Dograma is a traditional savory dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and hearty meal. The recipe involves soaking pieces of bread in a rich meat broth, often made from lamb or beef, and then topping it with tender, shredded meat. Seasonings such as garlic, onions, and a blend of regional spices are added to enhance the flavor. The bread absorbs the broth, creating a satisfying, comforting texture that makes Dograma a beloved dish in many households.

Dograma has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisine, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to nomadic cultures that valued dishes using readily available ingredients like bread and meat. Over time, Dograma became a staple in various countries, with each region adding its own unique twist. In Turkey and surrounding areas, it is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. The dish's simplicity and rich flavor have allowed it to endure through generations, maintaining its place as a cherished comfort food.

Ingredients:

- 1 loaf of crusty bread (preferably stale)

- 1 lb (450g) lamb or beef, cubed

- 6 cups (1.4 liters) meat broth (homemade or store-bought)

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method of Preparation:

1. Prepare the Meat:

  - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  - Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  - Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  - Add the cubed meat to the pot and brown it on all sides, about 10 minutes.

2. Simmer the Broth:

  - Pour in the meat broth, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.

  - Add salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika to the pot.

  - Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

  - Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined.

3. Prepare the Bread:

  - While the broth is simmering, cut the loaf of bread into bite-sized pieces.

  - Place the pieces of bread in a large serving bowl or individual bowls.

4. Assemble the Dish:

  - Once the meat is tender, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside.

  - Pour the hot broth over the bread pieces, ensuring they are well soaked.

  - Distribute the meat pieces over the soaked bread.

5. Garnish and Serve:

  - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

  - Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this comforting, savory dish.

Dograma is best enjoyed fresh, with the bread fully soaking up the rich, flavorful broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Value:

1. 1 Loaf of Crusty Bread (Preferably Stale)

- Calories: 1200-1500 kcal (per loaf)

- Carbohydrates: 240-270g

- Protein: 40-50g

- Fat: 10-15g

- Sodium: 1800-2000mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid)

- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Bread provides a substantial amount of carbohydrates for energy, along with essential B vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

2. 1 lb (450g) Lamb or Beef, Cubed

- Calories: 1000-1200 kcal (lamb), 900-1000 kcal (beef)

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 80-90g

- Fat: 80-90g (lamb), 60-70g (beef)

- Sodium: 250-300mg

- Cholesterol: 300-350mg

- Vitamins: B vitamins (B12, B6, niacin), vitamin E

- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium

- Nutritional Benefit: Meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and provides important vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and overall health.

3. 6 Cups (1.4 Liters) Meat Broth (Homemade or Store-Bought)

- Calories: 60-150 kcal (varies by type)

- Carbohydrates: 0-5g

- Protein: 10-20g

- Fat: 2-5g

- Sodium: 2000-3000mg

- Cholesterol: 0-20mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of various B vitamins

- Minerals: Sodium, potassium, calcium

- Nutritional Benefit: Meat broth provides protein and minerals, and its high sodium content can help with electrolyte balance, especially in homemade versions that may include additional nutrients from bones and vegetables.

4. 2 Onions, Finely Chopped

- Calories: 80-100 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 18-22g

- Protein: 2-3g

- Fat: 0.2-0.3g

- Sodium: 10-15mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6, folate

- Minerals: Potassium, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are low in calories but rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which boost the immune system, and they also provide dietary fiber for digestive health.

5. 4 Cloves of Garlic, Minced

- Calories: 18-20 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 4-5g

- Protein: 0.8-1g

- Fat: 0.1-0.2g

- Sodium: 2-3mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

- Minerals: Manganese, selenium

- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential cardiovascular benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and allicin.

6. 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

- Calories: 240 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 28g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin E, K

- Minerals: Small amounts of iron and potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation.

7. 1 Teaspoon Salt

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2325mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Sodium

- Nutritional Benefit: While essential in small amounts for electrolyte balance and nerve function, excessive salt intake should be avoided.

8. 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1.5g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin K

- Minerals: Manganese, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper aids digestion and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

- Calories: 8 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Fat: 0.5g

- Sodium: 10mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin A, C, E

- Minerals: Iron, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants, promotes digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

10. 1 Teaspoon Paprika

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 1.2g

- Protein: 0.3g

- Fat: 0.3g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin A, E

- Minerals: Iron, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Paprika is high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, which is good for vision and immune function.

11. Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for Garnish)

- Calories: 2 kcal (per tablespoon)

- Carbohydrates: 0.4g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, K, A

- Minerals: Iron, calcium, potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Parsley is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.