We’ll admit it: Russian cuisine isn’t exactly the most popular or inviting to people who aren’t familiar with it. It does involve a lot of strange-looking things like jellied meat and fish and beet salads. But there are also Russian dishes that are totally accessible and delicious, so why not try them out? Here are some we think you’ll like.
Piroshki
Piroshki are a Russian staple food. They’re essentially little mini-pies that can be stuffed with anything from meat and cabbage to jam and cottage cheese. One of the most common fillings is ground beef, which is what this recipe from Taylor on All Recipes uses, although once you master the dough, you can experiment with the fillings.
Plov
Plov, or Russian rice pilaf, is a delightful dish made with rice, raisins, and meat, often lamb. It often uses saffron, too, which makes it a beautiful yellow color. This recipe from Natasha’s kitchen uses beef, but pretty much any meat is okay.
Blini
Blini are the Russian version of a pancake or crepe. Compared to the American counterpart, they’re much thinner, and they’re usually filled with jam and cottage cheese. They can be a little tricky to master for beginners, but Little Broken’s recipe has plenty of good tips for making them successfully the first time around.
