Discover how to make Khoto, a traditional Afghan dried meat snack similar to jerky. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the process of creating flavorful, savory dried meat that’s perfect for snacking. Learn the step-by-step method to achieve the ideal texture and taste of Khoto, and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed treat that brings a taste of Afghan cuisine to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds beef (or lamb), thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons salt

- 1 tablespoon black pepper

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon paprika

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons vinegar

- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

  - In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and red chili flakes if using.

  - Mix well to create a uniform marinade.

Marinate the Meat:

  - Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

  - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preheat the Oven:

  - Preheat your oven to 150°F (65°C) or the lowest setting available.

Prepare the Meat for Drying:

  - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.

  - Arrange the marinated meat slices in a single layer on the rack or baking sheet, making sure the pieces do not overlap.

Dry the Meat:

  - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

  - Let the meat dry for 4-6 hours, turning the slices occasionally, until the meat is completely dried and firm to the touch.

Cool and Store:

  - Remove the dried meat from the oven and let it cool completely.

  - Store the Khoto in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 3 months in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your homemade Khoto as a delicious and satisfying snack!

Nutritional Values:

Beef (or Lamb):

 - Calories: 250-300

 - Protein: 22-26 g

 - Fat: 15-20 g

 - Iron: 2-3 mg (about 12-15% of the daily value)

 - Zinc: 5-6 mg (about 33-40% of the daily value)

Benefits:

 - High in Protein: Essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.

 - Rich in Iron: Supports red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia.

 - Good Source of Zinc: Important for immune function and wound healing.

Salt:

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg (100% of the daily value)

Benefits:

 - Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain fluid balance and proper muscle function.

 - Flavor Enhancement: Improves taste, making dishes more enjoyable.

Note: Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension, so use it in moderation.

Black Pepper:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

 - Fiber: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Stimulates digestive enzymes and improves nutrient absorption.

 - Antioxidant Properties: Contains piperine, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ground Coriander:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.2 g

 - Fiber: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: Aids digestion and reduces bloating.

 - Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.4 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.0 g

 - Fiber: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Digestion: Helps relieve indigestion and bloating.

 - Immune Support: Contains antioxidants and essential minerals like iron.

Paprika:

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.2 g

 - Fiber: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in Vitamins: Especially Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.

 - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains capsaicin, which may reduce inflammation.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 5

 - Protein: 0.2 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.0 g

 - Fiber: 0.1 g

Benefits:

 - Immune Boosting: Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

 - Cardiovascular Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Soy Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Sodium: 900 mg (39% of the daily value)

Benefits:

 - Flavor Enhancer: Adds umami flavor to dishes.

 - Contains Amino Acids: Provides essential amino acids and some B vitamins.

Vinegar:

 - Calories: 3

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: May help with digestion and blood sugar regulation.

 - Antimicrobial Properties: Can help kill harmful bacteria.

Red Chili Flakes (optional):

 - Calories: 6

 - Carbohydrates: 1.0 g

 - Fiber: 0.4 g

Benefits:

 - Metabolism Boost: Capsaicin can help boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

 - Rich in Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants.

This combination of ingredients in Khoto not only enhances the flavor of the snack but also provides various health benefits, contributing to a balanced diet.