The Russian word for fish is рыба. In general fish is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids and a variety of minerals and vitamins. Many delicious Russian dishes can me made out of fish. In particular, many fishermen like to make a traditional fish soup called уха. The only ingredients needed to make уха are water вода, fish рыба, potatoes картошка, carrots морковь, salt соль, black pepper чёрный перец, and sometimes other spices специи. It has become a tradition in my family to make уха every time we go fishing. Usually my family goes fishing in the winter because the fish are especially hungry during this season. Early in the morning рано утром and late in the evening поздно вечером are the best times to catch fish, and I enjoy having a hot cup of уха after sitting for many hours in the cold weather.

Fish is also a popular alternative during a religious fast пост because meat is a prohibited food. Each year two weeks before Christmas, my mother says «Завтра мы начинаем религиозный пост и будем есть рыбу вместо мяса» “Tomorrow we start the religious fast and will be eating fish instead of meat.” The switch from meat to fish has never been a problem for me because I find fish to be absolutely delicious!