Russian Salad Bread Cups

Vegetarian Russian Salad Bread Cups Recipe | Ingredients: Bread, Potatoes, Peas, Carrots, French Beans, Pineapple, Apple, Lettuce

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Russian Salad Bread Cups are a delightful and unique appetizer that combines the flavors of a classic Russian salad with the crunch of a toasted bread cup. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a light snack.

History

Russian salad, also known as Olivier salad, is a traditional dish that originated in Russia in the 1860s. It was created by a Belgian chef named Lucien Olivier, who served it at his restaurant in Moscow. The salad typically consists of boiled potatoes, peas, carrots, and mayonnaise, among other ingredients. In this recipe, we have adapted the classic Russian salad into a fun and portable bread cup form.

Ingredients

Toast cases

8 slices of whole wheat bread
2 tsp of butter

Russian salad filling

0.5 cup of chopped boiled and peeled potatoes
0.5 cup of boiled green peas
2 tbsp of peeled and chopped boiled carrots
2 tbsp of chopped and boiled french beans
2 tbsp of peeled and chopped pineapple
2 tbsp of chopped apple
2 tbsp of chopped lettuce
2 tbsp of eggless mayonnaise
1 tbsp of fresh cream
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Toast cases

Slice off the crust from the bread slices.
Wrap the bread slices in a muslin cloth and steam in a pressure cooker for 5 to 7 minutes.
Flatten the bread slices and press each bread slice into the cavities of a muffin tray greased with butter.
Brush some melted butter over them and bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes or until crisp.
Demould and set aside.

Russian salad filling

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Divide into 8 equal portions and set aside.

Assembly

Fill each toast case with a portion of the mixture.
Serve immediately.
Tips: Muffin trays are used for making cupcakes, muffins, etc.
They are available at any shop that sells cake molds.

Variations

Add diced ham or cooked chicken to the Russian salad filling for extra protein.
Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the salad.
Top the bread cups with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to steam the bread slices before shaping them into cups to ensure they are pliable and easy to mold.

- Be sure to brush the bread cups with melted butter before baking to give them a crispy and golden finish.

- Feel free to customize the Russian salad filling with your favorite ingredients such as diced ham, pickles, or corn.

Serving Suggestions

Russian Salad Bread Cups can be served as an appetizer at parties, picnics, or potlucks. They pair well with a side of fresh salad or a cup of hot soup.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the bread slices before shaping them into cups helps to make them pliable and easy to mold.

- Baking the bread cups in a preheated oven ensures they are crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white bread instead of whole wheat bread for a lighter texture.

- Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables or fruits in the Russian salad filling with your favorites.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Russian salad filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the bread cups with the filling just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Russian Salad Bread Cups on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Russian Salad Bread Cups with a refreshing cucumber mint cooler or a glass of sparkling water with lemon for a light and refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Russian Salad Bread Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Russian Salad Bread Cups contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Russian Salad Bread Cups contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Russian Salad Bread Cups contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Russian Salad Bread Cups contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Russian Salad Bread Cups are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium due to the presence of ingredients like potatoes, peas, carrots, and fruits.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (bread) and mayonnaise, which may contain eggs. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Russian Salad Bread Cups are a balanced snack that provides carbohydrates for energy, fats for satiety, proteins for muscle repair, and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Summary

Russian Salad Bread Cups are a creative twist on the classic Russian salad, combining the flavors of a traditional dish with the crunch of a toasted bread cup. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Russian Salad Bread Cups. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Olga, who had just returned from a trip to Russia. She had brought back with her a cookbook filled with traditional Russian recipes, and as we sat together in her cozy kitchen, flipping through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye.

The recipe was for Russian Salad Bread Cups, a unique and delicious dish that combined the flavors of a classic Russian salad with the convenience of individual bread cups. I was intrigued by the idea of serving a salad in such a creative way, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Olga graciously offered to teach me the recipe, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, mixing and chopping and baking until we had created a batch of beautiful bread cups filled with a colorful and flavorful Russian salad. As I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Russian Salad Bread Cups countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all been delighted by the combination of flavors and textures. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny day in Olga's kitchen, where I first learned how to create this delicious dish.

The key to making Russian Salad Bread Cups lies in the ingredients. The salad itself is a mixture of potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and mayonnaise, all finely chopped and combined to create a creamy and tangy filling. The bread cups are made by hollowing out small rounds of bread and toasting them until they are crispy and golden brown.

To assemble the dish, I carefully spoon the salad mixture into each bread cup, making sure to fill them to the brim with the colorful and flavorful ingredients. I then garnish each cup with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream, adding a final touch of richness and freshness to the dish.

The beauty of Russian Salad Bread Cups lies not only in their taste, but also in their presentation. The individual bread cups make for a stunning and elegant dish, perfect for serving at a special occasion or simply enjoying as a light and flavorful snack.

As I continue to make Russian Salad Bread Cups, I am reminded of the joy of cooking and sharing food with others. This recipe has become a symbol of friendship and connection for me, a reminder of the wonderful memories I have shared with Olga and the many others who have enjoyed this dish with me.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and to pass it on to others, spreading the love and joy of cooking one delicious bite at a time. And as I sit down to enjoy a freshly made batch of Russian Salad Bread Cups, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and good company.