15+ Russian Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Home

Russian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. You can enjoy a variety of traditional meals that showcase unique ingredients and cooking methods.

From comforting borscht to savory beef stroganoff, there are many delicious options to explore. These recipes not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart. Prepare to dive into a culinary journey that highlights the best of Russian home cooking.

1) Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that combines tender beef with a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting meal. You can enjoy it over egg noodles or rice.

To make this dish, you start with strips of beef, usually sirloin. Sauté them with onions and mushrooms for a delicious base. Then, you add sour cream to create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Many recipes have variations, but the key is to balance the flavors. You might find recipes that use wine or broth to enhance the taste.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sirloin steak
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add beef strips and cook until browned.
5. Stir in sour cream and paprika.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over noodles or rice.

2) Borscht

Borscht is a traditional soup that is both hearty and colorful. It usually features beets, giving it a vibrant red color. This dish is enjoyed in many Slavic countries and has many variations.

You will find ingredients like beef, potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Each recipe has its own twist, but the beets are always a key ingredient. It’s often served hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Here are some common ingredients you might use:

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium Yukon potatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.
2. Sauté onion and carrots until soft.
3. Add beets and cook for a few minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add potatoes and cabbage, and simmer until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with sour cream.

3) Blini

Blini are traditional Russian pancakes that are thin and delicate. They can be enjoyed with sweet or savory fillings, making them versatile and delicious. Often, they are served as appetizers topped with smoked salmon and creme fraiche.

To make blini, you will need a few simple ingredients. The batter can be made with flour, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar. Some recipes even include yeast for added fluffiness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs and then add milk and melted butter.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour a small amount of batter and cook until bubbles appear. Flip and cook until golden.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

4) Piroshki

Piroshki are delightful Russian pastries filled with various ingredients. They can be baked or deep-fried, offering a tasty snack or meal option. Popular fillings include meat, potatoes, and cabbage.

To make piroshki, start with a soft dough that’s easy to work with. This dough can be made from flour, yeast, milk, and a few other simple ingredients. Once your dough is ready, you’ll divide it into small pieces.

Fill each piece with your choice of filling, then shape and seal them. Frying them gives a crispy outer texture, while baking makes them golden and soft. Serve piroshki warm for the best experience!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet yeast
• 2 cups warm milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Filling of your choice (meat, potatoes, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C).
2. Mix in sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Combine flour, butter, and salt in a bowl.
4. Add the yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough.
5. Let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
6. Divide dough into small pieces and fill with your choice of filling.
7. Shape and seal each piroshki.
8. Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) or bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden.

5) Russian Olive Salad

Russian Olive Salad, known as Olivier salad, is a popular dish that you will love. It combines various ingredients, creating a delicious and hearty meal. This salad is often served during holidays and celebrations.

To make this dish, you typically use boiled potatoes, carrots, and eggs. You also add meat like bologna or ham, along with sweet peas and pickles. Mayonnaise is used for a creamy texture that brings everything together.

This salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can customize it to your preferences by changing the meats or adding other vegetables.

Ingredients

• 3 small to medium potatoes
• 4 medium carrots
• 8 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 pound bologna or ham
• 8 small dill pickles
• 1 cup canned green peas
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes and carrots until tender. Let them cool, then dice.
2. Chop the boiled eggs, bologna, and dill pickles into small pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
4. Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

6) Pelmeni with Smetana

Pelmeni are delightful Russian dumplings filled with meat. They are often served with smetana, a type of sour cream that adds a rich flavor. This combination makes for a hearty dish that’s perfect for cold days.

You can customize your pelmeni filling with ground beef, pork, or even chicken. The dough is simple to make, using basic ingredients like flour, eggs, and water.

Once cooked, you’ll want to drizzle smetana on top. It adds creaminess and balances the savory meat inside. Enjoy your pelmeni with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Smetana (sour cream) for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, egg, water, and oil to form a dough.
2. Roll out the dough and cut circles.
3. Fill each circle with meat and onion mixture.
4. Pinch to seal the edges.
5. Boil in salted water until they float (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Serve with smetana on top.

7) Cabbage and Potato Soup

Cabbage and Potato Soup is a simple and comforting dish. It’s perfect for any season and easy to make. You will enjoy the flavors of fresh ingredients while warming up your kitchen.

To start, you will need to gather your ingredients. The main components are cabbage, potatoes, and a few seasonings. This soup is filling and nutritious.

You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It’s a great option for a hearty lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 10 cups water
• 6 cups chopped cabbage
• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in cabbage and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add potatoes, water, and chicken bouillon.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8) Kasha

Kasha is a traditional Russian dish made with buckwheat groats. It is hearty and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a side dish or even as a main meal.

