A popular Russian appetizer is “zakuski,” which refers to a variety of cold starters that are often served at festive gatherings and celebrations. One of the most well-known zakuski is “blini,” which are thin, crepe-like pancakes served with various toppings such as smoked salmon, caviar, sour cream, or jam. Other popular zakuski options include:
- Salat Olivier: A traditional Russian salad made with boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, eggs, and diced boiled meat (usually chicken or ham), all mixed with mayonnaise.
- Herring under a Fur Coat (Shuba): A layered salad made of pickled herring, boiled vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and beets), onions, and mayonnaise.
- Pirozhki: Small baked or fried buns filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or fruit.
- Pickles: A variety of pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sauerkraut.
- Selyodka: Marinated herring fillets, often served with sliced onions and rye bread.
- Caviar: Black or red caviar, usually served on small pieces of buttered bread or blini.
- Holodets: A cold meat jelly, often made with pork or beef, served with horseradish or mustard.
These appetizers are typically accompanied by shots of vodka and enjoyed at the start of a meal or during social events.
In addition to the appetizers mentioned earlier, there are many more Russian dishes that can be served as starters or enjoyed during social events:
- Vinegret: A traditional Russian salad made from boiled beets, potatoes, carrots, pickles, peas, and onions, all dressed with sunflower oil or other vegetable oil.
- Pelmeni: Dumplings made from a thin dough, filled with minced meat (usually a mixture of pork, beef, or lamb), served with sour cream or melted butter.
- Tvorog: A type of fresh cheese, similar to farmer’s cheese or cottage cheese, often enjoyed with honey, jam, or fresh fruit.
- Okroshka: A cold soup made from a mix of raw vegetables, boiled potatoes, eggs, and cooked meats, served in a base of kvass (a fermented bread drink) or kefir (a fermented milk drink).
- Beetroot and Cabbage Borscht: A soup made from beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes, served hot or cold, typically with a dollop of sour cream and a side of rye bread.
- Ikra: A spread made from cooked and mashed eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, often enjoyed on bread or crackers.
- Rye Bread (Borodinsky Bread): A dense, dark, and slightly sour bread made from rye flour, often served with butter, cheese, or cold cuts.
These dishes showcase the variety and richness of Russian cuisine, which emphasizes hearty, filling ingredients and strong flavors. When served together as part of a zakuski spread, they create a vibrant and satisfying experience that encourages conversation and camaraderie.
