Introduction
Easter is undoubtedly one of the most important holidays in the Russian Orthodox Church, and as with any holiday, food plays a prominent role. From sweet bread to colorful eggs, the traditional Easter menu is a feast for the senses. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular Russian Orthodox Easter dishes and offer a unique twist on two classic recipes.
Classic Paskha Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cottage cheese
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup of chopped candied fruit
Instructions
- Drain the cottage cheese overnight to remove excess liquid.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix well.
- Gradually add the cream, making sure to mix thoroughly after each addition.
- Mix in the raisins, almonds, and candied fruit.
- Line a paskha mold or a colander with cheesecloth and fill with the mixture.
- Place a plate on top of the mold and weigh it down with a heavy object, such as a can of beans.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Unmold onto a serving dish and garnish with additional candied fruit and nuts.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Refrigeration time: 24 hours
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheesecloth
- Paskha mold or colander
- Heavy object for weighing down the mold
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote.
Variations
Substitute the candied fruit and raisins with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a modern twist.
Substitutions
Use whipped cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
For a firmer texture, increase the amount of cottage cheese and reduce the amount of cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but it may result in a less creamy texture. Can I omit the nuts and fruit? Yes, but it will result in a less flavorful paskha.
Baba Ganoush with a Russian Twist
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of tahini paste
- 3 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pierce the eggplants several times with a fork and roast them on a baking sheet for 45 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
- Allow the eggplants to cool, then peel off the skin and discard.
- In a food processor, blend the eggplant until smooth.
- Add the garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper, and blend until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and swirl in the sour cream.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes
Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions
Serve with pita bread or crackers.
Variations
Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
For a smokier flavor, char the eggplants on a grill instead of in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. Can I use canned eggplant? Fresh eggplants are recommended for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Russian Orthodox Easter food is steeped in tradition and flavor. Whether you’re looking to make a classic paskha or a modern twist on baba ganoush, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give them a try and experience the delicious tastes of Russian Orthodox Easter for yourself?