Russian Kissel Recipe
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Loading... - Klaus Sauer
- 03 Sep 2024
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Kissel, also known as Kisel, is a traditional Russian beverage and dessert made from fruit juice and starch. The word "kissel" is derived from an old Sl avic term meaning "sour." The recipe for kissel varies from country to country, even region to region, but it always starts with a combination of fruit juice and starch.
History of Kissel
Kissel has been a staple in Russian cuisine for centuries. The traditional treat might not have always been so sweet. An early reference to a food called "kissel" provides a recipe that's a bit different from the one widely known today: a kind of gelatinous porridge made from oats and sweetened with syta (honey diluted with water).
Variations of Kissel
Kissel can be a drink, a dessert, or even a savory dish made from peas. In all recipes, starch is used as a thickening agent. Starch can be from Rye flour, oatmeal, or peas. There are many variations of kissel, including fermented oatmeal kissel, which can be very tricky to make.
Traditional Russian Kissel Recipe
Here is a traditional Russian kissel recipe using berries and potato starch:
Ingredients:
6 cups frozen mixed berries
1 cup frozen cranberries
3 cups water
½ cup sugar
3 tbsp potato flour (heaping tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Place the frozen berries and cranberries, sugar, and 3 cups of water in a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-high and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. Taste kissel and add more sugar if necessary. This will depend on the natural sugars in your fruit.
3. Add the potato starch to water in a small jug, and slowly pour into kissel. Stir constantly while kissel thickens (do not stop stirring!). If you want a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of starch to ¼ cup of water and repeat the process.
4. Remove from heat. Serve hot or cold.
Tips and Variations
- You can strain the fruit before thickening, but the rustic version of kissel is preferred by many.
- Kissel can be served with Mannaya Kasha (Semolina Porridge) or sweetened Tvorog (quark) for breakfast.
- You can decorate your dessert with lemon zest stars or add nuts and fruits for extra flavor and texture.
