Kemerovo, located in the heart of Siberia, is a city known for its rich industrial heritage and beautiful landscapes. While Kemerovo may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about Russian cuisine, the region’s traditional dishes offer a unique taste of Siberian culture. From hearty meals that reflect the region’s agricultural roots to flavorful dishes influenced by the cold climate, Kemerovo’s food scene is full of comforting and satisfying recipes. Whether you’re visiting or simply looking to try something new at home, here are some traditional recipes that should be on your culinary radar when exploring Kemerovo.
1. Pelmeni – Siberian Dumplings
Pelmeni are a staple in Russian cuisine, and they are especially popular in Siberia. These delicious dumplings are filled with minced meat—typically a combination of pork, beef, or lamb—and are seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. The dough is thin and soft, enveloping the flavorful filling, and they are usually boiled in water until they float to the top, signaling that they are ready.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 200g flour
- 100ml water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, egg, water, and a pinch of salt to form a smooth dough. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat with the finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Form the dumplings: Roll the dough into a thin sheet. Use a round cutter to cut out small circles (about 6 cm in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over, and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cook the pelmeni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pelmeni into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Serve: Serve pelmeni hot with a dollop of sour cream or melted butter. For a variation, they can also be served with vinegar or mustard.
Pelmeni are often enjoyed as a hearty meal in Kemerovo, particularly during the long, cold winters. You can also find them at local markets and street food stalls in the city, where they are served freshly boiled or fried.
2. Shashlik – Grilled Meat Skewers
While shashlik is a dish enjoyed throughout Russia, Kemerovo has its own version that reflects the region’s fondness for grilled meat. Shashlik consists of marinated meat, typically lamb, pork, or chicken, skewered and grilled over an open flame. The meat is tender and flavorful, often served with vegetables, bread, and sauces. This dish is particularly popular during the warmer months and is often enjoyed at picnics, family gatherings, or festivals.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb or pork (cut into cubes)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the meat: In a bowl, combine the meat, onion, vegetable oil, vinegar, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated meat onto metal or wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of onion, bell peppers, or tomatoes if desired.
- Grill the shashlik: Heat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the shashlik hot with a side of fresh vegetables, flatbread, and sauces like garlic sauce or tzatziki.
In Kemerovo, you can find shashlik cooked fresh at street food stalls, and it’s a must-try dish for any visitor looking to experience local flavors.
3. Kholodets – Chilled Meat Jelly
Kholodets is a traditional Russian dish that may not be for everyone, but it offers a unique taste of Kemerovo’s culinary heritage. It is a cold jelly made from boiled meat (typically pork or beef) and its broth. The dish is often served with horseradish or mustard and is typically eaten as a cold appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1kg pork shank (or beef)
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the meat: Place the pork shank (or beef) in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and skim off any impurities that float to the surface.
- Cook the meat: Add the onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and the broth has thickened.
- Strain the broth: Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine sieve to remove any bones or vegetables.
- Assemble the kholodets: Shred the meat and place it into a deep dish or bowl. Pour the broth over the meat and let it cool. Once cooled, refrigerate the dish for several hours, or overnight, until the jelly sets.
- Serve: Serve the chilled kholodets with mustard, horseradish, and rye bread. This dish is often enjoyed as a starter or side dish during festive meals.
Kholodets is a traditional dish in Kemerovo, especially during the colder months when hearty and filling foods are preferred. It’s a great dish to try if you’re seeking an authentic, rustic Siberian experience.
4. Borscht – Russian Beet Soup
Although borscht is often associated with Ukraine, it is also a beloved dish in Kemerovo and throughout Russia. This hearty beet soup is made with vegetables, beef or pork, and is often served with sour cream and fresh dill. It is a comforting dish that provides warmth during the long Siberian winters.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 potato, diced
- 300g beef or pork, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh dill (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the meat: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the beef or pork. Simmer for about 1 hour, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Prepare the vegetables: Add the grated beets, onion, carrot, and potato to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
- Serve: Serve the borscht hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. It’s often accompanied by rye bread or garlic bread.
Borscht is a rich, flavorful soup that reflects the agricultural traditions of Kemerovo’s people. It’s perfect for warming up on cold days and is often enjoyed as a main course.
5. Pirozhki – Russian Pastries
Pirozhki are small, stuffed pastries that come in both savory and sweet varieties. In Kemerovo, you can find pirozhki filled with a range of ingredients, from meat and cabbage to potatoes and mushrooms. These portable pastries are perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g flour
- 7g dry yeast
- 200ml milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 100g butter
- 1 tsp salt
- Filling of choice (e.g., ground meat, cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms)
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Add the flour, egg, butter, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise for about an hour.
- Prepare the filling: For savory pirozhki, sauté your choice of filling (e.g., ground meat, cabbage, potatoes, or mushrooms) until cooked and seasoned.
- Shape the pirozhki: Once the dough has risen, divide it into small portions and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball and add a spoonful of filling before pinching the edges together to seal.
- Fry or bake the pirozhki: You can either fry the pirozhki in hot oil until golden brown or bake them in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, until golden.
- Serve: Serve the pirozhki hot, with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Pirozhki are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack while you explore the streets of Kemerovo.
Conclusion
Kemerovo’s traditional recipes offer a taste of Siberian culture and history, with hearty, flavorful dishes designed to keep you warm and satisfied during the region’s cold winters. From the comforting dumplings of pelmeni to the savory grilled meat of shashlik and the rich, tangy borscht, these dishes are a reflection of the local people’s resilience and connection to the land. Whether you’re cooking at home or enjoying the city’s food scene, these recipes provide a true taste of Kemerovo’s culinary heritage.