Olga the matchmaker's Russian Recipes For Love

When Olga heard that we were doing Eastern European favorites this week, she pointed a finger skyward and said, ” Bubalah, you must include Olga’s special dishes. Whenever I introduce a couple, I make them a meal to seal the deal” She always laughs when she rhymes. When the couples marry, she brings the salads to the wedding. So far, they’re all still together.

Herrings covered in fur

When Olga mentioned this one, we made a face. She initially called it, Russian layered salad with herring. When she saw the face, she insisted that people love it and that Russian herring is delicious. When she told us the real name, we thought she was kidding. Then she made it. Just amazing! Give it a try.

Ingredients

3 potatoes
2 carrots, peeled
2 beets
1/2 onion finely chopped
1 12 oz jar Russian herring fillets
6 Tbsp mayonnaise

Preparation

Boil the potatoes, carrots and beets
Remove the carrots and potatoes after 30 min
Remove the beets after 40 min
Peel the potatoes and beets
Shred the carrots, beets and potatoes and keep them separate
Use a glass bowl for the salad
Place 1/2 of the herring and 1/2 of the onions on the bottom
Cover with a layer of 1/2 of the potatoes
Cover that with a layer of 1/2 of the carrots
Cover with a layer of 1/2 of the beets
Top it with half of the mayonnaise
Repeat the layers again
Chill for at least one hour

Borscht with Meat

Borscht with meat added is an interesting and tasty meal. Olga serves it with a loaf of crusty bread.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb beets, boiled, peeled and grated
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 lb steak
2 qt water
1/2 lb bacon
8 whole black pepper corns
2 tsp dried marjoram
2 tsp basil
1 lb shredded cabbage
2 leeks sliced
1 c chopped onion
2 lb polish sausage.
Chopped dill and sour cream for garnish.

Preparation

Combine 1/2 c beets with vinegar and sugar in a bowl
Cover and refrigerate over night
In a large pot boil the water with beef, bacon, pepper corns, marjoram, and basil
Reduce to simmer for at least 2 hrs
Add 3 c beets, leeks, onions, cabbage and sausage
Simmer covered 40 min
Remove the beef, sausage and bacon and cut it all into bite sized pieces and return it all to the pot
Add the remaining beet mix
Remove from heat and serve with chopped dill and a dollop of sour cream on each bowl
Serve with crusty bread.

Blinis

Blinis are like thin blintzes. They can be filled with sweet or savory. Potato is popular, as is cheese. Fruit and ricotta mixes are also common. Blinis are perfect for caviar. Add a dollop of creme fraiche and finely chopped red onions and you’re in heaven.

Ingredients

4 1/4 c milk
5 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp citric acid powder
4 c flour
3 Tbsp veg oil
1 c boiling water
2/3 c butter

Preparation

Beat the milk and eggs
Add salt and sugar
Mix
Add baking soda and citric acid
Mix again
Mix in the flour
While the mixer is on pour in the oil and water
Once it’s thoroughly combined let it rest for 20 min
Melt 1-2 Tbsp of butter at a time in a medium sized skillet
Add 1 ladle of batter and swirl it around like an omelet, so that it’s one thin layer
After about 90 seconds flip it and cook it for 1 min on the other side
Keep them warm as you cook them one at a time. Just stack them up.
Fill with fruit, cheese, potatoes or chocolate just like crepes.