Masterclass on Lenten tradition in cooking to be held at the National Centre RUSSIA

A masterclass titled "Code of the Land: Lenten Tradition as the Gastronomic Character of a Region" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA — a meeting about how Lenten cuisine can be rich, flavourful and healthy. Together with chefs Anna Shalyapina and Dmitry Shalyapin, guests will learn why fasting in Russian tradition has never been associated with hunger or an "empty plate". Fasting is an opportunity to experience the warm taste of grains, enjoy the gifts of the forest and pay particular attention to one’s health.

In Russian culture, Lenten food is based on balance, seasonality and preserving energy. It formed a system of nourishment in which simple ingredients — grains, root vegetables, mushrooms and vegetables — were turned into hearty and varied dishes. During the masterclass, participants will see how these principles can be integrated into modern life: cooking in a way that supports the body without overloading it, while still bringing pleasure from food.

Guests will be introduced to four original Lenten dishes:

— roasted beetroot salad with compressed cucumber, radish, grain crispbreads with poppy seeds, pumpkin and flax — an example of a modern Lenten dish with contrasting textures and the bright natural sweetness of vegetables;

— buckwheat pie with porcini mushrooms — a Lenten pie made with buckwheat flour and a juicy filling of forest mushrooms;

— slow-braised turnip with mushrooms and young green onions — a warm dish prepared through slow cooking with the deep, earthy sweetness of root vegetables;

— dessert "Carrot Gingerbread with Nuts" — a Lenten baked treat combining the natural sweetness of carrot with the rich flavour of nuts.

The masterclass will be led by head baker and brand chef of RIBS 48, creator of original projects and the course "Healthy Cooking" for dieticians and nutritionists Anna Shalyapina, and chef-nutritionist and brand chef of RIBS 48 Dmitry Shalyapin, who has more than 15 years of professional kitchen experience. They will demonstrate how to make Lenten cuisine varied, explain which products help maintain strength during the fasting period and share practical advice that can be applied at home.

The masterclass "Code of the Land: Lenten Tradition as the Gastronomic Character of a Region" offers a fresh perspective on fasting. It is a time to care for both body and soul, to return to simple ingredients and to develop a mindful approach to food. The event will take place on 21 March; registration is available via the link on the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA.