gulash

Goulash Soup

Mark Masker General, Recipes Leave a Comment

Originally from Central Europe, goulash soup is so tasty that its popularity has spread northward to the eastern Baltic region, too. Today you’ll often find it on menus in Germany, Poland, and the three Baltic States. As with other tangy soups in this region, Hungarian paprika is the spice that gives goulash soup its kick.

Spicy Beet Borscht

Spicy Beet Borscht

Mark Masker General, Recipes Leave a Comment

Borscht is another Ukrainian soup whose popularity long ago spread to the eastern Baltic countries, especially Russia where it’s now considered a national dish. Although borscht is usually not a hot-peppery soup, I’ve eaten some surprisingly spicy versions of it on my travels in Russia and Eastern Europe.

solyanka

Solyanka

Mark Masker Recipes Leave a Comment

This soup of Russian/Ukrainian origin is also popular in the three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Poland, and eastern Germany—an example of the influence of Russian foods on the cuisines of countries that were once under the domination of the Soviet Union. Solyanka’s popularity is attributed to its versatility (using any kind of leftover meat or fish) and the combination of piquant flavors that make you crave a second bowl of it.