Introduction: Considered by many Belgians to be a national treasure, these creamy croquettes are packed with tiny grey shrimp from the North Sea coast, bound in a rich béchamel, crumbed and deep-fried until golden. Cultural Background: Considered by many Belgians to be a national treasure, these creamy croquettes are packed with tiny grey shrimp from […]
Introduction: Because wheat grows poorly in Belarus’s cold, wet climate, rye became the country’s dominant grain, and dense, slightly sour rye bread has been the everyday staple loaf for centuries. Cultural Background: Because wheat grows poorly in Belarus’s cold, wet climate, rye became the country’s dominant grain, and dense, slightly sour rye bread has been […]
Introduction: Kulaga is often described as the main traditional dessert of Belarusian cuisine, made by slowly baking fresh berries down to a thick, jelly-like consistency sweetened naturally by the fruit itself. Cultural Background: Kulaga is often described as the main traditional dessert of Belarusian cuisine, made by slowly baking fresh berries down to a thick, […]
Introduction: Lazanki are flat squares of egg pasta tossed with fried bacon and onion, a dish that entered Belarusian kitchens through centuries of shared cooking traditions within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Cultural Background: Lazanki are flat squares of egg pasta tossed with fried bacon and onion, a dish that entered […]
Introduction: Draniki are widely considered Belarus’s signature national dish and the clearest expression of the country’s deep relationship with the potato, which arrived in the 18th century and became so central to the diet that Belarusians were historically nicknamed ‘bulbashi’ after the local word for potato, bulba. Cultural Background: Draniki are widely considered Belarus’s signature […]
Introduction: Machanka is a rich, saucy stew of pork pieces, sausage and bacon simmered in a sour-cream-thickened gravy, and is one of the most recognisably Belarusian mains on any traditional table. Cultural Background: Machanka is a rich, saucy stew of pork pieces, sausage and bacon simmered in a sour-cream-thickened gravy, and is one of the […]
Introduction: Syrniki are soft, lightly fried pancakes made from tvarog, a fresh curd cheese found across Eastern Europe, and they are one of the most common breakfast dishes in Belarusian homes. Cultural Background: Syrniki are soft, lightly fried pancakes made from tvarog, a fresh curd cheese found across Eastern Europe, and they are one of […]
Introduction: Perepechy are small, simple flatcakes traditionally made without yeast, reflecting an older layer of Belarusian baking that predates widespread sourdough leavening. Cultural Background: Perepechy are small, simple flatcakes traditionally made without yeast, reflecting an older layer of Belarusian baking that predates widespread sourdough leavening. Quick to prepare from just flour, water and a little […]
Introduction: Kolduny are potato dumplings made from a raw and cooked potato dough wrapped around a savoury minced meat filling, taking their name from an old regional word meaning something worked or shaped with care. Cultural Background: Kolduny are potato dumplings made from a raw and cooked potato dough wrapped around a savoury minced meat […]
Introduction: Beliashy are round, deep-fried buns filled with juicy seasoned minced meat, a popular grab-and-go food sold at markets, bus stations and street stalls throughout Belarus. Cultural Background: Beliashy are round, deep-fried buns filled with juicy seasoned minced meat, a popular grab-and-go food sold at markets, bus stations and street stalls throughout Belarus. Their yeasted […]