7 crazy Soviet dishes you can repeat right now

The scarcity in the Soviet Union forced resourceful mothers (and sometimes fathers) to be extra creative in the kitchen. The result was sometimes impressive and always unusual.

7 PHOTOS

1. Bread with sunflower oil and salt.

This simple, very affordable snack has helped stave off hunger before lunch or dinner. The recipe for this "delicacy" is not too complicated: brush a piece of brown bread with a little sunflower oil and salt, and you're done. Those looking for extra spices rub in some garlic or sprinkle with chopped green onions.

2. Pasta with sugar.

Soviet children were crazy about this type of pasta: pasta with sugar. They are easy to prepare. Just boil pasta, add butter and sprinkle with sugar.

3. Bread with butter and sugar.

At one time, this "dessert" caused a smile in many children. White bread was spread with butter and sugar. In times of extreme scarcity, butter could be dispensed with and instead dipped bread in water or milk and then granulated sugar. There was another, more "difficult" version, which consisted of applying a layer of jam on top of the butter (if there was one).

4. Cookies with butter.

Today these snacks are produced on an industrial scale (with cream and a wide variety of biscuits). But in Soviet times, there was only one type of shortbread cookie, and it was used to make "sandwiches". One-piece was oiled and the other on top. It was sometimes called "rustic pie".

5. Carrots with raisins.

This is a sweet salad, variants of which can still be found on the menus of public dining rooms. It is made from finely grated carrots with steamed raisins and sugar. The addition of chopped fruits or nuts made it more appetizing for kids.

6. Onions with sugar.

Some parents considered onions to be a cough medicine, and even healthy children drank them. Grate the onion and sprinkle with sugar. Left for a while, the onion releases sweet juice, and the whole mixture resembles a porridge-like dessert.

7. Cucumbers with honey.

The children made this “delicacy” from fresh cucumbers and honey. A simple variation of this kiddie dish is to pour honey over sliced cucumber. A more complex recipe involves slicing cucumber pieces into a salad bowl and adding dill, honey, sunflower oil, and salt. Let the salad soak for half an hour.