1. Herbal tea
Pexels
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, willowweed, rosehip, black currant leaves, and mountain cranberry are very popular in winter. In the countryside, many people collect herbs in summer and dry them for winter themselves, although these days you can buy packs of herbs from any store or pharmacy.
2. Horseradish and mustard
Legion Media
It's simple: spices and piquant seasoning help accelerate metabolism and raise body temperature. A spoonful of horseradish or mustard perfectly complements either a morning sandwich or an evening steak. In Russia, these condiments are the traditional companions of aspic. They go great with kholodets!
3. Buckwheat porridge with milk
Legion Media
To feel warm when outside, start the day with a hot breakfast, not sandwiches. Porridge stewed long in the oven is one of the staples of Russian cuisine. Following the traditional recipe is easier than falling off a log: just pour boiling water over the buckwheat, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and leave overnight. Come morning, you will only have to add hot milk to the porridge as you like it. Not a fan of buckwheat? Try Hercules porridge (better with fruit and cooked for 20-30 minutes), semolina porridge with jam and nuts, or traditional millet porridge with delicious sweet pumpkin.
4.Ukha and rassolnik
Legion Media
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.
5. Sauerkraut
Legion Media
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.
6. Radish with honey
Legion Media
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!