Best Afghan Spinach Recipes
AFGHAN SPINACH
I have always loved to eat spinach at Afghanistan restaurants. After several tries at making it, here are my results, which are easy and quite good served with fresh basmati rice.
Provided by Andtototoo
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wash the green onions and cut off the very ends (both ends). roughly chop and put into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Put the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. When the heat is hot, add the green onion and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, roughly chop 1/2 bunch cilantro (fresh green coriander) and pulse it in the food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the cilantro and spinach to the frying pan and stir for a minute until everything is well mixed.
- Add all the spices and stir again.
- Add the water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Check to see if the spinach is very tender, if not, recover and cook 5 more minutes.
- Remove cover and continue to cook over medium heat until all of the liquid has evaporated.
- Good seved with fresh basmati rice. I also like to eat this with lamb.
AFGHAN LAMB WITH SPINACH
Other greens may be used instead of spinach, but cooking time will have to be adjusted. From "Diabetes Cooking for Everyone", by Carol Gelles. Exchanges:2 3/4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/4 milk, 2 1/2 fat.
Provided by zeldaz51
Categories Stew
Time 2h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
- Dust the lamb cubes with the flour.
- In a 3 quart nonstick ovenproof pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until well-browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. This is best done in batches, as if the pieces of meat touch they will not brown properly. Remove meat from pot and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spices (turmeric through pepper), then stir in the tomatoes and water and bring to a boil. Return the lamb to the pot. Cover and place in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the lamb is soft.
- Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the spinach until it is wilted. Stir in the yogurt, lemon zest, and slat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 234, Fat 14.3, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 62, Sodium 78.9, Carbohydrate 8.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 2.6, Protein 18.1
AFGHAN SPINACH APPETIZER DIP
This recipe came from an Afghanistan cookbook, that I think came out in the 1990's (from Minnesota). I don't remember the title, but their recipes were very good.
Provided by Andtototoo
Categories Low Protein
Time 40m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Wash the spinach several times to remove any sand, and finely chop.
- Put water into a medium-size saucepan until it comes up about 1" from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the spinach and boil over high heat for five minutes.
- Drain.
- In a large frying pan, over medium-high heat, put the oil and onion.
- Stir-fry until the onion is tender, adding the garlic the last couple of minutes.
- Add the cooked spinach and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Turn off heat and let cool.
- In a serving bowl mix together the yogurt, spinach mixture, cayenne, salt, pepper and ground coriander.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- The mixture needs to sit for a while in the fridge so that the flavors can marry.
- Serve with pita bread or naan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 229.5, Fat 18, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 15.9, Sodium 415.4, Carbohydrate 12.3, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 7.3, Protein 7.1
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Afghan Spinach Recipes: A Taste of the Cultural Heritage
Afghan cuisine is a fusion of different cultures, reflecting the country's diverse history and geography. The culinary traditions of Afghanistan reflect the influence of neighboring countries like Iran, India, and Pakistan. One of the staple ingredients in Afghan cuisine is spinach, which is used to create a variety of mouth-watering dishes.The Significance of Spinach in Afghan Cuisine
Spinach, or sabzi, as it is known in Afghanistan, is considered a superfood in Afghan cuisine. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, making it an important ingredient in the local diet. Spinach is also used in the preparation of traditional medicines, especially for aiding digestion and treating anemia.The Most Popular Afghan Spinach Recipes
Afghan cuisine is a mix of meat-based and vegetarian dishes, with spinach being a favorite ingredient in vegetarian and vegan recipes. Here are some of the most popular Afghan spinach recipes:Kadoo Borani (Pumpkin with Yogurt and Spinach Sauce)
This dish is a luxurious blend of pumpkin, spinach, and creamy yogurt sauce. The pumpkin is boiled and mashed, and then topped with a garlic and yogurt sauce. The spinach is then cooked and mixed with the yogurt sauce to create a flavorful side dish.Sabzi Polo (Spinach Rice)
Sabzi Polo is a crispy and tasty rice dish made with spinach, leeks or scallions, and herbs. The spinach is boiled and then mixed with cooked rice to infuse the dish with its green color and fresh taste. The combination of herbs, spinach, and rice creates a mouth-watering aroma and flavor.Borani Banjan (Eggplant and Spinach Dip)
Borani Banjan is a flavorful dip made with eggplant, spinach, and a tangy yogurt sauce. The eggplant is fried until crispy and then mixed with spinach, yogurt, and spices to create a creamy and tangy dip.Mantu (Spinach and Meat Dumplings)
Mantu, or Mantoo, is a popular Afghan dish consisting of steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and spinach. The dumplings are usually served with a yogurt sauce and garnished with dried mint or other herbs.Shola (Spinach and Tomato Stew)
Shola is a hearty stew made with spinach, tomatoes, lamb, and other spices. The stew is simmered for hours to create a rich and flavorful broth, which is then served with bread or rice.Conclusion
Afghan spinach recipes are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. The versatility and nutritional value of spinach has helped to create a variety of dishes that are both delicious and healthy. Each recipe is a reflection of the cultural influences on Afghan cuisine, and every bite is a tantalizing journey for the taste buds.
