Exploring Ingredient Variability in Classic Russian Cuisine Dishes Through Complex Network Analysis

This paper delves into the intricate world of Russian culinary traditions, focusing on three iconic dishes: Olivier salad, vinegret, and okroshka. Utilizing a network analysis approach, we scrutinized 460 Olivier salad ingredient lists, alongside 97 vinegret and 127 okroshka ingredient lists, collected through online surveys. The findings highlight the vast diversity and regional variations in ingredient selection, emphasizing the adaptability of these dishes across different communities. The Olivier salad analysis, in particular, unveiled two main ingredient clusters, underscoring a dichotomy between vegetable-herb-meat combinations and a more protein-centric selection, which can be attributed to both cultural influences and individual preferences. The comprehensive ingredient list network analysis further corroborated these findings, revealing underlying patterns in ingredient pairing and ingredient list construction. By mapping out the complex relationships between ingredients and ingredient lists, this study provides valuable insights into the culinary practices surrounding these beloved Russian dishes, contributing to the broader understanding of food culture and tradition in Russia and beyond.