Russian food may be much maligned and misunderstood, with most people's vision of eating in Russia clouded by images of empty shelves in supermarkets.

While it is true Russia has suffered more shortages and famines than most countries over the years it is not the case that Russians are disinterested in good food.

Traditional Russian Food
Harsh conditions imposed by the climate means there is a limit to the ingredients which can be grown, so there is a reliance in Russian cuisine on root vegetables like cabbage, potato and beetroot. Milk, cream and cheese are often used in Russian cooking as are rye flour, dried peas and beans.

Meat and fish have not always been plentiful but there are plenty of traditional dishes involving both. Preserved foods play a significant role in shaping the cuisine, as the long winters mean food must be stored for almost half the year.

Staples of Russian Cuisine
Bread is the main staple and is often made from rye flour. Pulses are common and fish and sausages are often dried or smoked to extend their shelf life. One of the most common Russian dishes is borscht - a vegetable soup containing beetroot, which lends it a vivid purple colour.

Main courses are generally hearty and heavy with potato dumplings often accompanying meat dishes. Siberian dumplings made with potato and stuffed with spiced pork are called pelmeni. Another popular main course is golubsty - cabbage leaves stuffed with chopped port and vegetables. Perepeulka are quail, which are often pan-fried and then baked with mushrooms, spices and stock.

For dessert, berries are often used, as a topping for pancakes for example. Chocolate is also often on the menu and is sometimes combined with sponge cake and liquer.

Russian Drink
Russians are very heavy drinkers and vodka is consumed with great gusto. You can order delights such as cured herring, smoked salmon on blinis or caviar to accompany a bottle of Stolichnaya.

Whilst Russian restaurants only make up a small portion of London restaurants it is still possible to sample Russian food in the capital and they are cerainly worth seeking out.

Carlina Macdonald