Why do they say, «‘Shchi’ soup & porridge – that’s our food»?
In 1853, Vladimir Dal, a Russian dictionary compiler, published a collection of Russian proverbs. One of them read as follows: "Щи да каша — пища наша" ("Shchi da kasha — pishcha nasha").
According to one version, distinguished military leader Alexander Suvorov used these words to encourage his soldiers during mealtime. However, the proverb most likely arose much earlier, as it describes a typical peasant menu.
Cabbage, potatoes, legumes and grains – these were the typical ingredients used to make soups, stews and porridges. Meat, however, was too expensive for peasants, so it was rarely prepared – only on holidays and between fasts, when they were allowed to eat meat.