural, but take me for example - I just love eating those appetizers - and I'm surely no drinker!
At one place, they are serving you beer together with special "beer plate" - full of salty thingies. Well, what do you know - my friends looked at me with awe as I finished them all - and ordered another one.
The heck with cliches!
Try marinated mushrooms - they are fantastic! My personal favorite Russian food appetizer - and note that honey fungus rules!
Sauerkraut adds a special taste to your meal - although it looks sooo simple. Well, as they say - looks can be deceiving!
Also, why don't you try aspic? Don't eat too much, though - save some place for the main dish!
And the pickles...yummie! They go well with nearly every Russian food - whether you do drink or not!
Another page is through - hope you enjoyed it! We've only begun, though, so work is underway...
Did I make you hungry? Oh, I'm sorry. All this cookery probably reminded you it's dinner time!
Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go eat some delicious Russian food!
Related posts:
- Sushki
- Russian Soup with Meatballs
- Russian Manty Photos
- Get ready for the coming Chebureki!
- Buckwheat Porridge
- Russian cutlets coming soon!
- Russian Potatoes in a Coat
- Russian Salted Herring
- How to Cook Golubzy
- New Year and Manty
- Russian Vinegret Salad Recipe
- Russian Olivier Salad Recipe
- Russian food II
- Russian Food I
