Every month a group of bloggers join together to blog on a topic 3 days a week. We also do 2 Mega marathons a year during which we blog on a specific theme for a whole month. Last April we did an Indian Food Odyssey where we blogged dishes from the various Indian States.This time the theme is International dishes in alphabetical order under the theme – Around the World in 30 Days
For the first country with the alphabet A , I have chosen Afghanistan. I have chosen soups and Salads as the theme though the others may / may not do a theme. You can read more about my International Blogging Marathon intro here…
Afghanistan literally means ‘ The land of the Afgans’. Here are some trivia about this country…
- A landlocked country situated in Central Asia.
- The people are called Afgans and Afganis is the currency.
- The official language is Dari and Pashto though Turkmen,Uzbek and Persian are also spoken.
- It was under the British rule and celebrates its Independence day on August 19th.
- Main source of Income is from Agriculture.
- It is also rich in oil and natural gases.
- Buzkashi is the national game which means goat-grabbing. Two teams on horse backs try to catch a goat!
- Nawroz is the New year which is celebrated on March 21st which is the beginning of spring.
- Poetry occupies an important place in their culture.
- Qabuli pulao– An aromatic rice made with carrots and raisins and served with lamb.Other ice varities are also popular.
- Kebabs– These are mostly served with naan breads.
- Mantu – Steamed dumplings with onion and beef.
- Shorma – Soups
- Different varieties of Naan breads
- Khameerbob- A native pasta dish that is made especially on festive days.
- Yogurt and whey is also used in large quantities
- Kofta – Meatballs
- Chai or tea is the preferred drink/ beverage
Behind the scene
As I was plating this dish Lil angel stood by my side watching me at work. She said it was similar to thukpa! I was really thrilled to hear that she remembered that dish!She had 2 helpings of the dish and lil dude who loved noodles and lentils said -‘ tay-t’ ,The lil one hasn’t started speaking clearly and yet I knew it was his slang for ‘tasty’ . And this was the first dish made for this BM.
Serves- 2
Cooking time- 45 minutes
Adapted from various sources
I used:
Noodles- 1 small pack
Cooked kidney beans – 1/4 cup
Cooked Chickpea- 1/4 cup
Carrot- 1, cut into circles
Potato-1, peeled and cubed
Onion-1, chopped
Garlic-2 cloves, minced
Tomato puree- 1 cup
Vegetable stock-5 cups or more
Turmeric- a pinch
Coriander powder- 1 teaspoon
Chili powder- 1/2 teaspoon
Pepper powder- 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Coriander to garnish
Yogurt + minced garlic mixture – to serve along with soup garnishes with Dried mint leaves
Oil- 1 teaspoon
Heat oil in a pan and add the onion and garlic and saute till the onion is soft. Add the potato, carrot and the vegetable stock.
Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder and pepper powder.
Add salt, tomato puree and red chili powder .Mix and bring to boil.
Add the noodles and cook till it is soft. Add the chickpeas and mix gently.Add the kidney beans and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Sometimes it is served with the yogurt mixture on the side so that each one can add as much / as little as they want…
Note:
- Meatballs are generally added to this soup for the non vegetarian version.
- A handful of chopped dill is added in the last stage of cooking. I do not get it here so skipped it.
- Some add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use water or seasoning cube instead of veg stock
I also made this Potato Salad as a part of this series…Do take a look….
Thats a fantastic soup PJ! I have tried to do as many soups as I could as well for this Marathon!
This looks like such a hearty soup PJ! I'm sure this can be had on its own for lunch/dinner. And the pics look so so good! And your intro is informative as always…. Great start!
talking of the goat game I immediately remmembered one of my all time fave Indian movies – Khuda Gawah. but to the recipe what a great soup full of protein a great soup to serve as a meal
Great start to the marathon. It is nice when a dish is loved by family. Noodles and soup is a great theme.
That is so amazing your daughter remembered thukpa seeing this. It does look similar to thukpa. Little guy is so cute. Aren't they cute at this age when they are just beginning speak.
Aush looks like a filling and a hearty soup.
PJ what amazing clicks..and we have the same country though different dishes..the bookmarking begins with this soup fantastic.
This soup looks very filling,nutritious and definitely delicious, love to finish that bowl.
A nutritious and filling soup you have got there.
That is one hearty and delicious looking soup. Lovely post with lot of info about Afghanistan. Looking forward to ur posts this month.
Wow PJ this looks fantastic. Love your pics and of course the recipe. Drooling here.
Great start PJ..your theme sounds so tough yaar..:)..and your pictures out of the world!..
yumm…looks so inviting…and lovely writeup on the country….are the flowers real? they make the picture look awesome
cute that ur girl remembered Thukpa :-)) brilliant pics PJ ! so much of a departure from the earlier ones.. great lighting and styling too ! well done PJ !
Soup looks absolutely delicious and pictures are stunning too. Nice way to start the marathon…
Soup looks absolutely delicious and pictures are stunning too. Nice way to start the marathon…
Nice write up and information PJ soup looks so delicious..
wow pj lovely write up as usual amd soup looks very appetizing ๐ Its afghan rain today isn't it ๐ very delicious one !!
Very healthy & nutritious soup. Pics look beautiful & inviting.
What a wonderful start to the BM. The soup looks so filling and it is nice that kids remeber our previous dishes.
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