Episode 1 - Chakchak

Learn step-by-step how to make chakchak, a traditional sweet treat from Tatar and Bashkir cuisine, beloved throughout the Volga Region. Made from small pieces of fried dough bound together with honey syrup, it has a satisfyingly crunchy texture and rich, sweet flavor. Often shaped into mounds, braids, or small balls, Chakchak is traditionally served at celebrations, weddings, and festive gatherings, symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and hospitality.

Lecture 2 - Beleshe

Learn how to make beleshe, a traditional Bashkir pastry cherished throughout the Volga Region. These small, baked pies are filled with beef, lamb, or a mix of vegetables and meat, seasoned with regional herbs for a rich and savory flavor. Shaped into rustic or decorative rounds, Beleshe are traditionally served at festive meals, family gatherings, and celebrations, symbolizing hospitality, community, and the warmth of home cooking.

Lecture 3 - Kulesh

Discover how to make kulesh, a hearty and nourishing Mordva dish made from millet, meat, and vegetables. This simple yet flavorful porridge has been a staple of Mordva households for centuries, offering a satisfying, rustic taste with every bite. Traditionally prepared for family meals, seasonal celebrations, and communal gatherings, Kulesh symbolizes nourishment, resilience, and the enduring culinary heritage of the Mordva people.

Lecture 4 - Shangi

Learn to make shangi, a beloved Mari specialty of small, round pastries filled with soft cheese or cottage cheese. Baked to a golden perfection, Shangi are slightly sweet and lightly savory, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally served at festivals, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations, Shangi embody the Mari people’s love of simple, wholesome ingredients and highlight their rich culinary heritage.

Lecture 5 - Pilaf & Pirozhki Medley

Learn to prepare a celebratory medley of pilaf and pirozhki, highlighting the diverse flavors of Tatar, Bashkir, Mari, and Mordva cuisines. Pilaf, a festive rice dish often cooked with meat and aromatic spices, and pirozhki, small baked or fried stuffed buns, are staples of special occasions. This episode celebrates communal cooking, shared traditions, and the culinary richness of the Volga Region, bringing multiple cultures together in a single delicious feast.