Make Delicious Ashak Dumplings at Home

Introduction

Ashak is a traditional Afghan dish that is loved for its delicious flavors and unique texture. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, making them a perfect choice for a hearty meal. In this blog post, we will provide you with a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making Ashak at home.

Ingredients

To make Ashak, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
• For the filling:
  • 2 cups chopped green onions
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the sauce:
  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For garnish:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Gradually add water and knead until the dough comes together. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the green onions, cilantro, dill, mint, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the herb mixture and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the herbs are wilted and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
5. Place a spoonful of the herb mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, minced garlic, and salt.
8. Once the dumplings are cooked, drain them and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the dumplings.
9. In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mint and cilantro and sauté for a minute, or until fragrant.
10. Remove from heat and sprinkle the herb mixture over the yogurt sauce. Serve the Ashak warm and enjoy!

Conclusion

Ashak is a delightful Afghan dish that brings together the flavors of fresh herbs and spices. With its tender dumplings and creamy yogurt sauce, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and experience the authentic taste of Afghani Ashak in the comfort of your own home.