Afghanistan Lunch
We are visiting countries alphabetically so you may find this ride a little baffling with me taking you sometimes to my own continent and suddenly jump skipping to the europe, africas and americas...which ever place I take you to...I promise to bring you the most authentic, recipes that can be doable in your very kitchen.
With this let me take off my food flight to our first destination...
If you have read Khalid Hossieni's novels you would fall in love with this country. Even with the direct references to the terrorism and tensions around you cannot fail to notice the mountainous landscape. Back in school, you may have read about Khyber pass. It always intrigued me to think about how the pass would have actually been...life sometimes makes you wonder whether you would ever be able to visit places that fascinate you. In my wildest dream I cannot imagine visiting this place in the near future...but the world is changing to become a better and beautiful place. While I wait for that to happen no one stops me from visiting the food culture and adapt it for my kitchen and my families taste.
I have made the various dishes a couple of times however doing it together for one meal required a lot of hard work. You may want to also read about the Afghani lunch preparation ritual. Most house wives get together to prepare an elaborate meal which can easily consume 3-4 hours of the day. Their dishes are a combination of hard laborious process that we find in Indian cuisines and the panache of European fine dine cuisine that is apparent in its presentations.
Today's meal also indicates this kind of community cooking. Although I ended up making all of it myself...I really missed having the extra pair of hands and the chit chat that comes along when you cook with your family.
Afghani meal mostly consists of meat dishes but have a great variety for vegetarians as well.
The meal above has the Famous Ashak, Bulani, Carrot and Raisin Kabuli Pilaf, Yogurt and Sheer Pira.
Ashak is an heartfilling appetiser which for me was a meal in itself...but for the hard working ....read more to get the recipe.
Bulani is a beautiful substitute for your every day parathas with some unusual fillings and different shape...read more to get the recipe
Carrot and Raisin Kabuli Pilaf is usually made using lamb meat, my vegetarian option also tastes wonderful and is ...read more to get the recipe
Garlic Yogurt is a side dish so simple to make...read more to get the recipe
Sheer Pira has been a resident sweet since last year diwali when I made it first. Such a simple...read more to get the recipe
The meal was delicious and elaborate...but worth the efforts...stay tune for the next country...
Comments
Looking forward to your posts in this mega marathon. I'm sure it's going to be a virtual treat for all of us.