How to Make Authentic Turkmen Dograma with Bread and Meat Soup

Simple Summary

Turkmen Dograma is a hearty and comforting soup that combines tender meat, flavorful broth, and chunks of traditional flatbread. This rustic dish is a staple of Turkmen cuisine, perfect for warming up on cold days.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 500g lamb or beef, cut into small cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 large pieces of flatbread (like lavash or pita), torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Add bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

4. While the soup is simmering, prepare the bread by tearing it into bite-sized pieces and letting it dry out slightly at room temperature.

5. Once the meat is tender, remove the bay leaves from the soup.

6. Add the torn bread pieces to the soup and stir gently. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the bread to soak up some of the broth.

7. Stir in the chopped dill and parsley.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

9. Serve hot in bowls, with a dollop of yogurt on top if desired.

Chef's Notes

• For a more authentic flavor, use lamb instead of beef. If using beef, choose a cut suitable for slow cooking like chuck or brisket.
• The consistency of the soup should be thick, almost stew-like. If it's too watery, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
• You can prepare the meat and broth a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat and add the bread just before serving for the best texture.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with 2 cups of mixed beans and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (without yogurt): Approximately 450 calories. This dish is high in protein from the meat, and provides complex carbohydrates from the bread. It's also a good source of vitamins A and C from the vegetables and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkmen Dograma as a main course for dinner. It pairs well with a simple green salad or pickled vegetables on the side. For a complete Turkmen experience, serve with hot green tea. This dish is perfect for cold winter evenings or as a comforting meal for large gatherings. Garnish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess and tang.