Recipe

Russian Zakuski Platter

Flavors of Russia: A Zakuski Feast

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of Russian cuisine with this Zakuski platter. Zakuski, meaning "appetizers" in Russian, is a traditional spread of small dishes served before the main meal. This recipe showcases a variety of authentic Russian flavors and ingredients, perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home.

Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual› Zakuski

European cuisine› Eastern European cuisine› Russian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

N/A

Total time

20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb

Allergens

Fish (salmon, herring), Wheat (rye bread)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, High-protein

Ingredients

200g (7oz) smoked salmon 200g (7oz) smoked salmon
200g (7oz) pickled herring fillets 200g (7oz) pickled herring fillets
150g (5.3oz) beetroot, cooked and diced 150g (5.3oz) beetroot, cooked and diced
150g (5.3oz) Russian salad (Olivier) 150g (5.3oz) Russian salad (Olivier)
100g (3.5oz) cured meats (such as salami or sausage) 100g (3.5oz) cured meats (such as salami or sausage)
100g (3.5oz) pickled cucumbers 100g (3.5oz) pickled cucumbers
100g (3.5oz) pickled mushrooms 100g (3.5oz) pickled mushrooms
100g (3.5oz) marinated olives 100g (3.5oz) marinated olives
50g (1.8oz) caviar (optional) 50g (1.8oz) caviar (optional)
1 small bunch fresh dill, for garnish 1 small bunch fresh dill, for garnish
1 small bunch fresh parsley, for garnish 1 small bunch fresh parsley, for garnish
Slices of dark rye bread, for serving Slices of dark rye bread, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 5g)
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 2g

Preparation

1.
Arrange the smoked salmon on a serving platter.
2.
Place the pickled herring fillets on a separate section of the platter.
3.
In a bowl, combine the diced beetroot with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well and place it on the platter.
4.
Arrange the Russian salad (Olivier) in a separate bowl and place it on the platter.
5.
Slice the cured meats and arrange them on the platter.
6.
Add the pickled cucumbers, pickled mushrooms, and marinated olives to the platter.
7.
If using caviar, place it in a small bowl and add it to the platter.
8.
Garnish the platter with fresh dill and parsley.
9.
Serve the Zakuski platter with slices of dark rye bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Smoked salmon — Choose high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with smoked trout or mackerel.
Pickled herring — Rinse the pickled herring fillets under cold water before using to remove excess brine and adjust the saltiness.
Russian salad (Olivier) — You can make the Russian salad at home by combining boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and mayonnaise. Alternatively, you can find pre-made Russian salad in some specialty stores.

Tips & Tricks

Serve the Zakuski platter chilled for maximum freshness.
Experiment with different types of pickled vegetables and cured meats to add variety to the platter.
Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top of the beetroot for extra creaminess.
Enhance the flavors by sprinkling some freshly ground black pepper over the smoked salmon and herring.
For a touch of elegance, serve the caviar in a small mother-of-pearl spoon.

Serving advice

Encourage your guests to try a little bit of everything on the Zakuski platter to experience the diverse flavors of Russian cuisine. Serve the platter as a centerpiece and let everyone help themselves to their favorite bites.

Presentation advice

Arrange the different components of the Zakuski platter in an aesthetically pleasing manner, creating a colorful and visually appealing display. Use small bowls or ramekins for the Russian salad and caviar to add height and dimension to the platter.