Rice Pilaf ("Plov")

Pilaf (also called pilau, pilav, pulao) is a very popular rice dish with a great variety of cooking methods!
Ingredients:

• 1 lb (400 g) mutton, lamb or beef
• 2-3 cups uncooked rice
• 1/2-3/4 lb (200-300 g) carrots
• 1/2 lb (200 g) onions
• 1/2 lb (200 g) beef fat or vegetable oil
• Salt, pepper, spices to taste

Directions:

1. Cut the meat into small pieces and fry in a skillet (it’s better to use cast-iron pan) in very hot fat or oil.
2. Julienne the onions and carrots and add to the meat.
3. Fry several minutes until the onions are tender and then add 3.5-4 cups of water, salt, pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Wash and drain the rice 3-4 times. Add to the meat and mix evenly.
5. When the water boils away, poke several "holes" in the rice mixture so the bottom of the skillet is exposed (use the handle of a wooden spoon).
6. To avoid burning, pour in 1-2 tablespoons water into each "hole."
7. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat 25-30 minutes (until the meat is ready).
8. When serving, plate the rice in the shape of a hill, place the meat on the top, and sprinkle with julienned fresh onion. ENJOY!

Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1.1 lb (500 g) uncooked potatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg (optional)
• Vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Peel the potatoes and grate them (use them right away to avoid darkening).
2. Put the potatoes in a large bowl and add the yeast previously dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water.
3. Add salt, flour, egg (optional).
4. Mix well and put the batter in a warm place to rise.
5. Use a large tablespoon to put the batter on a very hot skillet in vegetable oil. Cook on both sides several minutes until golden-brown.
6. Serve hot with sour cream or butter. ENJOY!!!

Crêpes with Apple Filling ("Nalistniki")

Also called "Nalesniki".
Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 liter (1/2 quart) milk
• 1.5-2 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil
• 1 table spoon butter

Filling:

• 4-5 apples
• Sugar to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk the eggs well with sugar; add salt, vanilla, and milk.
2. Gradually add flour, melted butter and mix well. The batter must be thin.
3. Heat the skillet, brush it with oil, and pour the batter with a ladle. (Pour a thin layer of batter onto the skillet).
4. When the bottom of the crepe is golden-brown, carefully flip it.
5. Put 2-3 teaspoons of apple filling and 1-2 teaspoons sugar on each crêpe (crepe) (close to the edge); roll it, tuck in the ends, and finish rolling.
6. Fry just one side (where the edge is after the final roll, so the frying will seal it) on low heat until golden-brown. ENJOY!

Filling:

1. Peel and core the apples, take out the seeds.
2. Grate the apples coarsely.

Potato Cutlets ("Kotleti")

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lb (1 kg) potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion (optional)
• Grounded bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Peel the potatoes and cook until knife tender.
2. Drain the water from the potatoes and dry them.
3. While hot, mash the potatoes; add butter, raw eggs (whole or just the yolks), salt, and pepper.
4. You can add a finely chopped sauteed onion (optional).
5. Mix the mashed potato mixture.
6. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form an oval cutlet; roll in some flour or grounded bread crumbs.
7. Fry in vegetable oil on both sides until golden-brown.
8. Serve with a mushroom sauce. ENJOY!!

Crepes ("Blini", "Blinchiki") with Meat Filling

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 liter (1/2 quart) milk
• 1.5-2 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Filling:

• 1 lb cooked lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 medium onion
• Dill (optional)
• Vegetable oil
• Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Whisk the eggs well with sugar; add salt, vanilla, and milk.
2. Gradually add flour, melted butter, and mix well. The batter must be thin.
3. Heat a nonstick skillet, brush it with oil, and pour the batter with a ladle. (Pour a thin layer of batter onto the skillet).
4. When the bottom of the crepe is golden-brown, carefully flip it.
5. Put 2-3 teaspoons of filling on each crêpe (close to the edge); roll it, tuck in the ends, and finish rolling (like a burrito). Fry on both sides until golden-brown. ENJOY!!

Filling:

1. Cut the meat very finely or grate it.
2. Chop the onion very finely and sauté in a skillet in hot oil until golden-brown.
3. Add the meat to the onion and sauté an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Boil, peel, and chop the eggs.
5. Mix everything in a large bowl; add salt, pepper, chopped dill, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Grilled Steak & Veggies

Grilling potatoes brings out their sweetness in an incredible way! This recipe makes enough for 4 people and really beats going to an expensive steakhouse!

Ingredients:

• 4 steaks (NY strip, ribeye, or filet mignon are best here)
• Marinade of choice
• 8 medium red potatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 1-2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Salt, pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate the steaks for several hours in a marinade of your choice.
2. Preheat the grill (gas or charcoal) and maintain a temperature of ~375F.
3. Grill the steaks (close the lid of the grill) on both sides on indirect heat until desired doneness (when flipping the steaks, brush with leftover marinade). Keep warm in foil.
4. Meanwhile, quarter the potatoes (do not peel) and parboil (cook about 5 minutes). Strain all the water and place in a large mixing bowl.
5. Slice the onion into short, thin strips and add to the potatoes.
6. Add dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Dress with olive oil and mix well.
7. Spray a slotted skillet with nonstick cooking spray and place the vegetables on it. Grill on direct medium-low heat 10-12 minutes or until grill marks are visible. ENJOY!!!

Garden Radish & Eggs Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch (1/2 lb) garden radishes
• 2 eggs
• Mayonnaise or sour cream
• Salt, pepper to taste
• Dill

Directions:

1. Wash and finely chop the radishes.
2. Boil, peel, and cut the eggs.
3. Add salt, pepper, and mayonnaise (or sour cream).
4. Mix everything, sprinkle with dill, and serve.