Thyme leaves

Recipe by Alexander Volkov-Medvedev, chef of the Ruski restaurant.

Alexander Volkov-Medvedev, chef of the Ruski restaurant, shared the recipe with us. Soup made from a strong, rich beef broth with spelt and fried root vegetables: onions, carrots, potatoes. When serving, the soup is garnished with chopped parsley and freshly grated horseradish.

Chicken liver pâté with truffle honey is an exquisite dish that combines tenderness and rich flavor. Its origins can be found in French cuisine, where pâté is a symbol of culinary mastery. Here it takes on a signature sound, blending the velvety texture of liver, the sweetness of truffle honey, and aromatic herbs. A light acidity from wine and balsamic vinegar highlights the depth of flavor, while butter adds silkiness. This pâté pairs perfectly with crispy ciabatta and onion jam, creating a harmony of contrasts – sweet, salty, tender, and crunchy. It suits both an elegant appetizer and a cozy home dinner, filling the meal with warmth and elegance.

Cheesy breadsticks are a fragrant treat that comes to us from sunny Italy. Their roots trace back to traditional bread products that accompany Mediterranean dishes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are infused with butter and the rich flavor of pecorino romano cheese. The yeast dough, mixed with milk and herbs, gains a subtle spiciness from thyme. These sticks are perfect as an appetizer for wine, cheese, or thick soups. They can be served warm or cold, enjoying their rich flavor and tender texture. Such bread is a symbol of the warmth of home cooking, uniting simple ingredients into true gastronomic magic.

Beef tongue with jelly is an exquisite dish of author cuisine, combining the tenderness of slowly boiled tongue with the refreshing tartness of cranberry jelly. This recipe is a reinterpretation of classic gastronomic traditions, where meat textures harmonize with fruity accents. The tongue, carefully boiled with vegetables and spices, acquires a rich flavor and velvety consistency. The jelly, infused with thyme aroma and light sweetness, adds contrasting freshness. The presentation of the dish – slices of tongue enclosing transparent jelly cubes – not only pleases the eye but also creates an amazing balance of taste sensations. Such a treat is perfect for a festive dinner, offering gourmets a refined combination of tradition and culinary creativity.

Crispy baked potatoes with green onions are a gastronomic delight that combines simplicity of preparation with rich flavor. This dish has roots in European cuisine, where baked potatoes are a classic side dish, and fresh green onions add a spicy note. The cooking process reveals the depth of flavor: slow baking at low temperature makes the potatoes tender inside, while final baking at high temperature creates an appetizing crispy crust. Thyme adds a subtle spice, and sour cream completes the composition with creaminess and texture. Perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to meat and fish, this potato with its golden crust and freshness of greens will adorn any table!

Baked vegetables with lemon and herbs are a true embodiment of Mediterranean culinary art. This recipe combines the tender sweetness of pumpkin and carrots, earthy notes of potatoes and fennel, along with the freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs. The long baking in the oven gives the vegetables an appetizing golden crust and rich aroma. Lemon adds a slight tanginess, while thyme and rosemary provide a subtle herbal fragrance. The dish is perfect as a standalone side or as an accompaniment to meat and fish. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or festive gathering. This recipe is a hymn to simplicity and natural flavor that captivates from the very first bite.

This cauliflower and cashew soup with crispy buckwheat is a vibrant embodiment of refined French gastronomy, blending delicate textures and rich flavor nuances. Its history traces back to traditional creamy soups known in French cuisine but takes on a new form thanks to the nutty hint of cashew and spicy cayenne pepper. The smooth velvety structure of the soup is harmoniously complemented by crispy roasted buckwheat, giving the dish an exquisite contrast. A light tang from lemon juice and spicy paprika completes the flavor palette, making this soup an ideal warming and nourishing dish. It can be served as a standalone treat or as an elegant start to a refined dinner, impressing guests with its elegance and depth of flavor.

