Russian and Middle Eastern Cuisine – Recipes

Russian cuisine is diverse, rich in flavors, and deeply rooted in history.

It is characterized by ingredients available in Russia’s climate, such as potatoes, cabbage, meat, fish, and dairy products.

Here are some distinctive features of Russian cuisine:

1. Soups: Russian soups, especially borscht and kvass soup, are very popular. Borscht is a red beet-based soup with meat, served with sour cream and pampushki (yeast rolls). Kvass soup is made from fermented bread and often includes sauerkraut and meat.
2. Pirozhki and blini: Blini are thin pancakes served with fillings such as caviar, sour cream, jam, or meat. Pirozhki are small pastries filled with meat, potatoes, mushrooms, or other ingredients.
3. Caviar: Russia is famous for its caviar, often served on special occasions, especially with vodka.
4. Baking: Cakes and sweet breads are popular desserts, and Medovik (honey cake) is especially beloved.

Middle Eastern Cuisine (e.g., Ukraine and Georgia):

Middle Eastern cuisine includes regions like Ukraine and Georgia, known for rich flavors, aromatic spices, and unique dishes. Here are some characteristics of Middle Eastern cuisine:

1. Kebabs: Grilled meat dishes are very popular throughout the region. In Ukraine, they are known as “shashlyk,” and in Georgia as “mtsvadi.”
2. Grains: Grains such as buckwheat and corn are commonly served as side dishes to main meals.
3. Vegetables and herbs: Vegetables like eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes are often stuffed and grilled. Fresh herbs and spices, such as coriander, mint, and basil, are widely used.
4. Sauces and preserves: In Ukraine, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and pickles are popular. In Georgia, sauces such as satsivi (walnut sauce) and tkemali (plum sauce) are traditional.
5. Khachapuri and pastries: Georgian khachapuri are cheese-filled breads. Ukraine is famous for pirozhki, dumplings filled with potatoes, meat, or cheese.
6. Wine: Georgia is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and Georgian wines, especially qvevri wine, are highly regarded internationally.

Both cuisines have long-standing traditions and unique flavors that attract food lovers from around the world.

Check out my recipes from Russian and Middle Eastern cuisine: