The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Afghan Foods. If you manage to be in an Afghan restaurant or you are visiting Afghanistan, I recommend the following:
1. Korme Kofta
This is a dish of Afghan lamb meatballs. To make this dish, put chopped lamb, chopped onion, garlic, ketchup, coriander, egg, ground turmeric, monosodium glutamate and pepper in a bowl, then form the mixture into balls and sauté over medium heat.
2. Boranee Banjan
Boranee Banjan is an eggplant dish that is topped with yogurt along with garlic, tomatoes and mint. The eggplant dish is usually fried before baking. The level of spiciness may vary according to one’s personal preference, while some prefer it to be very spicy.
3. Aushak
It is a common menu for Islamic holidays and festive gatherings such as Eid and Ramadan. This dish is made of dumplings stuffed with chives. It is usually served with a meaty tomato sauce. The meal is often enjoyed with yogurt and dried mint garnishes. However, a vegetarian variety is also available. The dish is quite spicy.
4. Kabuli Pulao
This is the collective name for Afghan pulao (pulav) menus, all of which are prepared using the same cooking method. This tasty rice dish can contain a variety of spices, vegetables, including carrots, nuts and meat (especially lamb), with ingredients varying from region to region.
5. Saji Kabab
As its name suggests, this is a typical Afghan kebab made with meat marinated for a certain period of time and grilled or roasted over an open fire on skewers. It is traditionally made with sheep meat. However, there are also variations of chicken and other meats.
6. Sheer Khurma
This special Muslim dish has a thick consistency. It is first served for breakfast after morning prayers during Eid, then dessert is served to guests. The combined aroma of noodles, saffron, whole milk, sugar, nuts, dates and rose water gives it a satisfying taste. You can try it either hot or cold.
7. Chalow
It is the daily rice of the Afghans. A white rice that consists of mixing boiled rice with spices and steamed or grilled. Most families eat this rice with a vegetable or meat dish. Afghans prepare the rice in a special way to create a soft, long-grained and delicious dish.
8. Bolani
Also known as Perakai or Poraki, this Afghan bread is baked or fried and has a vegetable filling made from different types of ingredients such as potatoes, pumpkin, scallions, lentils and leeks. The thin crust is easy to chew, and the herby vegetable filling, especially when enjoyed with other main dishes.
9. Haft Mewa
Its literal translation would be “seven fruits”. It is a fruit salad in the form of syrup, composed of 7 fruits, mainly dried fruits such as raisins, dried apricots, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, senjed (Persian olives), black currants, blueberries or even dried cherries. This dish is used to entertain guests or eat with the family as an omen of good luck and protection.
10. Lavash
Lavash is a very fine bread that can be soft or hard. It is baked in ceramic to maintain its original flavor. Lavash is often eaten with cheese or meat and plays an important role in traditional weddings, where it is meant to bring fertility and prosperity to the newlyweds.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional Asian Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.