New Year in Russia: Traditional Snacks & Appetizers

Buterbrody 

Just like you can't imagine a day without a night, a lock without a key, and Sherlock without Watson, it’s hard to envision a Russian New Year table without red caviar, specifically buterbrody (read: open sandwiches) with butter and red caviar. Among other popular alternatives are salted red fish meat (like trout or salmon, also with butter) and sprat (ideally paired with mayo). Dill or parsley will make a lovely, decorative touch – works for the other non-sweet snacks below, too.

Savory tarts 

Savory tarts or tartlets have also made a name for themselves on holiday tables, offering a great substitute for buterbrody and a little switch-up in general. Filled with salads, cheese and garlic, red caviar, or anything else imaginable (like, for example, julienne), these easy, bite-sized pastry appetizers are wonderful to have on hand for the in-betweens.

Stuffed foods

Another excellent finger-friendly meal to be found at a holiday feast is stuffed, or deviled, eggs, which are basically hard-boiled egg halves stuffed with a creamy mixture of mayo, cheese, and garlic. An alternative to this can be mushrooms – button mushrooms most commonly – that are filled with pre-fried onions and mayo and put in the oven until golden brown.

Anything sliced

Different kinds of sausages and meat, fish, cheese, and even cucumbers and tomatoes… if it can be sliced (or it’s sold sliced) and turned into a somewhat beautiful plate, it will be. The choice here is enormous – but some of the common ones are salami, karbonad (a roasted pork filet), Russian cheese or any other yellow cheese, and herring.

Canned fruit

And finally – the sweet part! For all sugar fiends out there, there are sugary foods, as well, namely canned pineapples or peaches. These fruits, eaten straight from a can or a bowl, will satisfy any sugar craving after an abundance of fatty salads and main courses while adding a much-needed tropical or simply summery taste. 

Bowls of goodies

One doesn’t simply resist the bowls of delicacies, even when it seems there isn't enough room in their stomach. These are usually loaded with various fruits and sweets. Fruit bowls often contain tangerines (a must!), grapes, and kiwis, whereas sweet bowls differ greatly from home to home.

Give this story a read if you want to try it out the vegan way.