It is difficult to summarize the
cuisine of this enormous and complex country. The Russian aristocracy developed
a very sophisticated cuisine with French and Prussian influences. After the
Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union put the
priority on industrial production, and this type of food was reserved for the
party (partido) elite. But the essence of Russian food is village cuisine (la cocina de pueblo), with
soups, potatoes and pickled (en vinagre) vegetables part of everyday eating. For special
occasions there are delicacies (exquisiteces) like pirozhki, caviar and many glasses of excellent
vodka, essential for the legendary Russian celebrations.
Pirozhki
If you want to find the perfect food
for any occasion, from an afternoon snack to a wedding banquet (banquete de bodas), it has to be
pirozhki. These are delicious pastries (pastelitos) filled (rellenos) with many different
ingredients: potatoes, eggs and cream, mince meat (carne picada) and onions, or fish and
eggs. You can eat them on their own or in soup – they are a very versatile food
that show the sophistication of Russian cuisine.
Potatoes
Most Russians who lived through Communism suffered food
shortages,(escasez de comida) and it was always essential to have potatoes and bread. If there
were any vegetables, meat or eggs, that was a bonus. The potato was and is
the basis of the diet, and prepared in many different ways: boiled, (hervidas)
fried,(fritas) with onions and paprika,(con cebollas y pimentón) with cream or butter,(con nata o mantequilla) in salads…
A visit to Russia
will show you that potato recipes (recetas de patata) are infinite if you have a little
imagination
The Water of Life
Russians drink a lot of tea, and in
villages they make many wines and liqueurs flavoured with fruit and berries.(frutos del bosque)
But the most famous drink associated with Russia is definitely vodka. Its
name comes from Russian zbiznennaia voda, meaning “the water of life”.
For a Russian, it is essential that the vodka is very cold and served without
complications in a cold glass – no orange or coke. Drinking vodka is an ancient
tradition and a serious business!
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