Meal prepping is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week. Russian cuisine offers a variety of hearty and flavorful dishes that are perfect for meal prep. Here are three diverse examples of Russian meal prep ideas that are easy to make and will keep your taste buds satisfied!
Beef Stroganoff is a beloved Russian dish that combines tender beef strips with a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep as it reheats beautifully and pairs well with various sides.
To prepare, start with 1 pound of beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté 1 chopped onion until translucent. Add the beef and cook until browned. Stir in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
Next, add 1 cup of beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Portion into airtight containers and refrigerate. This meal can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Notes: For a healthier version, consider swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt and using leaner cuts of beef. You can also add spinach for extra nutrition.
Borscht is a vibrant beet soup that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This dish is perfect for meal prepping as it tastes even better the next day!
Begin by peeling and grating 2 large beets and chopping 1 onion, 1 carrot, and 1 potato. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add the grated beets, carrot, and potato, cooking for about 5 minutes.
Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to enhance the flavor. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in 1 chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes: You can make this dish vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the sour cream, or substituting it with a vegan alternative.
Pelmeni are traditional Russian dumplings that are versatile and easy to prepare in large batches. They freeze well, making them an ideal meal prep option!
To make the dough, mix 4 cups of flour, 2 large eggs, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Gradually add water until you form a smooth dough. For the filling, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 onion (finely chopped), salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into small circles. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle, fold them over, and pinch the edges to seal.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the dumplings until they float to the surface, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, you can serve them immediately with butter or sour cream, or let them cool and freeze in portions.
Notes: For variations, try different fillings like ground chicken or mushrooms, and add spices like garlic or dill for extra flavor. Pelmeni can be cooked from frozen without thawing, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.