Afghan Cuisine

While Afghan cuisine may not be well known in other parts of the world it has many interesting flavors and dishes. Since the terrain is so varied there are many types of crops grown there, although the meals are based on the country's main crops of wheat, rice, and other cereals. The food is most similar to Middle Eastern cuisines but uses many more vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Ingredients in Afghan Cooking

Common ingredients include:

• Coriander
• Cardamom
• Dried fruits
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Mint
• Nuts
• Onion
• Pomegranates
• Potatoes
• Saffron
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt

The most popular meats used in cooking are lamb and chicken.

Although there are many spices used and layers of flavor Afghan cooking is not spicy. The food is a variety of Persian foods with influences by the foods of the surrounding cultures. Since the culture revolved around the various herds that were kept it is no surprise that dairy products like cheese and yogurt are an important part of Afghani meals.

Breads are baked in huge clay ovens called tandoors. There are three main breads served with meals.

• Naan is an oval shaped, thin bread.
• Obi Non bread is from Uzbekistan and shaped like a thick disc.
• Lavash is a very thin, crispy bread.

The bread may be served with pickles of all kinds, relishes, and other accompaniments.

Like many cultures the Afghans have traditions that revolve around meals.  The dastarkhan is a tradition of spreading a large cloth on the living room floor or on a large dining table. A young family member will then present a copper basin and pot filled with water for the washing of hands. The child will go to each member of the family and any guests and pour water over their hands.  Soap is given to them, and then a drying cloth. Once this is finished the cloth is filled with bread, relish, appetizers, main courses, salads, rice, and fruit. No one goes away from the table hungry. This is a matter of pride for any family no matter what their economic status is.

Some other foods that are traditionally or ceremonially served are:

• Qaabuli Pallow or Kabuli pulao is considered the national dish of Afghanistan. It is made of steamed rice mixed with lentils, raisins, carrots and lamb. It is served at weddings, special occasions or for special guests.
• Letee is a comfort food with a high nutritional content served to women after the birth of a child.
• Sweet foods are served at engagements and weddings.
• The kebab that everyone loves to grill so much in the summer is from Afghan cooking. Kebobs are usually sprinkled with some salt, grilled and served with naan.

Afghan cuisine is made up of exotic flavors and simple foods. It is one of the most unique cuisines in the world as well as being one of the least known in the western world. Not only are the flavors well balanced but the textures are very important in Afghan cuisine, where meals are considered an important part of celebration and family.

Some sites that you can find Afghan recipes are:

• Asia Recipe 
• Afghan Lamb with Spinach
• Afghan Grilled Chicken
• Naan