Quick Answer: Best Russian Side Dishes
Some of the most lip-smacking Russian side dishes are—Healthy Salads like Olivier Salad, Russian Shuba Salad, Fancy delights like Russian Blini, Rzhanovi Khleb; Satisfying soups like Borscht (Beet Soup), Okroshka, Ukha; Russian specials like Beef Stroganoff, Golubstky, Kurnik (Russian Chicken Pie), Shashlyik, Pelmeni, Vareniki, Kotleti, Morozhenoe, and Pashka.
Here are 32 mouthwatering Russian side dishes that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of unique flavors and textures.
Each of these side dishes carries the essence of Russian cuisine and leaves you in gluttonous ecstasy.
A few years ago I visited a Russian food joint and got hooked on this cuisine.
Owing to my regular presence at their tables, I called in a favor and asked their head chef to help me make this list of the most popular Russian side dishes.
So let’s begin with it!
| Recipes | Total Calories (per 100g) | Total Preparation (Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Olivier | 195 | 60 min |
| Russian Blini | 232 | 40 min |
| Russian Piroshki | 252 | 200 min |
| Borscht (Beet Soup) | 32 | 65 min |
| Beef Stroganoff | 98 | 30 min |
| Pelmeni | 275 | 135 min |
| Russian Dill Potatoes | NA | 30 min |
| Rzhanovi Khleb | 259 | 55 min |
| Sbiten | NA | 30 min |
| Okroshka | 115 | 30 min |
| Russian Shuba Salad | 104 | 90 min |
| Golubtsky | 101 | 135 min |
| Medovik | 199.7 | 145 min |
| Shashlik | NA | 40 min |
| Kurnik (Russian Chicken Pie) | 220 | 60 min |
| Braised Cabbage | NA | 30 min |
| Russian Pan-Fried Potatoes | 196 | 30 min |
| Zucchini Fritters | 196 | 50 min |
| Kvashenaya Kapusta | 19 | 30 min |
| Cucumber Radish Salad | NA | 10 min |
| Russian Beet Salad | 224 | 85 min |
| Rasstegai | NA | 110 min |
| Ukha | 95 | 45 min |
| Russian Carrot Salad | 132 | 20 min |
| Kotleti | 108 | 75 min |
| Kholodets | NA | 420 min |
| Vareniki | NA | 110 min |
| Shchi | 29 | 55 min |
| Solyanka | 197 | 90 min |
| Morozhenoe | NA | 20 min |
| Pashka | NA | 30 min |
1. Olivier Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 195
Total preparation time: 60 minutes
It is one of the most iconic potato salads.
Olivier Salad, also known as the classic Russian Salad, consists mainly of potatoes, eggs, and carrots. The potatoes are boiled with skin and then peeled to retain flavor.
The other ingredients that contribute to their flavors are peas, onions, pickles, and meat. As for meat— chicken, ham, or bologna is preferred.
It’s the perfect side dish for holidays.
Check out this simple recipe by TatyanasEverydayFood
2. Russian Blini
Total calories (per 100g): 232
Total preparation time: 40 minutes
These are traditional Russian pancakes that you’ll get addicted to.
Russian Blini or Blinchki are thin pancakes that are much thinner than their American cousins and much wider too.
Blini are made up of basic pancake ingredients like eggs, milk, flour, butter, and vanilla essence but they are much more delicate.
They are usually served plain with jam but some recipes add sweet or savory fillings inside them.
Here is an easy recipe by AllasYummyFood
3. Russian Piroshki
Total calories (per 100g): 252
Total preparation time: 200 minutes
Russian Piroshiki is the perfect side dish for picnics.
These are stuffed dinner rolls that are baked or fried to golden perfection. Soft and fluffy to bite into plus the flavorsome filling inside makes it irresistible.
The filling can be sweet or savory depending on your taste choice.
While jams are used for sweeter fillings; mushrooms, cabbages, ground beef, and mashed potatoes are preferred for the savory version.
Check out this recipe by TatyanasEverydayFood
4. Borscht (Beet Soup)
Total calories (per 100g): 32
Total preparation time: 65 minutes
With a luscious red color, this soup has a distinct and enticing presence.
Borscht is essentially a winter soup and is traditionally prepared with vegetables being cooked in meat stock.
Its general recipe consists of raw beets, potatoes, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and meat.
This soup has a sweet and sour flavor scheme and is tummy-satisfyingly wholesome.
Top it with some sour cream and enjoy!
Check out this easy recipe by Natashas Kitchen
5. Beef Stroganoff
Total calories (per 100g): 98
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
This delectable side dish is prepared with almost no effort and delivers the most mouthwatering flavors.
Made from juicy and tender beef smothered in creamy gravy crafted from sour cream and mushrooms, Beef Stroganoff is a masterpiece of a dish.
