Embark on a delectable adventure through Azerbaijani cuisine as we unravel the secrets of a beloved dish that has stood the test of time – Khingal. Hailing from the heart of Azerbaijan, Khingal is a hearty and flavorful dish that captures the essence of the region's rich culinary heritage. Comprising tender layers of dough, succulent meat, and a symphony of spices, this dish is a celebration of tradition, family, and the vibrant flavors that define Azerbaijani cooking.Join us on this gastronomic exploration as we guide you through the art of crafting the perfect Azerbaijani Khingal. From the meticulous preparation of the dough to the harmonious assembly of ingredients, each step is a testament to the passion and craftsmanship embedded in Azerbaijani culinary traditions. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast eager to try your hand at something new, this Khingal recipe promises to transport your taste buds to the picturesque landscapes of Azerbaijan, where each bite tells a story of cultural richness and culinary mastery. So, let's don our aprons and embark on a journey to savor the authentic flavors of Azerbaijani Khingal!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water (approximately)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2-Gradually add water and knead until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough.

3-Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

1-In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

2-Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

3-Add ground meat, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.

4-Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Shape the Dumplings:

1-Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/16-inch thickness.

2-Cut the dough into small circles (about 3 inches in diameter).

3-Place a small amount of the meat filling in the center of each circle.

4-Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal.

Cook the Khingal:

1-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2-Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook until they float to te surface (about 5-7 minutes).

3-Remove the Khingal with a slotted spoon and place them on a serving plate.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:In a bowl, mix the yogurt, minced garlic, and salt to taste.

Serve:

1-Spoon the yogurt sauce over the cooked Khingal.

2-Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Enjoy:

Serve the Azerbaijani Khingal hot and savor the delightful combination of tender dumplings, flavorful meat, and creamy yogurt sauce. This dish is a true embodiment of Azerbaijani culinary tradition, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients. The values provided below are approximate and based on standard nutritional information:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 168g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• Provides a significant source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein and fiber.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Sodium: 1,150 mg

benefits:

• Adds flavor to the dish.
• Sodium is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body.

Water (1 cup, approximately):

• Calories: 0 kcal

benefits: Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions.

Ground Lamb or Beef (1/2 lb):

• Calories: 700-800 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 55g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc.

Onion, Finely Chopped (1 large):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin.
• Contains vitamins C and B6, as well as folate.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 2g

benefits:

• Adds healthy fats to the diet.
• Contains unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and provide antioxidant benefits.
• Contains iron and promotes immune health.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Adds flavor and color to the dish.
• Contains antioxidants, including vitamin A and carotenoids.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium for bone health.
• Provides probiotics for gut health.
• Contains protein and essential vitamins.

Garlic, Minced (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.5g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Fresh Parsley, Chopped:

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Protein: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Provides antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

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

benefits:

• Adds spice and flavor.
• May have metabolism-boosting properties.

Please note that these values are general estimates and may vary based on specific product brands and preparation methods. Adjustments should be made based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.