Kissel

Kissel (also Kisel, Kiessel or Kisiel; Russian кисель [k ʲ ɪ 's ʲ el ʲ ] ) is a Russian as well as Polish sour-sweet pudding (actually, power supply, often referred to as a drink ) that is cooked from fruit juice and remotely resembling the Red grits.

The food is also found in other European countries such as Lithuania, Ukraine and Finland.

It is a sweet, jelly-like dessert that is made ​​from fresh and dried fruits, berries and fruit juices, as well as syrup, compote, milk and potato starch or corn starch or corn being set leavened dough (Russian зерновая закваска ). Most sugar is not added. Kissel from fruits and berries is usually thickened with potato starch, while Kissel is usually made ​​from milk and almonds with corn starch.

Typically Kissel is a thickened drink that is served as dessert. Since it is usually fruitless, it is usually drunk from cups or glasses.

History

Kissel is a typical Russian dessert that can be simple and easy to prepare and was originally prepared from oat sourdough in the villages. Hence the name Kissel, which means sour than stem.

The addition of the sweet fruits and berries came much later, as to when the use of potatoes ( and potato starch) in Russia spread.

Kissel from oats, rye or wheat are among the oldest Russian food. They are over 1000 years old.

In the old Russian Primary Chronicle of the 12th century is reported as having a Kissel city was saved:

" The 10th century was difficult for the Russians. There was a large, ongoing war with the nomadic peoples who anrannten continuously against the Russian territories. It so happened that the Pechenegs besieged the city of Belgorod. The siege took a long time and in the city broke a famine. It was decided to give the Pechenegs better than starvation. However, an age said, ' Do not Surrender. Just wait three days and do what I tell you. " He had to gather from all over the city the remains of oats, wheat and bran. This Kissel was prepared. In addition, a honey drink was prepared with diluted honey. Then let the old man two wells dig holes into which a Kissel was filled in and the other honey water. The next day they received a delegation of the besiegers in the city. The Pechenegs were entertained with Kissel and honey water that has been drawn with buckets from the "well" before their eyes. The Pechenegs were amazed and convinced that the Russians lived on the earth. On their return they reported their prince, what they had seen, whereupon ended the siege and withdrew. "

Russian proverbs

In Russian proverbs and sayings Kissel is also mentioned. Examples:

• "With Kissel you look at the belly does not spoil. " (Russian " Киселем брюха не испортишь " )
• "Where there Kissel as sit where there are pierogi, as lay you down ( to stay longer, let you down ). " (Because pies are even better, more nutritious. ) (Russian " Где кисель, тут и сел, где пирог, тут и лег. " )
• " Gone seven miles to eat Kissel. " (Russian " За семь вёрст киселя хлебать. " )
• ". The mouse is not happy, which has overeat with Kissel " (Russian " Мышь не весела, объелась киселя. " ) - ( German as: "As soon as the mouse is tired of the flour tastes bitter. " )

Often, however, can not find any German equivalents for these proverbs and sayings find. Examples:

• " Kissel makes teeth not broken. " (Russian " Кисель зубов не портит. " )
• "The same dough, but another Kissel. " (Russian " Та же опара, да кисель другой. " )
• " A guy so stupid as the Kissel is thick. " (Russian " Мужик простой, что кисель густой. " )
• " A Tatar has seen in a dream Kissel, since there was no spoon. When he went to sleep with the spoon because he saw no more Kissel " (Russian ". Видел татарин во сне кисель, так не было ложки, лег спать с ложкой -. Не видал киселя " )
• "Milk rivers, Kissel shore. " ( Land of plenty ) (Russian " Молочные реки, кисельные берега. " )