Russian soup is an indispensable part of a Russian meal. The Russian cuisine has various traditionally prepared soups such as rassolnik, shchi and ukha.
Russian soups are broadly categorized into seven large groups that mainly constitute light soups, noodle soups, cold soups, thick soups, cabbage soups, wheat or grain-based soups and fish soups.
Soups or stews in Russian cuisine are particularly centered on subtle flavors and seasonal products including fish, meats, milk, vegetables and seasonings. Overuse of seasonings spoils the taste of Russian soup, therefore, it is advisable to use minimal seasoning and also avoid overcooking.
Popular Russian Soups
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Borscht – It is a Ukrainian soup and one of the most popular soups in Russia. It is prepared with beetroot as the main component which gives the soup a reddish-purple hue. In few variations, tomato paste is often used as the main ingredient. The origin of this soup is based on the practice of Ukrainian people storing the trimmings of winter cellard vegetables in a kettle or pot outside the kitchen. In the spring season, these trimmings are simmered in water and cooked to make a soup. Usually, beetroot is the main winter vegetable in Russia, therefore this Russian soup recipe is morphed into a traditional beetroot soup.
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Okroshka – It is a Russian Kvass based cold soup and most often sour milk is used. Though vegetables are the main ingredient of this soup, cold meat and fish also make delicious variants.
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Shchi – This is a traditional cabbage soup of Russia that is predominantly served as a first course dish in a Russian meal for more than thousand years. There are several variants of Shchi, but main components are always cabbage, pickle water or any sour ingredient like Smetana, sauerkraut or apples. Herbs including dill or celery and meats are also added to increase the flavor. It is generally served hot.
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Ukha – It is a fish dish prepared with water. In earlier times, this dish was made using meat and chicken, but in the late 15th century the usage of fish in making ukha had increased and it became a popular fish broth. Fresh water fish is generally used with potatoes and other vegetables to make this delicious hot soup.
Health Facts Related to Russian Soups
Russian soups are both healthy and flavorful. Meat and chicken used in making these soups are loaded with proteins and other healthy nutrients, whereas the fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Beetroots, tomatoes, onion and cabbage used in a russian soup are full of vitamins and minerals responsible for the overall growth and health of body.