Welcome to the enchanting world of Azerbaijani cuisine, where aromatic spices, rich flavors, and time-honored traditions come together to create a gastronomic experience like no other. In this culinary exploration, we delve into the heart of Azerbaijani cooking, focusing on the artistry of Saj, a traditional griddle used to prepare some of the country's most beloved dishes.

Azerbaijan, situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, boasts a culinary heritage as diverse as its landscapes. From the bustling streets of Baku to the tranquil countryside, Azerbaijani kitchens are filled with the scents of fresh herbs, savory meats, and the unmistakable aroma of saffron-infused rice.

At the heart of Azerbaijani Saj cuisine is the beloved Plov, a rice dish that has become a symbol of hospitality and celebration. The Saj, a round, convex griddle, plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this iconic dish. As we embark on this culinary journey, we'll explore the techniques, ingredients, and cultural significance that make Azerbaijani Saj recipes a feast for the senses.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind these timeless recipes, allowing you to recreate the magic of Azerbaijani Saj dishes in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to try something new, get ready to savor the flavors of Azerbaijan and bring a taste of this vibrant culture to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of your choice of meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint), chopped
• Flatbreads or lavash

Instructions:

Marinating the Meat:

1-In a large bowl, combine the sliced meat with olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.

2-Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring each slice is well coated.

3-Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Vegetables:

1-In a separate bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2-Set aside the vegetable mixture for later use.

Cooking on the Saj:Preheat the Saj or flat, convex griddle over medium-high heat.

Grilling the Meat:

1-Place the marinated meat slices on the hot Saj, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

2-Grill the meat until it is cooked through and has a nice sear, flipping the slices as needed.

3-Once cooked, transfer the grilled meat to a serving platter.

Grilling the Vegetables:

1-On the same Saj, add the prepared vegetable mixture.

2-Grill the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

3-Transfer the grilled vegetables to the serving platter alongside the meat.

Serving:

1-Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the grilled meat and vegetables.

2-Serve the Azerbaijani Saj creation with flatbreads or lavash on the side.

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures as you savor this Azerbaijani Saj masterpiece. Whether you choose meat or vegetables, this recipe captures the essence of Azerbaijani culinary tradition and makes for a memorable dining experience.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. However, here are approximate values for the listed ingredients per serving, assuming the recipe serves 4:

Your choice of meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), thinly sliced (250g):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, a compound with various health benefits.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits:

• Source of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Adds a warm and earthy flavor to dishes.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.
• Adds a vibrant color and smoky flavor to the dish.

Ground coriander (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits:

• Source of antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.
• Adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.

Bell peppers (2, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, supporting immune function.
• Rich in antioxidants and various vitamins.

Large onion (1, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Provides flavor depth and sweetness to the dish.

Tomatoes (2, sliced):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C and potassium.
• Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Zucchini (1, sliced):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C.
• Provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor and adds texture.

Eggplant (1, sliced):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

benefits:

• Low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber.
• Contains anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons for vegetables):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Adds richness and a distinct flavor to the vegetables.
• Complements the nutritional benefits of the olive oil used in the meat marinade.

Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint), chopped (1 tablespoon):

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

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the finished dish.

Flatbreads or lavash (1 serving):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Adds a delightful texture and serves as a vehicle for enjoying the grilled meat and vegetables.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, individual serving sizes may differ, so adjust accordingly based on your specific portions.