You must. Make. These. Zakuski is the word of the day and it means we are eating all the appetizers.
We have colorful cabbage salads. We have exquisite eggplant caviar. We have savory mushrooms that are going to change your appetizer game forever.
It is a culinary journey right in your own kitchen and you are going to love it.
1. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Summer is calling your name with this one! You really need to give this salad a try because tomatoes and cucumbers are definitely not boring when you dress them up like this.
First of all, just look at that enticing contrast between the red and the green. It is a refreshing summer appetizer that delivers on crunchiness and juiciness from both of the vegetables. The dressing is simple but it hits the spot perfectly.
We are talking about a seasoned sour cream that ties all the flavors together for one perfect bite. I like to stick to ripe tomatoes to get the maximum flavor possible. Also, try to find Persian or Kirby cucumbers because they are small, seedless, and super crunchy.
2. Russian Salad
Salads are a huge part of Russian cuisine and a zakuski table just is not complete without at least one. This classic dish is also known as “Salad Olivieh” or “Ensalada Rusa.”
Lucien Olivier invented this masterpiece back in the 18th century for a Moscow restaurant called Hermitage. It became a huge hit in Russia and all across Eastern Europe, with countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria creating their own versions.
The ingredient list is hearty and includes carrots, pickles, onions, peas, eggs, and potatoes. It all gets brought together with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise. It is a popular appetizer that you are going to love.
3. Borscht
You probably know Borscht for its distinct purple hue, and it is perhaps the most well known Russian soup out there.
This beet soup is packed with vitamins and full of flavor. We have beets, potatoes, beans, and carrots all swimming in one bowl.
Although it is widely popular in Russia, here is a fun fact for you. It actually has Ukrainian origins. The word borscht is Slavic for cow parsnip. It is nutritious and just so good.
4. Russian Garlic Cheese
Are you ready for a spectacular dip or spread? This Russian garlic cheese combines mayonnaise, garlic, and shredded cheese, and obviously it is to die for.
If you are serving a table full of zakuski, this spread just has to be there. It elevates your bread, caviar, and sausage and makes every other appetizer ten times more delightful. It is a total showstopper.
I suggest making a huge batch because this stuff is guaranteed to disappear on the spot. It is super easy to make and you can even prep it in advance.
5. Russian Mushroom Julienne
Can you even imagine how decadent this is going to be? Mushroom julienne features thinly sliced onions and mushrooms cooked in a cream sauce with sour cream and cheese.
To cut through that sheer richness, the mushrooms get infused with white wine and seasoned with ground pepper and nutmeg. Plus, sautéed shallots add a deliciously pungent flavor to the mix.
The result is a well balanced and perfectly flavored dish. You can serve this as a side dish or appetizer, or even use it as a pasta sauce or bread spread. Either way, you are in for a lovely meal.
6. Baked Piroshki (Russian Stuffed Rolls)
Think of this as the Russian version of the classic filled pastry. If you love empanadas and turnovers, you simply have to try baked piroshki.
The word actually means “little pie” in Russian, and that is exactly what this appetizer is. It is a portable hand pie that comes filled with either savory or sweet stuffing.
For the savory ones, you are typically looking at ground beef, mushrooms, cabbage, and mashed potatoes. If you want something sweet, options include fruit and jam.
7. Russian Cabbage Salad
Here is another popular salad in Russia. It is just like the slaw we know and love.
It is a refreshing appetizer made primarily of shredded cabbage, but for this recipe you will use cucumber. Unlike some slaws, this Russian cabbage salad does not have a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Instead, you drench the cucumber and cabbage in a bright and tangy vinaigrette made of olive oil, white vinegar, pepper, and salt.
Pro tip here. Use a combo of purple and green cabbage if you want a pop of color because the contrasting hues make it even more inviting.
8. Russian Eggplant Caviar
Is the answer Russian eggplant caviar? If you are looking for a new companion for your bread, then yes.
Many people do not find the mushy consistency of eggplant appealing, and the thought of an eggplant spread might freak you out, but give it a chance.
“Baklazhannaia ikra” is eggplant cooked over low heat with red peppers, onions, and garlic.
Over time, it turns into a smooth spreadable mixture. It tastes wonderful on salads, pickles, and bread.
9. Marinated Mushrooms
Marinated mushrooms might sound boring, but you would be surprised at how they can be the life of your party!
The concept is simple since you just marinade mushrooms overnight to give them flavor. The key to making it delicious is creating that perfect marinade.
This one gets the job done with a combination of vegetable oil, white vinegar, salt, sugar, bay leaves, garlic, pepper, dill weed, and red bell pepper.
Also, you might be overwhelmed by the two whopping pounds of mushrooms, but just keep in mind that they shrink as they cook.
10. Russian Cabbage Soup
Soup is a staple in Russian cuisine and schi ranks high on the list. It has been around since the 9th century!
This hearty soup is made with potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, and sauerkraut, and it will keep you warm in the cold winter. The vegetables are flavored with herbs and sour cream.
The contrast between the starchy vegetables, rich cream, earthy seasonings, and tangy sauerkraut makes this soup an all time favorite.