Grilled shiitake mushrooms with chili and thyme are an exquisite dish of Chinese cuisine that embodies the harmony of spicy and smoky aromas. Historically, shiitake mushrooms were valued in Asia for their rich flavor and health benefits. Their dense, meaty texture pairs wonderfully with the subtle notes of thyme and the heat of chili. Grilled, the mushrooms reveal their deep umami nuances, while lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or side dish, complementing meat and vegetable dishes beautifully. The simplicity of preparation makes it accessible for any culinary skill level, while its rich flavor and aroma turn it into a true gastronomic masterpiece.

Baked mushrooms with chili and lemon are a true gastronomic masterpiece of Mexican cuisine, combining spiciness and freshness. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Mexican love for vibrant flavors, where chili peppers and citrus play a key role. The baked mushrooms acquire an appetizing golden crust, infused with the aromas of garlic, shallots, and thyme. The heat of the pepper is harmoniously balanced by the lemon's freshness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. The dish is perfect as a standalone appetizer or as an accompaniment to meat and vegetable dishes. Its simplicity makes it accessible for anyone wanting to bring a touch of Mexican cuisine into their diet. Baked mushrooms are a bright and aromatic treat that will impress with their taste and texture.

Noodle with greens is the embodiment of simplicity and sophistication in Italian cuisine. Its delicate texture and rich aroma of fresh herbs provide a sense of lightness and harmony. The recipe is based on egg noodles, which become silky and tender after cooking. A mix of thyme, basil, parsley, and chives adds freshness to the dish, while butter gently binds all the flavors together. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or as an accompaniment to more complex gastronomic delights. Noodle with greens reflects the philosophy of Italian cuisine — respect for natural ingredients and a pursuit of perfection in simplicity.

Lasagna with greens and cheese is the embodiment of comfort and sophistication in one dish. This is a variation of the classic Italian recipe enriched with fresh herbs that add brightness and richness to the flavor. Creamy ricotta with light citrus notes of lemon zest pairs with tangy parmesan, while the béchamel sauce gives the dish tenderness and depth. The lasagna sheets soaked in garlic and thyme aromas create layers of airy and melt-in-your-mouth delight. The mozzarella cheese on top bakes to a golden crust, forming an appetizing crispy texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or a festive feast, revealing the full palette of European cuisine flavors. Enjoy every bite of this exquisite lasagna!

Tomato soup with arugula, croutons, and 'Pecorino' is an exquisite dish of Italian cuisine that combines the freshness of tomatoes, the spiciness of thyme, and the piquancy of 'Pecorino' cheese. This is an elegant interpretation of traditional tomato soup, complemented by crispy croutons and fresh arugula. It originated in Tuscan villages where simple ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces. The gentle acidity of tomatoes harmonizes with the aroma of garlic and onion, creating a rich flavor. Croutons add a textural contrast while 'Pecorino' provides a pleasant saltiness. This soup is perfect as a light dinner or warming lunch served with a glass of white wine. Its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible for any cook while its rich taste turns it into a true gastronomic celebration.

Halloumi cheese is a gem of Greek cuisine with a unique texture and rich flavor. It doesn't melt when fried but develops a crispy golden crust while remaining soft inside. In this recipe, halloumi is paired with aromatic thyme, spicy dried pepper, and juicy olives, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Olive oil enhances its tenderness while spices add depth. The dish is ideal as a light appetizer or as an accompaniment to the main meal. In Greece, halloumi is often served with bread, fresh vegetables, or as an addition to a glass of white wine. This recipe embodies Mediterranean simplicity where the quality of ingredients plays a key role.

Vegetable salad with croutons is a vibrant and nutritious dish that embodies the spirit of European cuisine. Its roots trace back to the tradition of creating fresh, crunchy salads that combine textures and flavors. Bitter radicchio, crunchy fennel, sweet beetroot, and tender turnip come together in a harmonious palette. The aromatic golden croutons add a pleasant textural play to the dish. The dressing made from oil, wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds zest, while tarragon imparts a refined aroma. Pomegranate seeds are the final touch that provides a light tanginess and freshness. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to meat and fish.