If you’re a sweet-toothed traveller considering a holiday to Russia, you’ll be thrilled to learn that this country is home to some delectable treats and desserts. Usually famed for its savouries – namely dumplings and soups – the country is surprisingly abundant with sweeter culinary gems that truly treat the tongue. Here are a few favourites.
Churchkhela
This traditional sweet is usually found at seaside resorts and is extremely popular with the locals. A thread of nuts (a mixture of hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds) is dipped into a delicious grape juice which is made thick with flour, then the sausage-shaped candy is left to dry in the sun for two weeks. Churchkhela come in various colours and is a scrumptious (and relatively healthy) treat.
Ptichye Moloko
This dessert is one of Russia’s most famous and was developed by Vladimir Guralnik, a renowned pastry chef. Inspired by a similar French dessert, the dish consists of airy marshmallow topped with a thin layer of chocolate. What makes ptichye moloko different is the particular type of marshmallow used, which is made with a gelatine-like substance called agar-agar. This gives it a much bouncier, lighter consistency, rather like a soufflé. Today, the original version of the dish can be found in Prague Restaurant in Moscow, and there are many adaptations of it in other bake shops around the country.
Pastila and Zefir
Pastila first appeared in Russia around the sixteenth century and is reminiscent of Turkish delight. The popular dessert is made by mixing fruit purees (mostly sour apples or tart cranberries) with egg whites and honey. The paste is then baked and left to dry. Pastila prompted the production of zefir, which is an equally popular delicacy also made with pureed fruit and egg whites. The difference is in the texture, as zefir has a lighter, fluffier centre.
If reading about these delicious treats hasn’t tempted you to venture to Russia, I don’t know what will! Explore the culinary splendour of this country by sampling the traditional goodies it has to offer.
