Russian cuisine is a hearty one – meat soups, dumplings, blinis – all these dishes greatly fit cold winter days. However, what about summer? Fresh vegetables, fruits, berries are the most typical base for Russian summer dishes. Cold soups, cold drinks, berry pies! Let’s find out about the most popular Russian summer meals.
Свекольник/ Svekol’nik
Svekol’nik, that is also cold “cold borsch”, is one of the most popular summer soups in Russian. It is really easy to cook and it is very refreshing. This soup is also called “cold borsch” and is based on boiled beets with and add of cucumber, dill, eggs, and sausages. The soup is normally accompanied by sour cream. Sometimes svekol’nik is also based on kefir (a milk drink similar to a thin yogurt).
Окрошка/ Okroshka
Another cold soup that it extremely popular among Russians. It is based on kvass (a popular Russian drink, fermented beverage made from rye bread), with an add of cucumbers, boiled potato, and some meat or sausages. Although most Russians adore okroshka, most of the foreigners find its taste quite weird. Mostly because of kvass, which is by the way is one of the most popular summer beverages!
Шарлотка/ Sharlotka
Charlotte is originally a sweet apple dessert that is cooked in many European countries. It appeared in Russia in the 19th century and became extremely popular. However, the Russian version is simplified in comparison with traditional receipts and is an apple sponge cake that can be cooked really fast and easy. Sharlotka is especially typical for August or early autumn when the apples ripen and is a common dessert for Russian dachas.
Морс/ Mors
This drink is fine for both winter and summer. It is made of boiled berries with an add of sugar – mainly on cranberries and cowberries but also can contain blackberries or raspberries. Mors is served cold and greatly sutits hot summer days.
If you come to Russia in summer, don’t miss an opportunity to taste some of summer specials!
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