Welcome to the flavorful world of Azerbaijani cuisine, where rich history and diverse culinary traditions converge to create mouthwatering delights. In this culinary adventure, we'll explore the art of making Shor Gogal, a beloved pastry that has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in Azerbaijani households during special occasions and festive celebrations.

Shor Gogal is not just a pastry; it's a cultural emblem, symbolizing togetherness and joy. Its preparation is a cherished tradition passed down through generations, and each bite carries the essence of Azerbaijani hospitality and warmth.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind this delectable treat, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance that make Azerbaijani Shor Gogal a must-try culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a batch of Shor Gogal that not only delights your taste buds but also brings a piece of Azerbaijani culture to your table. Let's embark on this delightful journey and savor the essence of Azerbaijani cuisine through the artful crafting of Shor Gogal.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped dried fruits (apricots, figs, dates)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

2-Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3-In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with baking soda and set aside for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.

4-Add the frothy yogurt to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.

5-In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cardamom, and salt.

6-Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, dried fruits, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Assemble the Shor Gogal:

1-Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2-Divide the dough into small balls, each about the size of a golf ball.

3-Roll out each ball into a thin oval shape on a lightly floured surface.

4-Spread a generous amount of the filling over half of each oval, leaving the edges free.

5-Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal.

6-Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern.

Bake the Shor Gogal:

1-Place the shaped pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

2-Brush each pastry with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.

3-Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the Shor Gogal turns golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

1-Allow the Shor Gogal to cool on a wire rack before serving.

2-This delightful sweet pastry is perfect for celebrating the Novruz holiday or any special occasion. Share the joy of Azerbaijani cuisine with friends and family as you indulge in the rich flavors of Shor Gogal.

Nutritional Values:

It's important to note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes. Additionally, the serving size of the final dish can affect the individual nutritional intake. Here's an estimation of the nutritional values per serving for each ingredient:

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 320 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 12 g

benefits: A good source of carbohydrates for energy, and it provides some protein and essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened:

• Calories: 1624 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fat: 184 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Contains healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins (like A, E, and D), and provides richness and flavor to the pastry.

1 cup plain yogurt:

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: A source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, contributing to gut health and adding moisture to the dough.

1 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 200 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Provides sweetness and energy, though it should be consumed in moderation.

2 large eggs:

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Rich in protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins (A, B2, B12, D, etc.).

1 teaspoon baking soda:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide gas during baking.

1 teaspoon ground cardamom:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Adds a unique flavor and may have potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1/2 teaspoon salt:

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Enhances flavor and regulates the yeast's activity in the dough.

For the Filling:

1 cup chopped walnuts:

• Calories: 784 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fat: 76 g
• Fiber: 8 g

benefits: High in healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, providing heart-healthy benefits.

1 cup chopped dried fruits (apricots, figs, dates):

• Calories: 384 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 100 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 16 g

benefits: Rich in natural sugars, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, offering energy and nutritional value.

1 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 200 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Adds sweetness to the filling.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor while potentially offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

For Egg Wash: 13. 1 egg, beaten: -

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Creates a shiny, golden finish on the pastry when baked.

These nutritional values are based on standard USDA data and should be considered as estimates. It's recommended to adjust the values based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used in your recipe.