It is a festive season and people in Azerbaijan who are very sensitive and attentive to subject of food will be even more engaged with this matter on New Year holidays. I must say that food is not something that is regarded not important in Azerbaijan…vice versa this is an essential part of culture.
Plov or aş (ash) is considered as “süfrənin şahı” meaning “shah (king) of local cuisine” in Azerbaijan. Plov is cooked for respected guests to show respect and high sympathy and during special occasions. Azerbaijan has many types of plov depending on its geographical regions. I am more acquainted with Sheki plovs :) which on its own has many types of plov depending on seasons of year…Currently in winter we have a season of chestnuts and nuts therefore plov is served with meat with chestnuts; or chicken. Last time we had plov at home we also stuffed chicken with nuts; this stuffing is traditional in south of Azerbaijan, Lenkoran area and stuffing is called “ləvəngi” (levengi). In my previous life I must have been from that part of Azerbaijan because I love “ləvəngi” :) Plovs also are supposed to have “qazmaq” that is a bottom crispy layer of the dish.
This is a very ignorant and hasty post about plov. I hope to be able to go back from time to time and elaborate on this subject :) In the meantime you can visit an excellent website on Azerbaijani cuisine and overall great food here and read more about plov and not only.
Plov...
Chichen stuffed with levengi...
Raisins and dried apricot served with plov as well...
Have superb holidays!!!
4 comments:
Ayten, what a great post and not ignorant at all! Looking at the pictures made me hungry:) I haven't made pilaf in a while but it just doesn't work making it here - I need that atmosphere - family, Azerbaijan. That's where I'll enjoy it. Thank you for referring to me, dear. I will write you an email soon. Have been so busy lately. Hugs and happy holidays!
Hello from Oregon, USA.
I saw your comment to Eric at PDP and thought I would visit Azerbaijan via your blog. How fascinating this is to me, very exotic and yummy-looking food!
Your food photographs are just stunning. I would love to at least taste the meat dishes and the rest are just as inviting in appearance.
Thank you for such a beautiful look at your country and its food.
Merry Christmas to you and your family from Abe and Patty Lincoln.
☆♥☆
So glad I found your blog!!!
Very different and intresting; will be back. If you like you can have a look at my site at
www.bea-nype.blogspot.com. Welcome!!!
Enjoy!!
European Greetings
Beatrice
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