Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo

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“Diversity in Culinary Cuisine, Warm and Generous Afghan Hospitality” Embassy of Afghanistan in Tokyo

KARHU/SHORWA-E-LAWANG ( Soup with Tomatoes) starter

This appetizing soup comes from the southeast area of Afghanistan. Dairy farming is the predominant way of life in this area and therefore the food reflects the lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed • 4 tablespoons margarine • 3 medium tomatoes, skinned and chopped • 16 ounce yogurt • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric • Salt

Method:

Drain yogurt in cheesecloth or muslin bag for about an hour. This is called 'chaka' in Afghanistan and is preferred for use in cooking because it avoids imparting any acid or sour taste which the in ordinary yogurt can give to a dish. Fry the garlic in the margarine until brown. Add the tomatoes and stir and fry until reddish-brown. Blend the , 1 cup water, the flour, turmeric and salt, either by hand or in a mixer. Then slowly add to the garlic and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer gently until the soup is thickened, about 30 minutes.

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BORANI (Fried Eggplant with Tomato and Yogurt Sauce) appetizer/side dish

Borani is an Afghan appetizer and side dish consisting of fried eggplant (or other fried vegetables like pumpkins) with yogurt and other ingredients. It is tasty and presents a lot of flavor. Borani makes a great snack or appetizer. It is enjoyed with freshly baked Afghan bread known as ‘nan-e-khushk,’ as an appetizer, or with rice, as a side dish.

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MANTU (Meat Stuffed Dumplings) main/side dish

Mantu is one of the most popular dishes from Afghanistan. It is a dish that is part of North-Central Afghanistan cuisine. It is a meat (usually beef or lamb) stuffed dumpling that is steamed in a multilayer steamer. Mantu is served on special occasions and often during large gatherings. In Afghanistan, cooked Mantu is often sold at markets and busy streets, much like hotdog stands. Mantu can be served as both a main or side dish. Afghan Mantu dates back to the time of the Turkic and Mongol horsemen of Central Asia. It is believed that the horsemen carried frozen Mantu during the cold winters while traveling long distances and then boiled them over camp fires for supper. Mantu is served with ‘chaka' (which consists of drained yogurt, minced garlic, lemon, salt) and a variety of sauces and toppings, including ground meat, mixed vegetable, chickpea, or even just cooked onions.

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KABULI PALAW (Rice with Meat) main dish

Kabuli Palaw, also called Qabili Pulao, is an Afghan dish consisting of steamed rice mixed with raisins, carrots, and lamb. It is one of the most popular dishes in Afghanistan and is considered the Afghan national dish. It is named after the city of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Kabuli Palaw is made by cooking basmati or long grained rice in a brothy sauce (which makes the rice brown). This dish may be made with lamb, chicken, or beef. Kabuli Palaw is baked in the oven and may be topped with fried sliced carrots, raisins, orange peel strips, and chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. The meat is covered by the rice or buried in the rice mixture.

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FIRNI (Milk Pudding) dessert

Firni is the most commonly eaten dessert in Afghanistan. It is usually taken with green tea to balance its sweet flavor with the intense flavor of the tea. This light and delicately-flavored Afghan milk pudding is so easy to make. Firni is also easy on the stomach after a heavy and rich meal.

Ingredients:

• 500 ml (1 pint) milk • 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

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• 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tsp ground cardamom • A dash of rose water • 3-4 strands of saffron

For garnish:

• 4 tbsp of chopped pistachios or other nuts.

Method:

1 Place the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and whisk in the cornflour. 2 Add the remaining ingredients and bring gently to the boil with continued stirring. 3 Simmer gently and stir for 5 minutes before pouring into a large bowl or individual serving dishes. 4 Allow to cool before placing in the fridge to chill and set. 5 Sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.

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