Russian cuisine is often characterized by its hearty ingredients, including potatoes, mayonnaise, and meat. However, not every dish is calorie-rich! If you are mindful of your diet but still wish to savor some traditional Russian dinner dishes, consider these healthy options available at restaurants or recipes you can prepare at home:

Борщ (Borsch) – Russian Beet and Beef Soup

This traditional Russian soup may seem indulgent, but it is actually very healthy, packed with nutritious root vegetables like beets and carrots. You can enhance its taste by adding low-fat sour cream or yogurt and a touch of fresh parsley on top. Although making borsch from scratch requires some time, it’s worthwhile to prepare the stock yourself. If the stock seems lacking in flavor, feel free to incorporate a bouillon cube for additional taste.

Recipe:

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 beet, peeled and diced or grated
• 1/2 head cabbage, julienned
• 2 small tomatoes
• 1-2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 250g beef soup pieces (or beef on the bone)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Parsley (to taste)

Instructions:

Begin by filling a pot with enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil for at least 30 minutes. Simultaneously, in a separate pan, cook the carrots, onions, and tomatoes for 15-20 minutes to concentrate their flavors. Next, add these sautéed vegetables to the pot. Incorporate the cabbage, potatoes, beets, and bay leaves as well. For an extra kick, add minced garlic, if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow the soup to simmer for about 1 hour. After this time, remove the bay leaves and check the seasoning. Borsch generally tastes best after being chilled and left overnight in the fridge. It can be stored in a closed container for up to a week.

Солянка (Solyanka) – Russian Salted Meat Soup

While you might wonder if another soup is necessary, the remarkable flavors found in soups like Solyanka offer delightful alternatives for those observing a low-calorie diet. This dish can be prepared with meat, fish, or mushrooms, accommodating various dietary needs. For optimal flavor, consider using an assortment of meats, including various smoked sausages.

Recipe:

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 200g pork
• 1 large pickle, diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 large onion, diced
• 100g black olives, sliced
• 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
• 200g beef
• 200g smoked sausage, diced
• Lemon juice (3 tbsp)
• Salt

Instructions:

To start, cover the raw meat with water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for 1-1.5 hours. Afterward, remove the meat from the water, slice it, and return it to the boiling pot. Meanwhile, in a hot pan coated with vegetable oil, sauté the onions for 10 minutes. Add the grated carrots and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes. Then, combine the pickles, olives, tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons of water in the pan, letting it cook for another 10 minutes while stirring often. Finally, transfer this mixture to the pot along with the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of pickle juice. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a rich finish.