Meal in the forest

signature dish

I arrived in Russia on a winter's day in 2016. My first impression of Russian cuisine was the sheer variety of salads served with every meal.

Russian salad is made from readily available ingredients such as eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, and pickles. All are combined with characteristic dressings. It is the harmonious blend of fresh vegetables and the rich, creamy flavor of the dressing that creates the alluring and unique taste of Russian salad.

Salads are always accompanied by grilled dishes. It's a culinary pairing that Russians absolutely love. In almost eight years in Russia, it seems like every summer I went on a picnic in the forest with my friends.

Even now, I can't forget those incredibly delicious shashlik grilled meats served under the birch trees.

I later learned that shashlik is an ancient dish with a distinctive flavor of Russian cuisine. The meats used are common types such as pork, chicken, lamb, and beef.

The marinade for meat varies greatly depending on individual tastes, and can include various spices, herbs, and dried fruits. Personally, I find that a marinade with just salt, lime, mayonnaise, and onion is enough to make a delicious shashlik!

My Russian friend Lisa also told me that every Russian family has its own recipe for marinating meat. Shashlik is usually grilled over charcoal, and during grilling, diluted beer is drizzled over it to make the meat more tender, moist, and flavorful. The usual accompaniments are pickled cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce…

An amazing experience

Perhaps the most special thing that makes shashlik a dish that holds a special place in the hearts of Russians and those who have a connection to Russia is the experience of eating it. It represents togetherness, joy, and warmth.

When summer arrives, the entire city of Moscow is bathed in warm sunshine. The sun rises at 4 a.m. and sets at 9 p.m., which is also the time we have our picnics in the forest. The city allows barbecues in certain designated forest areas.

Everyone went together to buy the meat, cut and marinate it, and prepare all the utensils and vegetables for the accompaniment. They gathered around the glowing charcoal grill, sharing tender, juicy grilled meat amidst lively conversations and joyful laughter.

Or sometimes, on afternoons when school ended early, friends would excitedly call each other to go barbecue. Not having enough time to buy meat and marinate it, the whole group would go to the nearby Perekrestok store to buy pre-marinated meat, charcoal, and vegetables, then head into the forest together. Even though it was pre-marinated meat, it tasted just as good as if they'd made it themselves. And so, the whole group had a lovely picnic under the forest canopy.

Everyone took a piece of freshly grilled meat, wrapped it in a lettuce leaf, and dipped it in ketchup to savor the rich, sweet flavor of the meat on their tongues. They then took a bite of pickled cucumber and cherry tomato, marveling at the delicious sweetness.

They all ate and talked about their studies, research, and lives, sharing stories of homesickness and longing for loved ones. Afterwards, the group cleaned up together and went to the Moskva River to watch the sunset...

But my most memorable experience was barbecuing at a dacha (a type of holiday home in the suburbs). Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the whole group enjoyed the atmosphere of the Russian countryside.

The meat is skewered and grilled in front of the house. Afterwards, everyone gathers to chat and enjoy shashlik in the peaceful wooden house on the outskirts of Moscow.

For me, shashlik is not just a delicious, nutritious, and palatable dish. It also evokes fond memories of my time living in Russia. And I always tell anyone planning a trip to Russia, "If you go to Russia, we absolutely must go into the forest together and barbecue shashlik."

Comment (0)