Lingonberries blooms in early summer a little over two weeks. But if you look at the life span of the bush as a whole, it can be compared with such recognized centenarians as oaks. The plant retains its strength up to 300 years! The indigenous people of Taimyr attribute lingonberries life-giving properties.
Lingonberry juice (lingonberry water) is mentioned in Pushkin’s novel Eugene Onegin. In Sweden, lingonberry jam is titled of national delicacy. In Russia, especially in Taimyr and other northern territories, a lot of delicious and healthy dishes are prepared from this wonderful berry. Confectioner Elena Galeeva shared one of them with the This is Taimyr.
She is a fan of the tundra. In the berry season, Elena’s family has got a tradition to pick up blueberries, hackleberries and, of course, lingonberries.
“My profession is not connected with the confectionery business, but during the decree I was fond of baking and for four years it has been a very important part of my life. I am engaged in self-development, attend training courses, and what is most important – I cook for my family and for everyone who loves delicious and beautiful cakes. Cooking at home is a must. We put our soul, love, mood into the dish. A cake made by your own hands can’t be compared to a store’s cake, and you can add exactly those ingredients that you choose yourself”, Elena said.
So, jellied pie with lingonberries from Elena Galeeva:
“For a shortcrust pastry, we need 250 g of flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 60 g of sugar, 2 eggs and 100 g of butter. For sour cream pouring, we take 350 g of sour cream, 2 eggs, 90 g of sugar, 20 g of corn starch, vanilla and cinnamon are desired. In addition, 250-300 g of lingonberry.
Mix the eggs with salt and sugar. Grind flour and butter into crumbs and add to the eggs. Then knead the dough very quickly. Lay out the dough into a mold with a diameter of 20-22 centimeters and evenly distribute it, creating sides. Put it into the refrigerator.
In the meantime, beat sour cream, sugar, eggs and starch until the mixture becomes smooth. If desired, you can add vanilla or cinnamon. We take out the form with the dough, put the berries in it and cover with sour cream filling. Bake for 40-50 minutes at 180 degrees to a ruddy state and a wonderful aroma. Enjoy your meal!”
On the eve of the berry season, Taimyr scientists told where to look for the most useful northern berry.
