Tushonka facts for kids
Stewed beef, GOST 5284-84
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| Type | Stew |
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| Place of origin | Russia |
Tushonka (pronounced too-SHON-ka) is a special kind of canned food that contains stewed meat. It's very popular in Russia and other countries that were once part of the Soviet Union. The word "tushonka" comes from a Russian word meaning 'braising', which is a way of cooking meat slowly with liquid.
This canned meat has become a common name for many types of stewed meat in a can. However, not all of them meet the strict quality rules called GOST standards. GOST stands for "State Standard" and these rules make sure that products like tushonka are made in a specific, high-quality way.
Tushonka is known for being very useful in tough situations. It's often included in military food supplies in countries like Russia. For people in the Soviet Union, tushonka was a key part of both military and travel food. During times when food was carefully managed, people sometimes needed special coupons to buy it.
Unlike many canned meat products you might find in Western countries, tushonka usually has clear, separate pieces or chunks of meat. It's often mixed with a bit of fat (called lard) and a savory jelly. This makes it different from finely ground or mashed canned meats.
You might find different qualities of tushonka. Some cheaper versions might have more jelly and less meat. Higher quality tushonka is often labeled as "govyadina" (meaning beef) or "svinina" (meaning pork). These usually have a good balance, with about half meat and half lard and jelly.
How People Enjoy Tushonka
Tushonka is a versatile ingredient, meaning it can be used in many different dishes. It's a quick and easy way to add meat to a meal, especially when you're short on time or fresh ingredients.
Tushonka with Pasta
One popular and simple Russian recipe using tushonka is a dish similar to "navy-style pasta," known as makarony po-flotski. To make it, you simply cook some pasta and then mix it with tushonka. People often use an equal amount of pasta and tushonka for a hearty meal.
Other Tasty Ways to Eat Tushonka
Another common way to enjoy tushonka is to serve it chilled alongside hot, boiled potatoes. People often add fresh green onions and a slice of rye bread to this meal. To drink, they might have kvass, which is a traditional fermented drink, or just mineral water.
In Azerbaijan, a country near Russia, tushonka is often fried with potatoes. Sometimes, people also add eggs to this fried dish, making it even more filling.
See Also