To prepare kasha, you start by boiling water. When it’s ready, add your buckwheat, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook it on low heat until the water is absorbed and the kasha is tender.

You can add ingredients like sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even bacon to enhance the taste. Some people like to serve kasha with a dollop of sour cream or eggs on top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the buckwheat, butter, and salt.
3. Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
4. Cook until the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

9) Russian Black Bread

Russian Black Bread, also known as Borodinsky bread, is a hearty and flavorful choice. It uses rye flour, which gives it a distinct taste and texture. This bread is often enjoyed with butter or as a side with meals.

The unique flavor comes from ingredients like caraway seeds and sometimes molasses. You can find recipes that vary slightly, allowing for personal touches.

Making Russian Black Bread at home is rewarding. The aroma while it bakes fills your kitchen with warmth and delight.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rye flour
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups all-bran cereal
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flours, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the all-bran cereal and caraway seeds.
3. Dissolve vinegar in water and add it gradually to the dry mix.
4. Knead the dough until smooth.
5. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Shape the dough and place it in a loaf pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
9. Allow to cool before slicing.

10) Russian Shashlik

Shashlik is a popular Russian dish similar to shish kebabs. It usually consists of marinated meat, often lamb or beef, grilled on skewers.

To make this dish, you can start with simple ingredients. The marinade often includes onions, garlic, and spices that add flavor to the meat.

You can cook shashlik on a grill or barbecue. The key is to ensure the meat is tender and juicy when finished. It typically takes about 15-20 minutes to grill, depending on the heat.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lamb or beef, cubed
• 2-3 onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: other spices like paprika and oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine meat with onions, garlic, bay leaves, oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the fridge.
3. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
5. Grill skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

11) Chebureki (Ground Beef Turnovers)

Chebureki are delicious fried turnovers filled with ground beef. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is popular in many cultures.

To make Chebureki, you use a simple dough and fill it with a mix of ground beef, onions, and spices. You can also add herbs for extra flavor.

Once the filling is ready, you roll out the dough, cut it into circles, and spoon in the mixture. Then, fold and seal the edges before frying until golden brown.

These turnovers are perfect for a snack or a meal. Serve them hot with dipping sauce for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour with water, salt, and knead it into a dough.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
4. Place filling on one side of each circle.
5. Fold and seal the edges.
6. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
7. Fry Chebureki until golden brown on both sides.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

12) Mushroom and Potato Soup

Mushroom and potato soup is a warm and comforting dish. It combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the creamy texture of potatoes. This soup is not only delicious but also filling.

To make this soup, you’ll need some fresh ingredients. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it creamy or chunky, this soup is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 leeks, chopped
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the leeks and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the mushrooms and potatoes. Cook until tender.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add dill.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

13) Plov

Plov is a beloved rice and meat dish, popular in Russian and Central Asian cuisines. It combines rice, tender meat, carrots, and spices for a flavorful meal. This dish can be made with various meats like beef, chicken, or lamb.

The key to great plov is the spices. They bring out the rich flavors and aromas. Cooking it in one pot makes cleanup easy.

You can enjoy plov any time. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs beef (chuck or sirloin)
• 1 cup rice (long-grain)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1/3 cup oil (canola or light olive)
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• Spices (cumin, coriander, salt, pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, sauté until golden.
3. Add beef, browning on all sides.
4. Stir in carrots and spices, cooking for a few minutes.
5. Add rice and water, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

14) Kabachkovaya Ikra (Squash Spread)

Kabachkovaya Ikra is a delightful Russian squash spread. It’s often called “squash caviar.” This dish is tasty, healthy, and perfect for dipping or spreading.

To make this, start by roasting some zucchini and other vegetables. The vegetables become soft and flavorful. After that, you can blend them into a smooth mixture.

Serve this spread with bread, crackers, or fresh veggies. It’s a great addition to any meal or snack time. Enjoy the unique flavors of this traditional dish!

Ingredients

• 2 cups zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast zucchini, carrots, and onion in vegetable oil.
3. Cook for 20 minutes, until soft.
4. Blend the roasted mixture with tomatoes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm or chilled.

15) Salo (Lard in Brine)

Salo is a traditional Russian dish made from cured pork fat. This simple recipe results in rich, savory flavor. It’s often enjoyed with bread or pickles.

To prepare salo, you can use different methods, such as dry or wet curing. The brine method keeps the fat moist and adds flavor.

For this recipe, you’ll need basic ingredients that are easy to find. The process takes time, but the result is worth it.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork fat
• 1 cup salt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon bay leaves
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut pork fat into thick slices.
2. In a bowl, mix salt, crushed garlic, and spices.
3. Layer pork fat with the salt mixture in a container.
4. Pour enough water to cover the fat.
5. Seal and refrigerate for 5-7 days.
6. Rinse and enjoy!