Russian dill: Love it or hate it.
Legion MediaThere are plenty of Russian dishes where, like it or not, the seemingly omnipresent dill (
Eat, pray, love and be ready for dill in almost every Russian dish. Ukrop derives from the verb,
Russians traditionally eat a lot of herbs, not only dill, but also parsley, cilantro, green onion, and sorrel. Fresh fruits and vegetables have always been in demand, especially in winter, and herbs are an easy way to obtain sufficient vitamins. There are a lot of useful vitamins and minerals in dill, which
“The answer is simple: dill isn't a huge part of the Anglo-American diet,” said Moscow-based American journalist, Tim Kirby. “Of course, it exists and you can buy it, but it is VASTLY more popular in the former USSR.”
Expats often feel frustrated by
Pizza with dill.
Pania KirillinaIf you’re ever out for pizza on Valentine’s Day in Moscow, think twice. If it just so happens that the chef got dumped on that day, he/she will most likely drown their sorrows in dill. All over your pizza.
Steak with dill.
Ksenia GundarovaBeware when ordering steaks in Russia. Specify in advance that you don’t want an entire dill forest on the side.
Pasta with dill.
Pascal DumontAnother Italian classic, the pasta Carbonara, also got a Russian makeover.
Feta with dill.
Maria StamblerOur very own social media director, Maria Stambler, once found a poor, unsuspecting ball of Greek feta cheese suffocated in a thick dill wrap in a trendy cafe in Moscow’s Gorky Park.
Draniki with dill.
Maria StamblerAlthough we mentioned that dill belongs in traditional Russian dishes, sometimes enough is really enough. Case in point: dill with a side of
Ok, let’s get to it. First, think of the health benefits. Second, just accept this fate. Third, start adding dill to all your dishes.
"Is there no limit to what a Russian can put dill on?” asked Moscow-based British lawyer, Oliver Lyon. “Dill mayonnaise, dill on fish, dill sweets, dill this, dill that...I'm sick of the stuff."
No, dear Oliver, there is no limit for Russian dill.
Tim Kirby added, “If you want to adapt to a culture's cuisine then you will; it just takes time. The first time I ate
“I have lived here too long,” Kirby said. “If my food is not assaulted by dill then it’s just not right. Once you embrace dill, sour cream and mayonnaise you’ll never go back.”
Resistance is futile.
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