Most Popular Afghan Dishes
The cuisine of Afghanistan is one of the least well-known throughout the world but offers rich, fragrant flavors for those who take the time to discover what the country has to offer.
There can be some similarities drawn between neighbouring countries of Pakistan and Iran, but much of the Afghan cuisine is untouched by outside influence. A true testament to the authenticity and perseverance of traditional cooking styles and ingredients used in Afghan cooking.
Rice, barley, milk, yoghurt and whey are some of the staple ingredients that make up many popular Afghan dishes. Fruits such as grapes, pomegranates and melons are some of the most common fruits found in the country.
Here are some of the most popular dishes of Afghanistan that you can try for yourself.
Kabuli Pulao
Kabuli Pulao
Kabuli pulao, commonly known as the crown of Afghan cuisine, is a dish eaten by the upper-class families of Kabul. The word ‘Kabuli’ is taken from ‘Kabul’ which is the capital of Afghanistan.
This traditional dish is prepared with steamed rice that is mixed with various dry fruits including raisins and almonds, caramelized carrots and a range of sweet spices. The steamed rice platter is served with large chunks of lamb meat.
Kabuli Pulao Recipe
Sajji Kabab
Sajji generally consists of a whole lamb which is marinated in salt and is then roasted until it is medium or well cooked.
Chicken can also be used to make this delicious dish but lamb is used more popularly. It is usually served with rice or naan depending upon one’s personal preference.
The naan served with Sajji kebab is traditionally Kaak, which is a special type of bread that is prepared by baking in an oven.
Sajji Kabab Recipe
Ashak Dumplings
Ashak dumplings
Photo Credit: Xerxes931
Ashak or simply leek and scallion dumplings is an Afghan meal that is usually served on special occasions or holidays.
These delicious dumplings are filled with leek and chopped spring onions. This dish is generally served with minced lamb or beef. Tomato sauce and dried mint are also served with it to enhance its flavor.
Ashak Recipe
Mantu
Mantu
Mantu (or Mantoo) is similar to the popular Chinese dim sum. The only difference between Mantu and dim sum is that Mantu is prepared with lots of Afghani spices.
Mantu is basically a dumpling wrapper which is filled with spicy minced meat. The dumpling is then steamed until it is cooked completely.
It is a favorite healthy snack as it is made with little oil and is gluten-free. This amazing dumpling dish is served with tomato or yogurt dip and sometimes with Quroot, which is a sour cheese sauce.
Mantu Recipe
Chopan Kabob
Afghan Chopan Kabobs
Chopan kabob is a Pashtun delicacy consisting of skewered and grilled lamb meat. The meat is marinated with onion juice, ginger, salt, garlic, and yogurt before being grilled over a traditional Afghan charcoal brazier called mankal.
Chopan Kabob Recipe
Lavash
Lavash
Lavash is a flat, thin bread which is traditionally prepared in either a Tandoor or a Tawa in order to preserve its original taste.
It can be made soft or hard depending upon your choice and the shapes may vary too. Some like it to be rectangular, others make circular while some others make square Lavash.
Lavash is eaten with spicy meat and served with cheese. It is a traditional dish and is mostly served on weddings. It is thought that Lavash will bring prosperity and fertility to the newly wed couple.
Lavash Recipe
Borani Banjan
Borani Banjan is a traditional vegetable dish consisting of fried eggplants that are cooked with a tomato sauce and seasoned with lots of garlic and mint.
Borani Banjan is served with thick yogurt. The yogurt is also seasoned with lots of Afghan spices.
Borani Banjan Recipe
Bolani
Bolani
Bolani is the most popular street food snacks of Afghanistan. It is essentially a flatbread that is stuffed with a variety of ingredients and then fried.
It can be stuffed with mashed potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, meat or lentils. This light snack dish is traditionally prepared at home and is often presented as a side dish.
Bolani is best enjoyed with Chakkah, which is a creamy mint and yogurt dip and coriander chutney which enhances its flavor even more.
Bolani Recipe
Sheer Yakh
Sheer Yakh is a traditional Afghan ice cream which is loved by children as well as adults. The word Sheer Yakh means cold or frozen milk.
The ingredients that are used for making Sheer Yakh are the same as those for making Indian Kulfi but the method of preparation is quite different.
