Borscht and Beetroot

[Nevin]

Was in my local Budgens yesterday and saw some fresh beetroot, which I have to admit I haven't seen anywhere for a while. Anyway, took it to the till and the thick cashier didn't know what it was, nor did the stupid manager she called over to tell her when she wouldn't believe it was beetroot, as she had never heard of it. Gaaaaah.

Anyway, I want to make some decent Russian style borscht and wondered if anyone had a good recipe? Sorry if this is a bit too sad.

[Einion Yrth]

Google is your friend

[Nevin]

But unfortunately Ukrainian style borscht appears to be different to Russian style. There are thousands of recipes on google, but any specific suggestions for Russian/Moscow style borscht would be good.

In Russia, Uncle Bens do cartons of Borscht which is very nice, and I'm looking for something along those lines of that helps, or the sort of stuff you'd get in a Moscow restaurant?

Cheers though Einion

[munky]

Wierdo.

Mind you, Waitrose sells blinis and caviar (sort of). I've even seen Baltika in the supermarkets, but not Afanasi or Nevskoe.

Edited to add, if you really want I'll ask my Russian contacts, but haven't you asked yours?

>> Edited by munky on Tuesday 1st November 08:42

[Nevin]

munky said:

Wierdo. Mind you, Waitrose sells blinis and caviar (sort of). I've even seen Baltika in the supermarkets, but not Afanasi or Nevskoe. Edited to add, if you really want I'll ask my Russian contacts, but haven't you asked yours? >> Edited by munky on Tuesday 1st November 08:42

I've seen Baltika around. At the London Beer Fest they had number 9, which is by far and way my favourite. They should import more seeing as its owned by Scotish Courage now anyway.

Have asked my contacts but whilst waiting for a response thought I would post here and see what else I could dig up.

[stewart-83]

I always preffered Ukranian Borscht than Ruskie anyway. Many an evening spend eating it and washing it down with a (trans.) Siberian crown - gold top, I spared no expense, beer.

If you get a recipe forward it on to me too as it would be a laugh to make it for my girlfriend. Spasiba balshoy moy drug!

[David A]

Is it not balshoi spaceba rather than spaceba balshoi?

Anyway borscht

Grate beetroot,chop some onion, bit of something spicy (chilli?), some chopped herby bits (say some thyme) lob in pan fry off add chicken stock, simmer till done. Now all the ruski borschts (and I've had a lot) I've had seem to have some sort of bits of roadkill in them, so you can probably substitute beef or chicken though only small lumps no big bits. You;ll need some sour cream to throw in the top as well.

For best authentic experience stand outside in the freezing cold, get really cold, come indoors, have a pint of red stripe with a ruski standard shot on the side, and have your borscht served by girls dressed like they're out of a tatu video, while listining to cheezy music

Dave

p.s. theres a great ukranian place near nobonetskaya that does it with garlic bread over the top and sealing the bowl - conviniently round the corner from Mollys as well !