Authentic Afghan Aushak: A Delightful Dumpling Dish

Ingredients

2 bunches of fresh leeks, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt for the dough
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for the dough
1 pound of ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 cup of yogurt
2 cloves of garlic, minced for the sauce
1 teaspoon of dried mint

Steps and instructions

In a frying pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the finely chopped leeks and 2 cloves of minced garlic until softened. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup of water. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the meat sauce. In a separate pan, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Add the chopped onion and 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric. Cook until the onions are soft and the meat is fully cooked.
After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls and roll each one out into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the leek mixture in the center of each circle, fold it over to make a half-moon shape, and seal the edges.
Boil a large pot of water and cook the Aushak until they float to the top, about 5 minutes. Drain them and set aside.
Prepare the yogurt sauce by combining 1 cup of yogurt, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of dried mint. Stir until well combined.
To serve, place the Aushak on a plate, spoon the meat sauce over the top, and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. Enjoy your homemade Aushak!

Tools for making

Frying pan - Used to sauté the leeks and garlic.
Mixing bowl - Used to combine the flour, salt, oil, and water to make the dough.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
Pan - Used to brown the ground beef and cook the meat sauce.
Large pot - Used to boil the Aushak.
Spoon - Used to spoon the leek mixture onto the dough circles and to stir the yogurt sauce.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Replace the ground beef with ground lamb or chicken for a different flavor.
Add chopped herbs such as cilantro or parsley to the leek mixture for added freshness.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat filling with sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of lentils and vegetables.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander to customize the flavor profile.
Try using a different type of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or labneh, to vary the taste and texture of the sauce.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the yogurt sauce for a tangy twist.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or substitute the dough with rice paper wrappers.
Instead of boiling, steam the Aushak for a lighter texture.
Make a vegan version by using plant-based yogurt and omitting the meat and dairy-based ingredients.

Recipe overview

Aushak is a traditional Afghan dumpling dish that is as flavorful as it is comforting. These dumplings are filled with a delicious mixture of leeks and garlic, then topped with a hearty meat sauce and a cool, tangy yogurt sauce. The complexity of flavors and textures in this dish is truly remarkable. Making Aushak is a bit of a process, but it is well worth the effort. From preparing the dough and the fillings, to assembling the dumplings and creating the sauces, each step brings its own joy. As you bite into an Aushak dumpling, you'll experience a burst of savory leek filling complemented by the rich meat sauce and the refreshing yogurt sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 2 hours to prepare and cook. Enjoy the process of making these delectable dumplings and the pleasure of sharing them with friends and family. It's not just a meal, it's an experience!

Common questions

Can I use frozen leeks instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen leeks as a substitute for fresh leeks. However, make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Once prepared, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can substitute it with ground lamb, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like mashed potatoes or lentils for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze the Aushak? Yes, you can freeze the Aushak. After cooking them, let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen Aushak to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply boil them for a few minutes until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining and kneading the dough.
Frying Pan - Used to sauté the leeks and garlic.
Pan - A separate pan for browning the ground beef and onions.
Large Pot - For boiling the Aushak.
Spoon - For stirring and serving.

Origin stories

Aushak, a traditional Afghan dumpling dish, carries with it centuries of history and culture. It is emblematic of Afghanistan's culinary tradition, which is deeply influenced by the country's commercial and cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. Rich with flavors of leeks and garlic, coupled with a savory meat sauce and tangy yogurt, Aushak was traditionally served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This custom symbolizes the reawakening of the earth and the start of the agricultural cycle, with leeks and garlic amongst the first crops to break through the frosty ground. Humble yet incredibly delicious, Aushak stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Afghan people, whose love for their land is expressed through every bite of this delightful dish.

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.