51 russian recipes

Super easy mini cheesecakes use a vanilla wafer as the instant crust and bake right in the muffin tin. Five ingredients, foolproof, and individually portioned for parties or potlucks.

Tahini and hazelnut dip with pan-roasted hazelnuts, garlic, lemon juice, and sesame paste. A nutty, creamy vegan dip with rich toasted flavor that deepens overnight in the fridge.

Georgian chicken with tkemali-style plum sauce: whole chickens broiled with butter, served under a tart plum sauce spiked with garlic, coriander, and red pepper. A Caucasus classic.

Okroshka, a chilled Russian meat and vegetable soup with diced cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, and mustard in an apple cider base standing in for traditional kvass.

Krestianskiy zavtrak is a hearty Russian peasant breakfast: pumpernickel croutons crisped in butter, layered with bacon, kielbasa, and onions, then topped with eggs cooked until the yolks stay just runny.

Green beans and butternut squash glazed in currant jelly, garlic butter, basil, and lemon juice, topped with toasted walnuts. A make-ahead holiday side dish.

Russian herring in mustard sauce with sour cream, olive oil, and capers. A classic cold zakuska appetizer that marinates for hours and pairs with dark bread and vodka.

Feta and scallion omelet seasoned with paprika and fresh dill, folded soft and fluffy. A quick brunch omelet with a Russian-style salty-cheese filling that comes together in minutes.

Georgian cheese pastries (khachapuri-style) with a three-cheese filling of Muenster, cheddar, and Parmesan with fresh mint, chives, and parsley in a buttery homemade pastry shell.

Russian chicken liver pate (pashtet) with butter, onions, garlic, and white bread baked into a smooth, rich spread. Served cold as an elegant appetizer.

Selyodka pod ukropnym sousom is a Russian herring appetizer marinated in red wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and dill. A classic cold zakuska that chills for hours before serving.

Smoky roasted eggplant mashed with fresh tomato, garlic, and a splash of red wine vinegar. This Odessa-style eggplant caviar is a rustic Russian appetizer that's just as good spread on pita as it is on dark rye bread.

Traditional Ukrainian fish in aspic (studynyna rybiacha): whole fish poached in aromatic stock, layered with carrot rounds, and set in shimmering gelatin. A stunning cold appetizer for holidays.

Nachynka z kapusty: Ukrainian cabbage and sauerkraut filling with sauteed onions, butter, and black pepper. A traditional Christmas Eve pyrohy and holubtsi filling from Western Ukraine.

Salat iz yaits: classic Russian egg salad with hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, mayo, garlic, scallions, and a touch of hot mustard. Bright pimento garnish, ready in 20 minutes.

Sous Provencal is a light, airy sauce made from hand-emulsified egg yolks, whipped egg whites, sour cream, mustard, and red wine vinegar. A French-Russian cold sauce for fish and vegetables.