A Russian Cabbage Pie…

Russian cabbage pie or kulebjaka or kulybyaka is a treat and a half in Russia. It is made with cabbage or anything in between all the way to Russians favorite – Salmon. The Russians like to get creative and make the pies in many styles and shapes but in this case we will use just a regular pie tin and pie crust. You may get creative in the design that you cut into the pie top. This is a full meal deal as most dishes in Russia are. Practicality rules in Russia…

Since I had a reader send me a comment about cabbage pies in Russia. I decided to post a easy recipe. So this is a simple recipe that is not exactly like what a Russian would do, but I modified to make it easier to make. I use pre-made frozen raw pie crusts instead of the thick bread like crusts that Russian many times uses. I have seen it done with these crusts so that is why I feel okay with using them…

Ingredients:

2 pie crusts, unbaked thawed from frozen state
1/4 to 1/2 cup sauteed mushrooms
6 oz. cottage cheese or cream cheese (Remember to drain the cottage cheese well if you are using curds and whey!)
2 hard-boiled eggs diced or sliced
3/4 c. sauteed cabbage and onions
Basil, Oregano, Salt and pepper to taste

Lets Make:

Put cabbage and onion in a oiled fry pan. Saute on medium heat. Then remove and put in a bowl. Set them aside. Put mushrooms into the same skillet and saute as you did the onions and cabbage. When done put into another separate bowl…

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F…

Place bottom crust in greased pie pan. Layer with cottage cheese or cream cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs next, then cover with sauteed cabbage and onions. Season on top to taste with basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Then add a layer of sauteed mushrooms and cover with top crust. Pinch edge together to seal and slice a design in the top for steam escape and expansion. Bake at 300 to 325 degrees F. until golden brown. I like to brush with butter at the last few minutes (and add sesame seeds also) to glaze the top somewhat…

This dish is so delicious and really is easy to make. You can be as creative as you like and use your own favorite pie crust instead of a store bought one. Puff Pastry would be excellent with this recipe. Russians make it with a bread style crust many times and it is like a sandwich when you eat it. adding meat to the mix will satisfy that hungry man you feed, it is a simple as adding a layer of ham at the bottom of the pie.  How ever you do it you will find that it is a wholesome meal all in one bite…

Kyle Keeton
Windows to Russia!

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