Authentic Afghan Ashak Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches of fresh leeks
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 500g of ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 50 Ashak or wonton wrappers
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 cups of plain yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons of dried mint

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the leeks thoroughly and finely chop them.
  2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the chopped leeks, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook until the leeks are soft.
  3. In another pan, brown the ground beef. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric, and ground coriander to the meat. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions are translucent.
  4. Place a small amount of the leek mixture in the center of each Ashak or wonton wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling and press the edges together to seal, forming a dumpling. Repeat until all the wrappers are filled.
  5. Boil a large pot of water. Add the dumplings and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. Drain the dumplings and set them aside.
  6. For the yoghurt sauce, mix the yoghurt, dried mint, and a pinch of salt. Heat it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly until it is warm.
  7. Place the cooked dumplings on a serving dish and pour the warm yoghurt sauce over them. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground beef with a mix of cooked lentils and finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Spicy Variation: Add chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture for an extra kick of heat.
  • Cheesy Variation: Incorporate grated cheese such as feta or mozzarella into the filling mixture before sealing the dumplings.
  • Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or make your own gluten-free dough using alternative flours such as rice flour or almond flour.
  • Herbed Variation: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill to the filling mixture to enhance the flavor.
  • Spinach Variation: Mix cooked and chopped spinach with the leeks for a nutritious twist.
  • Sauce Variation: Instead of yoghurt sauce, serve the dumplings with a tomato sauce or a spicy cilantro sauce.
  • Nuts Variation: Add crushed or chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the filling mixture for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Ashak is a traditional Afghan dish that is both delicious and fulfilling. The star of this recipe is the combination of tender leeks and seasoned ground beef wrapped in delicate dumpling wrappers. These little bundles of flavor are then boiled until they float to the surface, signifying that they're perfectly cooked. The dumplings are then served drizzled with a warm yoghurt sauce infused with dried mint, providing a tangy counterpoint to the rich dumplings. This recipe might require a bit of effort, but the result is a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion. From the soft dumplings to the flavorful filling and the creamy yoghurt sauce, every bite of Ashak is a celebration of Afghan cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen leeks instead of fresh leeks? No, it is best to use fresh leeks for this recipe as frozen leeks may alter the texture and taste of the dish.
  2. Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or ground chicken if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them? Yes, you can make the dumplings in advance and freeze them. Place the filled dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I make a vegetarian version of Ashak? Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or mashed lentils for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
  5. What can I serve with Ashak? Ashak can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish, or you can serve it with a side of salad, such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of garlic yoghurt sauce and sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Ashak is a beloved Afghan dish that has been passed down through generations, originating in the city of Kabul. This exquisite dish is traditionally prepared for special occasions and the process of making it is often a communal event. Family members, particularly women, gather together to prepare the delicate dumplings, sharing stories and laughter as they work. The leeks used in Ashak are a symbol of spring in Afghanistan, hence this dish is often prepared to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year that marks the beginning of spring. It's not only a delight to the tastebuds but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of the Afghan people.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.