Coulibiac facts for kids
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| Type | Pirog |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Main ingredients | Salmon or sturgeon, rice or buckwheat, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, onions and dill |
A coulibiac (say "koo-lee-BYAK") is a yummy type of Russian pie. It's usually packed with tasty fillings like salmon or sturgeon fish. This special pie also often includes rice or buckwheat, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, onions, and a herb called dill.
The coulibiac is baked inside a pastry shell. This shell is often made from a rich, buttery dough called brioche or a flaky dough known as puff pastry.
Contents
What is a Coulibiac?
A coulibiac is a kind of pirog, which is a general term for a Russian baked dish with a filling. Think of it like a fancy, savory pie! It's a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Russia for a long time.
Main Ingredients
The most common fillings for a coulibiac are fish, especially salmon or sturgeon. But it's not just fish! Other ingredients make it a full meal inside a crust:
- Rice or buckwheat (a type of grain)
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- The herb dill, which adds a fresh flavor
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A Famous Chef's Touch
In the early 1900s, a very famous French chef named Auguste Escoffier helped make coulibiac known around the world. He brought this Russian pie to France. He even included recipes for it in his important cookbook, The Complete Guide to the Art of Modern Cookery. This shows how special and delicious the coulibiac is!
The Grand Coulibiac
A classic, large coulibiac is often called a "grand coulibiac." These big pies can have several layers of different fillings!
- Often, the top and bottom layers might be a mix of white fish and rice.
- In between these layers, you might find fillets of sturgeon or salmon.
- To keep the different fillings from mixing, thin pancakes are often used as dividers.
One very unique ingredient sometimes found in a grand coulibiac is called vesiga. This is a special part from the spinal cord of the sturgeon fish. It's a traditional ingredient that makes the grand coulibiac even more special.
Other Fillings
Coulibiacs can also be made with simpler fillings that are great for vegetarians. These versions might use:
No matter the filling, a coulibiac is a tasty and hearty pie that's a big part of Russian cooking!
