Forget spaghetti and meatballs,it's semolina and meatballs with a Russian twist in this comforting midweek meal.
These quick and easy yeast-free blinis are perfect for a celebratory caviar party at home,and the buckwheat flour gives them an appealing toasty,malty quality. If you make them ahead,just warm them in a hot,dry pan when you need them.
The idea behind this Russian sharlotka is brilliant. You virtually fill a cake tin with sliced or diced apples then top it with a thick batter,so it bakes into something deliciously cakey on top,with sweet-smelling apples below. Serve with sour cream,or a whisky toffee sauce,or both.
Borscht is all about balance. The sweet earthiness of beetroot is offset by the sour lightness of citrus and bound together with a dollop of sour cream.
Normally deep fried,this chicken Kiev has the crumbs set in the pan before being fi nished in the oven,making it healthier – and no less delicious.