Porridge: from distant times to the present day
Russian culture is inextricably linked with porridge. And how many proverbs and sayings exist in which this valuable product is mentioned! “Without porridge, lunch is not at lunch” – it is impossible to imagine a real meal without it. Porridge is also a symbol of the connection between people – “Until you eat porridge from one bowl, you will not recognize a person either.”
Not a single significant rite was complete without porridge; all the most important events connected with it. They cooked this dish at a wedding (the bride and groom themselves), at birth in the family of a child and at his christening, at a funeral and commemoration. After a successful outcome of the battles, the porridge should always have stood on the table. Moreover, there were so many recipes that each self-respecting housewife came up with her own.
In those days, in order to take an employee to the service, they put in front of him a large plate of porridge – if he eats, then he is fit. Eats well – works well. This is another reason for the great love for this product in Russia – it is very nutritious.
And nutritious means healthy. After all, it is rich in plant proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. In addition, whole grain cereals contain fiber, necessary for good digestion, and amino acids, and most of them are simply indispensable for health.
Russia has always been an agricultural country. From time immemorial cereals were grown everywhere and in large quantities. They have the ability to take nutrients and biologically active substances directly from nature itself, and then give this benefit to people.
It can be noted that the popularity of all kinds of cereals today is only growing and gaining momentum. Being healthy is becoming more fashionable and prestigious. But porridge is an inexpensive and affordable product for most. This explains its widespread demand among consumers.
All kinds of porridge dishes can be found both in the menu of any place of public catering, and in prestigious restaurants of the capital. Russian cuisine is something that we can rightfully be proud of, any foreigner can name at least a couple of dishes from it. This approach is very correct, because continuity is a feature of Russian culture.
A curious story is due to which the so-called “Suvorov porridge” appeared. Being in one of the campaigns, the army, led by the commander, found himself in a difficult gastronomic situation. To feed the army, there were cereals, but all of different types and a little. Then it was decided to mix everything that was – buckwheat, peas, oatmeal and all other cereals. As a result, the soldiers remained full, and the world of culinary replenished with another recipe. The story of the “Suvorov porridge” is a coincidence. But modern nutritionists really believe that several cereals in porridge make it even more useful.
The roots of such a reverent attitude to porridge in Russian culture can be found in paganism. In ancient times, our ancestors, praying to their gods, left porridge as a sacrifice to ask for a fruitful year. Naturally, only the best that could be found in the house was used for the offering. Thus, the ancient Slavs equated themselves with the gods, considering such food their gift.
Porridge is what united large groups of people during seasonal work in the artel. One could often hear the phrase “We are in the same mess” – this meant that people work together, in the same team, and they share the meal for everyone.
And today porridge can unite – a family at the table during breakfast or large groups of people during festivities.
