Embark on a culinary journey to Azerbaijan as we unravel the secrets of a cherished dish that has stood the test of time – Dushbara. This delectable treat is more than just a food item; it's a symbol of Azerbaijani culture and hospitality. As we delve into the intricacies of Dushbara preparation, you'll discover the unique blend of flavors and textures that make this dish a culinary masterpiece. So, don your apron and get ready to bring the authentic taste of Azerbaijan to your kitchen with our step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Dushbara.

Here's a simple recipe for Azerbaijani Dushbara:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound minced lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Broth:

• 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

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

2-Make a well in the center and add the egg.

3-Gradually pour in water while kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms.

4-Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

1-In a separate bowl, mix together the minced meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

2-Refrigerate the filling until ready to use.

Roll out the Dough:

1-Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until it is very thin.

2-Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out small circles from the dough.

Fill the Dough:

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

2-Fold the dough in half, creating a semi-circle, and press the edges to seal.

Shape the Dushbara:

1-Bring the two corners of the semi-circle together, creating a small hat-like shape.

2-Pinch the corners together to seal the dumpling.

Cook the Dushbara:

1-Bring the broth to a simmer in a large pot.

2-Carefully drop the dushbara into the simmering broth and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.

Serve:Ladle the dushbara into bowls, making sure to include some broth.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill

Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of Azerbaijani Dushbara, a delightful dish that warms the soul and brings the essence of Azerbaijani cuisine to your table!

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brand information and variations in ingredient sizes, but I can offer approximate values based on standard measurements and commonly used nutritional data:

Nutritional Values (Approximate) for One Serving:

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein necessary for muscle repair and growth.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 186mg

benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein.
• Contains essential amino acids and various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and choline.

Water (1/2 cup):

• No significant nutritional value

benefits: Essential for hydration and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions.

Minced Lamb or Beef (1/2 pound):

• Calories: 560 kcal (approximate, varies based on meat type and fat content)
• Protein: 50g (approximate)
• Fat: 40g (approximate)

benefits:

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

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 46 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Provides fiber for digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• May contribute to heart health and immune system support.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can aid digestion and provide a distinct flavor to dishes.

Beef or Chicken Broth (1 cup):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides hydration and contains essential minerals.
• May contribute to joint health due to the presence of collagen.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill):

• Calories: Negligible (used in small amounts for garnish)

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin K and vitamin C.
• Adds freshness and flavor to the dish.

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient sizes. These values are approximate and should be considered as a general guideline. Adjustments may be needed based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.