Authentic Kazakh Beshbarmak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of beef or lamb
  • 500g pasta sheets
  • 2 onions
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 3 liters of water
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef or lamb in a large pot, add water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
  2. Peel and chop one onion, add it to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  3. Season the broth with salt and black pepper, then remove the meat and set it aside to cool.
  4. Pour the broth through a sieve to remove the onion and any impurities. Return the clear broth to the pot.
  5. Peel and finely chop the second onion. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan, then sauté the onion until it is golden. Leave it to cool.
  6. Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley and dill. Keep a little of both herbs for garnish.
  7. Stir the sautéed onion, garlic, parsley and dill into the broth. Bring it to a boil.
  8. Place the pasta sheets in the boiling broth and cook them until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. While the pasta is cooking, chop the cooked meat into small pieces.
  10. When the pasta is ready, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the broth. Arrange the pasta on a large serving plate. Place the chopped meat on top of the pasta.
  11. Pour some of the hot broth over the meat and pasta. Sprinkle with the reserved parsley and dill.
  12. Serve the Beshbarmak hot, with the remaining broth on the side.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the meat and boil the broth.
  • Sieve - A sieve or strainer to remove impurities from the broth.
  • Frying pan - A frying pan to sauté the onion for added flavor.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon to remove the cooked pasta from the broth.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef or lamb with chicken or turkey for a poultry variation.
  • Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the broth for added flavor and texture.
  • Use homemade pasta sheets instead of store-bought ones for a fresher taste.
  • Add spices like cumin, paprika, or coriander to the broth for a more aromatic flavor profile.
  • Try using different herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro for a unique twist.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead.
  • Experiment with different types of pasta, such as egg noodles or whole wheat pasta, for a healthier version.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top of the dish for added creaminess.
  • Include mushrooms in the broth for an earthy flavor.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the broth for a hint of acidity.
  • For a spicier version, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the broth.

Recipe overview

Beshbarmak is a traditional Central Asian dish that is also the national dish of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The name "Beshbarmak" translates to "five fingers", indicating that this dish is typically eaten with hands. This hearty and flavorful meal is made up of tender boiled meat, usually beef or lamb, served over flat pasta sheets. The dish is known for its aromatic broth, which is infused with garlic, parsley, dill, and sautéd onions. Beshbarmak is a communal dish, often served on a large platter for everyone to share. It is not just a meal but a symbol of hospitality and tradition. From simmering the meat and creating a vibrant broth to cooking the pasta and serving hot, this recipe will guide you through each step of the process to create this culturally rich and satisfying meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb? Yes, you can use chicken as a substitute for beef or lamb in this recipe. Note that the cooking time may be shorter for chicken, so make sure it is fully cooked before removing it from the broth.
  2. Can I use store-bought broth instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought broth if you prefer. However, making your own broth from scratch will enhance the flavor of the dish.
  3. What other types of pasta can I use? While traditional Beshbarmak uses pasta sheets, you can also use other types of pasta such as fettuccine or tagliatelle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
  4. Can I add vegetables to the dish? Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the broth for added flavor and texture. Make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and add them during step 2 when simmering the meat.
  5. Is there a vegetarian version of Beshbarmak? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Beshbarmak by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. Add a variety of vegetables to the broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Beshbarmak is a dish steeped in the rich culinary history of Central Asia. It originated among the nomadic Turkic tribes who roamed the vast steppes of what is now Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. These horse-riding tribes needed hearty food to sustain them through their long journeys, and Beshbarmak, which literally translates to "five fingers", fit the bill perfectly. This is because it was traditionally eaten with one's hands. The recipe has stayed rather consistent over the centuries, a testament to its satisfying taste and its cultural significance. Further, in a nod to their nomadic roots, it's still regarded as the national dish of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. So, when you sit down to a plate of Beshbarmak, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal, you're also partaking in a rich, historical tradition that traverses through time and across the expansive steppes of Central Asia.

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.