Step into the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani cuisine with the tantalizing and vibrant dish known as Nar Govurma. This traditional Azerbaijani recipe marries the sweetness of pomegranates with the savory notes of tender lamb, creating a culinary masterpiece that reflects the country's cultural heritage and culinary prowess. "Nar" translates to pomegranate in Azerbaijani, and "Govurma" refers to slow-cooked meat, making this dish a celebration of both local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.

Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the intricacies of preparing Azerbaijani Nar Govurma. From the careful selection of ingredients to the meticulous art of slow-cooking, each step contributes to the creation of a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also pays homage to the rich history and culinary traditions of Azerbaijan. Get ready to immerse yourself in the delightful fusion of flavors that define Azerbaijani Nar Govurma—a dish that tells a story with every bite.

Here's a recipe for Azerbaijani Nar Govurma, a delightful pomegranate stew with meat:

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pomegranate juice (freshly squeezed is ideal)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds) for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

1-Season the meat pieces with salt and pepper.

2-In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meat and brown on all sides. Remove the browned meat and set it aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic:

1-In the same pot, add butter and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.

2-Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Create the Base:Stir in tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Combine Meat and Sauce:Return the browned meat to the pot and coat it with the onion and spice mixture.

Add Liquids:

1-Pour in the pomegranate juice and beef or vegetable broth, ensuring the meat is submerged.

2-Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded.

Adjust Seasoning:Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spices if necessary.

Serve:

1-Once the meat is tender and the stew has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat.

2-Serve the Nar Govurma over a bed of rice or with crusty bread.

3-Garnish with fresh pomegranate arils and chopped parsley.

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Azerbaijani Nar Govurma, a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of pomegranates with the savory goodness of slow-cooked meat!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods, but here's a general estimate for the nutritional content of the main ingredients in the Azerbaijani Nar Govurma recipe. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may not account for variations in specific products or cooking techniques.

Nutritional values per serving (assuming 4 servings):

500g lamb or beef (raw):

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 96g
• Fat: 76g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

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

2 large onions:

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g

benefits:

• Provide antioxidants that may support overall health.
• Contain vitamins C and B6, as well as folate.

3 cloves garlic:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits:

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

1 cup pomegranate juice:

• Calories: 130 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage.
• Contains vitamins C and K, as well as folate.

1 cup beef or vegetable broth:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Can be a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
• May contribute to hydration and provide a savory base for the stew.

2 tablespoons tomato paste:

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Contains lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits.
• Provides a rich, umami flavor to the dish.

1 tablespoon olive oil:

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• A heart-healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter:

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Source of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
• Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

1 teaspoon ground cumin:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and provide a warm, earthy flavor.
• Contains antioxidants and has been associated with potential health benefits.

1 teaspoon ground coriander:

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.

1 teaspoon ground turmeric:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May contribute to the vibrant color of the stew.

Salt and pepper to taste:

• (Negligible caloric content)

1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds):

• Calories: 83 kcal
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates: 18.7g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting overall health.
• Adds a burst of sweetness and texture to the dish.

Fresh parsley, chopped:

• (Negligible caloric content)

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins K, C, and A.
• Adds freshness and a hint of herbaceous flavor to the final presentation.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and individual variations in the preparation process.