A Hearty Gastronomical Venture In Russia

A Russian acquaintance of mine told me about the good-tasting, cold soups served in his home country. So on a ride to Russia, I tried several local treats to satisfy my curious taste buds. After trying out plentiful Russian dishes, my immediate favored recipe was a bowl of cold Okroshka soup. This cold soup is a town specialty typically composed of Kvass, a mild, alcoholic drink. Since the alcohol level of the Kvass is so low, it is considered a favored drink among children and adults, and is also popular as the "children's beer".

The other flavorful stuffing of the Okroshka include boiled vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, cucumber, and the Rutabagas, which is a yellow turnip. Distinctive herbs such as parsley, tarragon, and celery, are also added for aroma. Slivers of meat are also put together, making the cold soup a favorite food in the Russian menu. Other stuffing such as mustard and pepper, are also general spices used in preparing the Okroshka, while the cold soup is topped with a dollop of Smetana, or sour cream, and boiled eggs. I'm really not into cold soups, but because of the tasty Okroshka, along with a glass of sweet, fresh cabbage juice, I have now made a rare decision.