The sbiten is an age-old Slavic beverage. It was well-loved in Kievan Rus for it unusual flavor and pleasant fragrance. It bears a resemblance to grog and mulled wine; however, the sbiten differs from its European brothers in using of alcohol – the Ukrainian drink is based on water.
The sbiten is a drink made with honey, different herbs and spices, which give it peculiar taste. This hot beverage possesses warming and anti-inflammatory effects, so it is served mostly in the winter.
Nevertheless, it could be poured cooled: it doesn’t lose its beneficial properties and might quench the thirst.
Ingredients
Honey 300 g
Water 1.2 l
Cardamom 7 pieces
Cinnamon 1 pieces
Hot pepper 1 pieces
Nutmeg 1 pieces
Allspice 6 pieces
Stages of cooking
1
Dissolve the honey in 90C water.
2
Add the pepper.
3
Add the ground nutmeg. Put aside for 20 mins.
4
Bring back to the boil.
5
Add the allspice.
6
Add the cinnamon.
7
Add the cardamom.
8
Simmer for 3 mins, and then let it rest for 15 mins.
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There are a lot of variants of this dish; nevertheless the main ingredients – eggplants, garlic and mayonnaise – are always the same. This cooking of this appetizer won’t take long therefore it can be served piping hot.
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