Russians joke that their national drink is not vodka at all, but tea. They drink it at any time of day and for any reason. Incidentally, tea warms you up better than any alcohol. If you don’t like black tea, try a herbal or fruity variety. In Russia, brews flavored with St. John's wort,
In winter, the stomach yearns for a thick, hearty soup! In summer, the human body overheats from such nourishment, but when it’s freezing outside, hot broth is the perfect internal radiator. The traditional recipes of the northern peoples of Russia are particularly worth a try. They certainly know a thing or two about soups for keeping warm. Love fish? Try Karelian ukha made with salmon and cream. Prefer meat? Then you’ll dig rassolnik with pickles and pearl barley or meatball soup. Don’t forget to add sour cream—it makes even the tastiest soup even tastier.
Fermented foods preserve all the nutrients, and sauerkraut is probably the main dish on the Russian table in winter. It contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is said to prevent colds and strengthen the immune system. Moreover, cabbage is used as the basis for other dishes, ranging from soups to salads. One of the most finger-licking combinations is hot boiled potatoes with butter and sauerkraut.
Radish is a traditional Russian vegetable that has been consumed since time immemorial. It doesn’t look anything special, but, like sauerkraut, contains a lot of healthy vitamin C. Meanwhile, the benefits of honey are well-known, so if you want to forget about coughs, fevers, and all the downsides of the chilly season, grate some radish and splurge on the honey. Yummy!
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