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.
Discover the secrets of traditional Ukrainian cuisine
Install our unique App and inspire yourself with the most delicious Ukrainian recipes!
It is a traditional Ukrainian pastry, which is made during orthodox holiday, Honey Spas (the middle of August). It is a rather simple pastry with poppy-seeds saturated with honey.
The hrechaniks with meat are soft, tender cutlets made with buckwheat and mince meat. So it can be served as a main course or a side dish. You can use any mince meat to your taste. The dish is usually served with either tomato or garlic sauce, and salad.
The mezhivo is an authentic Ukrainian dish. It can be cooked with pepper, eggplant, pumpkin, tomatoes, plums, beetroot, marrow, etc. The mezhivo is frequently made during fast.
