Belarusian Delicacies: Exploring Popular Foods In Belarus

Belarusian cuisine is heavily influenced by its Soviet past, with many dishes similar to those of Russia and other former Soviet countries. However, there are also culinary influences from Poland, Germany, Italy, France, and Jewish cooking. Belarusian food is rich in meat, vegetables, and potatoes—in fact, Belarus ranks first in the world for potato consumption per capita. The country's national cuisine also features a variety of beverages, from fermented drinks to honey-based drinks and vodka.

Potato pancakes

The traditional recipe for draniki includes grated potatoes, onions, salt, and oil. However, you can also add eggs, flour, and spices to change up the traditional recipe. The mixture is then fried on a hot pan with vegetable oil until browned and crispy.

Draniki is typically served with sour cream or apple sauce, but it can also be served with a variety of other toppings and sides. Some suggestions include dill weed, jelly or jam, machanka (pork stew), butter, fried salo, onions, meat, mushrooms, or sausages. Draniki can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal.

Draniki became popular in Belarus in the 19th century and is often eaten for breakfast. Belarus is a leader in per capita production and consumption of potatoes, with the average Belarusian consuming over 180 kg of potatoes per year.

Soups

Belarusian cuisine features a variety of soups, which were traditionally served as the first course of a two-course meal. The word "soup" was not known in Belarus until the 18th century, when it was borrowed from the German language. However, the concept of soup as a dish existed long before that, and the old word for most traditional Belarusian soups was "poliŭka".

One of the most popular soups in Belarus is Borscht, a thick and rich beet and cabbage soup made with grains, potato, and meat. Borscht is a staple dish in Eastern Europe and can be found in various neighbouring countries of Belarus, including Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.

Another popular soup in Belarus is Holodnik, or Cold Beetroot Soup. It is a refreshing alternative to hot soups during the summer months. Holodnik is made with beet extract, blended with sour cream, kefir, or yogurt, and served over finely chopped beetroot, cucumber, and green onion, along with hard-boiled eggs and dill.

Machanka, or Sausage and Beer Soup, is another traditional Belarusian soup. It is a simple yet satisfying dish made primarily from sausage, beer, and sour cream. Machanka is often served with crepes or draniki, the national dish of Belarus made from potato pancakes.

In addition to these, other types of soups commonly found in Belarus include hot soups such as Shchi and Sorrel Soup, as well as cold sour soups that are especially refreshing during the hot summer months.

Salads

One of the most popular local salads is the "Belaya Vezha" salad, which combines boiled chicken meat with fried mushrooms, onions, and pickled cucumbers, mixed with mayonnaise and garnished with chopped hard-boiled egg.

Fresh vegetable salads are also widely available, such as tomatoes (also mixed with cucumbers) and onions seasoned with sour cream; radishes with dill and sunflower oil (or sour cream); shredded cabbage salad seasoned with sunflower oil or mayonnaise (similar to coleslaw); and pickled cabbage with caraway seeds or cranberries with onions seasoned with sunflower oil.

Another popular salad in Belarus is the Olivier salad, also known as Russian salad. It typically includes diced boiled potatoes, carrots, diced pickles, green peas, eggs, onions, and diced cooked chicken or sausage. The salad is then sprinkled with salt and pepper and dressed with mayonnaise.

In addition to these typical salads, Belarus also has a variety of fresh vegetable salads and side dishes made with potatoes, buckwheat, rice, or pasta.

Breads

Rye bread is also used to make the popular drink Krambambulya, a native Belarusian beverage made with vodka, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.

Another type of bread with significant cultural meaning is Karavai, a big, round, braided loaf, usually baked from wheat flour and decorated with national ornaments. It is considered a sign of respect and honour and is often given to newlyweds or offered to guests as a symbol of hospitality. The bread has a delicate taste, achieved by using numerous eggs and plenty of milk.

While wheat bread is now readily available in Belarus, the country's traditional hard drink, vodka or harelka, is still primarily distilled from rye malt.

Desserts

Nalistniki

Nalistniki are thin pancakes, similar to French crêpes, and can be served as a dessert with sweet fillings such as berries, cottage cheese, or jam. They are also served as a savoury dish, with vegetables, cheese, mushrooms, or varenje (sweet berry jam).

Sirniki

Sirniki are small crumpets made of cottage cheese and fried on a hot pan. They are usually served for breakfast or dessert with jam and sour cream. They can also be made with raisins, dried fruits, or poppy seeds.

Babka

Babka is a potato-based dessert, made with grated potatoes, fried bacon, meat, and onions, and baked in the oven. It is traditionally served hot with sour cream or milk.

Vareniki

Vareniki are sweet or savoury dumplings that can be stuffed with various fillings. They are boiled in water and can be served as a dessert or a main course.

Tsibriki

Tsibriki are grated potato balls with a cheese filling, fried in a pan with vegetable oil. They are often served as a snack with sour cream and beer.

Kolduny

Kolduny are potato dumplings, similar to Vareniki, but are usually made with a stuffing of boiled eggs, fish, and potatoes. They are fried on both sides and served with sour cream.

Frequently asked questions