Traditional Russian Vzvar Recipe: A Sweet, Celebratory Beverage

Ingredients

2 lb of beef bones
10 cups of cold water
1 large onion
2 medium carrots
2 bay leaves
10 peppercorns
5 allspice berries
5 cloves
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
1/2 cup of dried prunes
1/2 cup of dried apricots
1/4 cup of raisins

Steps and instructions

Rinse the beef bones under cold water. Place the bones in a large pot and pour in 10 cups of cold water.
Bring the mixture to boil over high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface during simmering.
While the broth is simmering, peel and chop the onion and carrots.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice berries, cloves, salt, and sugar to the broth.
Continue to simmer the mixture for another 2 hours.
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the dried prunes, dried apricots, and raisins to the pot.
After cooking, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard the solids.
Bring the strained broth to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Season the vzvar to taste with extra salt if necessary. Serve hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - A pot large enough to hold the beef bones and water for simmering.
Fine-mesh sieve - Used to strain the broth at the end of cooking to remove solids.
Chopping board - For chopping the onion and carrots.
Knife - Used for chopping the onion and carrots.
Measuring cups - For accurately measuring the water, dried fruits, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons - To measure salt, sugar, and other spices.
Spoon - For skimming off foam or fat during cooking.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the beef bones with vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a meat-free version of vzvar.
Fruit variations: Experiment with different dried fruits such as prunes, apricots, raisins, dried apples, or dried cranberries to add unique flavors to the vzvar.
Herbal infusion: Add herbs like mint, chamomile, or lemon verbena to the simmering broth for an aromatic twist.
Spiced vzvar: Enhance the flavor profile by adding spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cardamom pods to the simmering broth.
Citrus twist: Squeeze the juice of a lemon or orange into the vzvar to give it a citrusy tang.
Sweetener options: Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different level of sweetness.
Alcohol infusion: For an adult version, add a splash of rum, brandy, or red wine to the vzvar.
Extra vegetables: Add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or leeks to the broth for additional depth of flavor.

Recipe overview

Vzvar is a traditional Russian beverage that is typically prepared for celebrations and special occasions. This hearty and flavorful drink is made by simmering beef bones with various spices and dried fruits, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth. It's a comforting and warming concoction that's perfect for cold winter nights. This recipe takes several hours to prepare, allowing the flavors to fully develop and infuse the broth. The addition of dried prunes, apricots, and raisins give the vzvar a subtle sweetness and additional depth of flavor. The end result is a unique and delicious beverage that's more than worth the time and effort.

Common questions

Do I have to use beef bones?
Yes, beef bones are essential for creating a rich and flavorful broth in this recipe.
Can I use chicken bones instead?
While traditionally vzvar is made with beef bones, you can experiment with using chicken bones if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried ones?
The recipe calls for dried prunes, dried apricots, and raisins as they provide a concentrated flavor and sweetness. However, you can use fresh fruits if desired, but the taste and texture may differ.
Can I add other vegetables to the broth?
The recipe includes onion and carrots for a balanced flavor. You can certainly add other vegetables like celery or parsnips for additional flavor, but be mindful of the overall taste profile.
How long can I store the vzvar?
Vzvar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze vzvar?
Yes, you can freeze vzvar for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is necessary for simmering the beef bones and creating the broth.
Fine-mesh sieve - This sieve is needed to strain the broth and remove any solids.
Knife - A knife is useful for peeling and chopping the onion and carrots.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring the water, salt, sugar, and dried fruits.

Origin stories

Originating from Russia, vzvar is traditionally prepared to celebrate the birth of a child. This sweet stew dates back to ancient times, embodying the age-old traditions of hospitality, family, and celebration in Russian culture. The name "vzvar" comes from the Russian verb "vzvarivat" which means "to boil". Interestingly, the ingredients symbolize wealth and happiness, with the dried fruits representing coins and the sweet taste indicating a sweet life. So, when you sip this warm, spiced beverage, know that it carries centuries of Russian tradition, symbolizing a warm welcome to a newborn and hopes for a sweet, prosperous life.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.