Thin strips of beef are used for this recipe and its sauce has a golden hue. This dish is served on the bed of buttery noodles.
Here is a recipe by Natashas Kitchen
6. Pelmeni
Total calories (per 100g): 275
Total preparation time: 135 minutes
These are the traditional dumplings of Russia.
The dough is made of flour and eggs; the inner savory filling comprises ground meat mixed with onions and seasoned using salt and pepper.
Pelmeni has contrasting flavors between the mild taste of the boiled dough and the savory and flavorful filling.
It also offers a variety of textures and tastes incredible when served with sour cream.
Check out this recipe by Life of Boris
7.Russian Dill Potatoes
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Potatoes are loved by the Russians as they are affordable and can make it through winter.
Russian Dill Potatoes is a simple and gentle dish with basic ingredients like boiled potatoes, dill, salt, pepper, and unsalted butter.
The dill contributes a grassy flavor to the creamy potatoes whose flavors are then accentuated by the seasonings.
With a warm and nutty aroma, this makes an excellent winter side dish.
8. Rzhanovi Khleb
Total calories (per 100g): 259
Total preparation time: 55 minutes
This unique bread hails from Russian where is traditionally prepared.
Rzhanovi Khleb is made entirely from dark rye flour and has a very dense texture and flavor.
Unlike other Russian breads, it doesn’t require a sourdough starter, eggs, or oil. It is purely made from rye flour, yeast, water, and corn syrup.
This dark bread is a perfect side for health-conscious people.
9. Sbiten
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Sbiten is a warm honey-based drink made during the harsh winters in Russia.
Usually served with copper samovars, this drink is crafted from water, honey, jam, and spices.
The herbs and spices used in the drink were traditionally pounded on a mortar and added; some of its recipes also include vodka as an ingredient to make it stronger.
For the best experience, use good quality honey while preparing it.
Check out this recipe by Tastemade
10. Okroshka
Total calories (per 100g): 115
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
This soup is for the scorching summer when the heat needs to be countered by its coolness. Okroshka is a cold soup made from cucumbers, radishes, potatoes, eggs, and herbs.
It, sometimes, also includes a little bit of ham, which can be skipped for the vegetarian version.
The liquid part of this soup is locally prepared by using Kvass (which is a fizzy non-alcoholic drink made from rye bread).
Here is a quick recipe by Life of Boris
11. Russian Shuba Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 104
Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Also known as ‘Herring Under a Fur Coat’, this Russian salad is visually pleasing on top of being delicious.
This classic salad comprises different layers made from pickled herring, onions, carrots, potatoes, and beets covered in delectable dressing.
DIY recipe—
12. Golubtsky
Total calories (per 100g): 101
Total preparation time: 135 minutes
Golubstky is a famous Russian cabbage roll.
The cabbage rolls are stuffed with a flavorsome savory filling made of minced meat, carrot, and rice or buckwheat and covered in a rich tomato sauce.
It tastes best when served with a dollop of sour cream.
DIY recipe—
13. Medovik
Total calories (per 100g): 199.7
Total preparation time: 145 minutes
This is one amazeballs of cake.
It’s a layer cake, usually containing 8 layers, and is made of honey and condensed milk.
The honey is baked into the cake layers which beautifully fit with the sour cream frosting.
DIY recipe—
14. Shashlik
Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Russian Shashlik has a similar flavor profile as that of Shish Kabob.
With a perfect ratio of spice to tang, this appetizing side dish can be prepared in gravy but tastes even better when grilled as it adds a smoky flavor.
DIY recipe—
15. Kurnik (Russian Chicken Pie)
Total calories (per 100g): 220
Total preparation time: 60 minutes
In Russia, this pie is served on special occasions and holidays.
The pie is made by putting together chicken, chopped boiled eggs, mushrooms, and rice. It endorses a flaky crust and the kind of crust differs from recipe to recipe.
16. Braised Cabbage
Total calories (per 100g): 71
Total preparation time: 105 minutes
Braised cabbage is a staple dish in Russian households and is fashioned out of shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and tomato paste cooked in butter.
Even though it is made with simple ingredients, it has an elegant presence and unique deliciousness to it.
DIY recipe—
17. Creamy Russian Mushroom Julienne
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
This side dish is prepared by sautéing sliced mushrooms and shallots and then putting them together with cream sauce and cheese.
It is a traditional Russian dish with a slight hint of French flavors from the cream sauce.
DIY recipe—
18. Russian Pan-Fried Potatoes
Total calories (per 100g): 168
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
This is the Russian version of French Fries.
These fried potatoes have a crispy exterior and a buttery interior. The onions are added for additional flavors.
