The host country of this year’s FIFA World Cup, Russia has made 10 appearances in the international competition. The team’s best result was fourth place, which they achieved in 1966. Will playing on home turf help the Russians take the win? Only time will tell.
In terms of food, the cuisine’s foundations were laid by peasant food traditions. Dishes make use of fish, pork, mushrooms, berries and honey. Bread, pancakes, pies, cereal and vodka are also staples. Its most famous traditional dish, borscht, is a red beetroot soup with meat, carrots and tomatoes.
Borscht
Serves 8
Ingredients
170g red beets
85g carrots, shredded
85g onions, chopped
3 tins of beef broth
170g cabbage, roughly chopped
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
Preparation
1. Cook all the vegetables—apart from cabbage—in beef broth for 20 minutes.
2. Add cabbage and butter and continue cooking, uncovered, for another 20 minutes. Season to taste and stir in lemon juice.
3. Let sit for an hour or so and serve—reheated or at room temperature—with sour cream on the side. For a stronger taste, leave overnight before consuming.
