Ashak (Aushak)

• Prep time: 45 mins

• Cook time: 25 mins

• Total time: 1 hr 10 mins

• Servings: 4

• Country of origin: Afghanistan

• Description: Chive or leek-filled dumplings boiled until tender, dressed with a rich ground beef tomato sauce and garlic-infused yogurt.

• Presentation: Spread over a bed of garlic yogurt, topped with hot meat sauce, and dusted with crushed dried mint and paprika.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 pack dumpling or wonton wrappers

  • 3 cups scallions or Afghan chives (gandana), finely chopped

  • 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tbsp dried mint

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Mix chopped scallions with a pinch of salt and oil.

  • Place filling in center of wrappers, fold into half-moons, and seal edges tightly.

  • Sauté diced onion and ground meat in oil; add tomato paste, coriander, salt, and water to make a thick meat sauce.

  • Mix yogurt with crushed garlic and salt.

  • Drop dumplings into boiling salted water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float and wrapper is translucent.

  • Spread garlic yogurt onto serving platter, lay drained ashak on top, spoon meat sauce over dumplings, and sprinkle with dried mint.

• Optional variations: Keep tomato sauce meatless using yellow split peas for a vegetarian version.

• Cooking tips: Ensure chives are completely dry before wrapping to prevent dough from becoming soggy.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 410 kcal

  • Fat: 14g

  • Carbohydrates: 48g

  • Protein: 22g