There is definitely less seasoning used in eastern European recipes as compared to western European recipes, thats not to say they are any less good because they still use onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in droves, and heartier herbs like dill and parsely. Add to that that boys (this can apply to girls too but from what I've seen they get conscripted more heavily than boys to help with cooking) generally tend to not be interested in helping in the kitchen they dont get to see everything that goes into a recipe and remember the bigger more apparent parts of the dish. E viola, plain grains and unseasoned meat/veggies. But unless they lack the curiosity to learn, it usually improves with each iteration.