Seasoned with pepper and salt, it pairs absolutely well with a tomato-cucumber salad.
DIY recipe–
19. Zucchini Fritters
Total calories (per 100g): 196
Total preparation time: 50 minutes
These mouthwatering fritters are savory pancakes made with a punch of flavors from very simple ingredients.
The zucchinis are shredded and mixed in the batter then fried till they achieve the holy golden color. It tastes amazing with some sour cream.
DIY recipe—
20. Kvashenaya Kapusta
Total calories (per 100g): 19
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
This is basically Russian Sauerkraut with a complex name.
It is made from shredded cabbage and carrots which have been fermented by lactobacillus.
This Kraut is quicker to prepare as compared to its German relative and therefore has a milder flavor.
DIY recipe—
21. Cucumber Radish Salad
Total preparation time: 10 minutes
Yet another refreshing summer salad!
This Russian side salad is made up of crunchy cucumbers and radishes which are covered in a creamy dressing made from dill and sour cream.
The lemon juice is also a flavor contributor that gives it a tang.
DIY recipe—
22. Russian Beet Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 224
Total preparation time: 85 minutes
Also known as the ‘Vinegret’, this salad is crafted from beets, carrots, potatoes, sauerkraut, and pickles.
This dish has the perfect combination of sweet, tarty, and hearty flavors.
It has a visually appealing ruby color that adds up to its flavorsome presence.
DIY recipe–
23. Rasstegai
Total preparation time: 110 minutes
This is an exquisite Russian pie that has an oblong shape and a hole in the top which makes it different from other pies.
The fillings of Rasstegai can be made with meat or fish mixed with other ingredients; the broth is added to the filling through the created hole.
24. Ukha
Total calories (per 100g): 95
Total preparation time: 45 minutes
This flavorful Russian soup is soul-warming.
Ukha is made with fish fillets cooked with potatoes and carrots in a broth flavored with bay leaves, parsley, dill, and black peppercorns.
To make it more tummy-satisfying, add some millets to its recipe.
DIY recipe—
25. Russian Carrot Salad
Total calories (per 100g): 132
Total preparation time: 20 minutes
The partner in crime of an enticing plate of coconut rice— this Russian carrot salad thrives with flavors.
It is a marinated salad where the shredded carrots are dressed in vinaigrette with added flavors from garlic, cayenne pepper, and coriander seeds.
DIY recipe—
26. Kotleti
Total calories (per 100g): 108
Total preparation time: 75 minutes
These Slavic cutlets resemble American meatballs.
Kotleti is a Russian cutlet shaped like a patty and is made from mixing meat with ground chicken and grated onions.
It tastes remarkable besides a plate of marinated vegetables or Cabbage salad.
DIY recipe—
27. Kholodets
Total preparation time: 420 minutes
This special side dish is prepared during the Russian holidays.
Kholodets is a traditional Ukrainian dish made with tender meat pieces, cooked in bone broth that has a gelatinous texture.
Its flavors are at their peak when paired with spicy horseradish and beet sauce.
DIY recipe—
28. Vareniki
Total preparation time: 110 minutes
This can be said to be the vegetarian version of Pelmeni.
Vareniki is a moon-shaped dumpling made with soft dough and a vegetarian filling; it is first boiled and then pan-fried before serving.
The filling can be savory (made from potatoes) or sweet (made with Farmer’s cheese).
DIY recipe—
29. Shchi
Total calories (per 100g): 29
Total preparation time: 55 minutes
Shchi is a hearty soup that is considered one of the national dishes of Russia.
It is a meatless cabbage soup with a mild flavor as no sauerkraut is used in its recipe.
Apart from cabbage, tomatoes and potatoes also contribute their natural flavors to this soup.
30. Solyanka
Total calories (per 100g): 197
Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Solyanka is a flavorsome soup that can be prepared from mushrooms, fish, or meat.
It has an ancient recipe that derives its flavors from olives, cabbages, cappers, pickles, and carrots. Bay leaves, allspice berries, and peppercorns are also crucial ingredients.
DIY recipe—
31. Morozhenoe
Total preparation time: 20 minutes
If you like ice cream, this will delight your heart.
Morozhenoe is a classic Russian-style ice cream made with heavy cream, sugar, egg yolk, and flavoring essence.
It stands apart from normal ice cream with its dense flavor and intense texture.
32. Pashka
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
With a texture similar to a creamy cheesecake, Pashka is reckoned as a special Easter dessert.
It is fashioned out of curd cheese, dry fruits, and honey. With a visually inviting appearance, this is traditionally paired with Russian Easter Bread.
The Bottom Line
We hope this wholesome guide gave you a glimpse of the delectable world of Russian side dishes.
If you have any tips or suggestions, please let us know below!
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