Embark on a culinary adventure to Azerbaijan with our delightful recipe for Govurma, a traditional dish that showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Azerbaijani cuisine. Hailing from the heart of the Caucasus region, Govurma is a savory and aromatic meat dish that has been passed down through generations, each family adding its unique touch to create a memorable culinary experience.

In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering Govurma, highlighting the importance of key ingredients and the artful combination of spices that make this dish a true reflection of Azerbaijani culinary heritage. Get ready to immerse yourself in the exquisite tastes and cultural richness of Azerbaijan as we explore the world of Govurma together.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:Trim excess fat from the meat and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté Onions:In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they become golden brown.

Add Spices:Stir in minced garlic, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Brown the Meat:Add the seasoned meat to the pot and brown on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the dish.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Paste:Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes release their juices.

Pour in Broth:Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring it covers the meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Slow Cook:Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Govurma simmer slowly for 2-3 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the meat to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the spices.

Check and Adjust Seasoning:Periodically check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper according to your taste.

Serve:Once the meat is fork-tender, and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the pot from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy:

Serve the Azerbaijani Govurma over rice, pilaf, or with freshly baked bread. Enjoy the hearty and aromatic taste of this traditional Azerbaijani dish!

This Govurma recipe captures the essence of Azerbaijani slow-cooked goodness, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Providing specific nutritional values for homemade recipes can be challenging due to variations in ingredient sizes, cooking methods, and individual preferences. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for some key components of the Azerbaijani Govurma recipe. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cuts of meat, and preparation techniques.

Lamb or Beef (1 kg, raw):

• Calories: 2500-3000 kcal
• Protein: 200-250 g
• Fat: 180-220 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits: Rich in protein and essential nutrients such as iron and zinc, lamb or beef provides a hearty and satisfying base for the dish, promoting muscle health and overall well-being.

Onions (2 large):

• Calories: 100-120 kcal
• Protein: 2-3 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
• Fiber: 4-6 g

benefits: Onions add flavor and depth to the dish while providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Vegetable Oil (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Fat: 42 g
• No significant protein or carbohydrates

benefits: Vegetable oil serves as a cooking medium and adds richness to the dish. It provides healthy fats and can aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 15-20 kcal
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3-4 g

benefits: Apart from enhancing the dish's flavor, garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support and cardiovascular health.

Ground Coriander (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Fat: 0.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g

benefits: Coriander contributes a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It may have digestive benefits and is a good source of antioxidants.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g

benefits: Cumin adds warmth and earthiness to the Govurma. It may aid digestion and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g

benefits: Paprika provides a mild, smoky flavor and adds a vibrant color to the dish. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g

benefits: Cinnamon imparts a sweet and warm aroma to the dish. It may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ground Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g

benefits: Turmeric adds a golden color and a slightly bitter taste. It contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially benefiting overall health.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

• These are typically used in small amounts and contribute minimal calories and macronutrients.

benefits: Besides enhancing flavor, salt is essential for electrolyte balance, while black pepper aids in digestion and may increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

• Calories: 40-50 kcal
• Protein: 2-3 g
• Fat: 0-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g

benefits: Tomatoes provide acidity and a fresh taste. They are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and contain antioxidants like lycopene.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 30-40 kcal
• Protein: 1-2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7-9 g

benefits: Concentrated tomato flavor adds depth to the dish. Tomato paste contains vitamins and minerals, contributing to a nutritious meal.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (1 cup):

• Calories: 10-20 kcal
• Protein: 1-2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 g

benefits: Broth adds moisture and flavor. It also contributes to the overall liquid content, creating a delicious sauce. Broth can be a source of hydration and nutrients.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish):

• Calories: Negligible
• Provide minimal macronutrients

benefits: These herbs add a burst of freshness and color. They may contain vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Please note that these values are rough estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. For accurate nutritional information, it's recommended to use specific nutritional databases or consult with a nutritionist.