10 Most Popular Foods in Afghanistan

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Every country and culture have their specific cuisines which set them apart from the other. These foods vary based on the taste of locals and their likes and dislikes of specific spices.

In this article, we have listed the 10 most popular foods in Afghanistan. These foods have their specific tastes, and foodies from all nationals will love trying them.

1. Aushak

Aushak, also called ashak, resembles common dumplings found in most regions. These foods are either filled with gandana or chopped spring onions. This delicious food is normally served with minced lamb or beef and chakkah, a thick sauce made of yogurt, fresh mint, and garlic.

Recipe for Aushak

2. Kabuli Pulao

Kabuli pulao is special afghani rice prepared with a combination of lamb and steamed rice. This dish is named after the country’s capital, i.e., Kabul, while the pulao refers to the cooking process of rice. The recipe also includes a mixture of various dry fruits that includes almonds and raisins. Caramelized carrots are also one of the main ingredients in Kabuli pulao.

Recipe for Kabuli pulao

3. Haft Mewa

Haft mewa is a special afghani soup, special food prepared by locals on the occasion of Naw Roz, i.e., afghani new year. Haft means seven, and mewa means fruit. So the recipe for haft mewa includes seven different fruits. These fruits are apricots, walnuts, red and green raisins, oleaster berries, almonds, and pistachios.

Recipe for haft mewa

4. Bolani

Famous Afghani street food is flour dough stuffed with seafood, meats, pumpkin, potato, or pumpkin. Bolani is usually served with the main course. It has a lot of health benefits. It is known for its vitamins, proteins, and fibers.

Recipe for Bolani

5. Mastawa

Mastawa is a traditional afghani dish that is usually prepared during winter. The recipe contains chickpeas, lahndi, i.e., sun-dried mutton, and short-grained rice. These ingredients are simmered together with several spices like turmeric, mint, onions, and coriander, etc. This dish is spicy and highly fragrant.

Recipe for mastawa

6. Sheer Khurma

This sweet Afghan dish is prepared with milk and dates, which is also the direct translation of its name. Sheer refers to milk, and khurma refers to dates. Sheer khurma is a must for afghani cuisine during the Islamic month of Ramadan and both Eid.

Recipe for sheer khurma

7. Borani Kadoo

This vegetable is prepared with chunks of squash or pumpkin. These ingredients are slowly braised in ginger, onions, coriander, garlic, tomatoes, chili pepper, and turmeric. It is served with yogurt with garlic spike and naan bread. Afghanis use borani kadoo as both side course and main dish.

Recipe for borani kadoo

8. Chopan Kabab

Chopan kabab is prepared with lamb meat. To prepare the food, the meat is roasted on the charcoal brazier, which is called mankal by the locals. Chopan translates to shepherd and is named after a shepherd.

Recipe for chopan kabab

9. Borani Banjan

Borani banjan is an Afghani vegetable that is made of fried eggplant slices. Eggplant is simmered in a specific sauce made of tomato. This dish is served with thick yogurt, which is seasoned with mint and garlic. Borani banjan is served with afghani naan bread.

Recipe for borani banjan

10. Korme Kofta

Korme kofta is an Afghani lamb meatball dish that is a delicious saucy meatball cuisine. The meatballs are cooked in a sauce made of tomato, onion and include spices and other ingredients. It is normally the main course, and side dishes include rice.

Recipe for korme kofta

Sources:

Taste Atlas

Travel Food Atlas

Trip 101