Afghan spinach recipes are an excellent way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet while enjoying the rich flavors of Afghan cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these valuable tips will help you create delicious Afghan spinach dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
Tip #1: Choose the Right Type of Spinach
Choosing the right type of spinach is essential when making Afghan spinach recipes. Baby spinach is the most commonly used type of spinach in Afghan cuisine because of its tender texture and mild flavor. However, you can also use regular spinach or silverbeet, or try other greens such as kale or collard greens. Whatever type of spinach you choose, be sure to wash it thoroughly before using it in your recipe.
Tip #2: Use Authentic Afghan Ingredients
Authentic Afghan spinach recipes call for traditional ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Using authentic ingredients will give your dish an authentic Afghan flavor that will transport you to the heart of Afghanistan. You can find authentic Afghan ingredients at specialty grocery stores or online.
Tip #3: Experiment with Spices
Afghan cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and spices play a crucial role in achieving this. Consider experimenting with different spice combinations to create your unique Afghan spinach recipe. Some popular Afghan spice mixes include garam masala, baharat, and ras el hanout. Be sure to taste your dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Tip #4: Add Some Heat
Afghan recipes often feature spicy flavors, so feel free to add some heat to your spinach dish. You can use fresh or dried chili peppers, chili powder, or hot paprika to add some heat to your recipe. However, keep in mind that some Afghan dishes can be quite spicy, so be careful not to overdo it.
Tip #5: Cook the Spinach Just Right
When cooking spinach, it's important to avoid overcooking it, as it can become slimy and lose its nutritional value. Baby spinach only needs a few minutes to cook, while regular spinach may take a little longer. Cook the spinach until it's wilted but still vibrant green, and then remove it from the heat. Drain any excess water from the spinach before adding it to your recipe.
Tip #6: Try Different Cooking Methods
There are many different ways to cook spinach, and each method will give your dish a unique flavor and texture. You can sauté spinach with onions and garlic, boil it, or even roast or grill it. Experiment with different cooking methods to find the one that best suits your taste.
Tip #7: Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Afghan spinach recipes often feature fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, as a garnish. Adding fresh herbs to your recipe will give it a bright, fresh flavor and enhance the overall presentation. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over your dish just before serving.
Tip #8: Pair with Traditional Afghan Sides
Afghan spinach dishes are often served with traditional Afghan sides, such as dal or rice pilaf. Consider pairing your spinach dish with one or more of these side dishes to complete your Afghan meal. You can also serve Afghan bread, such as naan or lavash, to soak up any delicious sauces or juices.
Tip #9: Make it a Meal
While Afghan spinach dishes can be a delicious side dish, you can also turn them into a complete meal by adding protein. Consider adding chicken, lamb, or beef to your spinach dish or serving it alongside grilled fish. This will create a more substantial and satisfying meal that will keep you full for longer.
Tip #10: Customize to Your Taste
Finally, remember that recipes are merely guidelines, and you should feel free to customize them to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more heat. If you like your spinach with more tomatoes or onions, then add them. Don't be afraid to make your Afghan spinach recipe your own by adding your favorite flavors and adjusting the seasonings to your liking.
In conclusion, Afghan spinach recipes are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of Afghan cuisine. By using authentic ingredients, experimenting with spices, and customizing the recipe to your taste, you can create a dish that will transport you to the heart of Afghanistan. Follow these valuable tips to create a delicious Afghan spinach dish that you will love.