Oval Useful news from Azerbaijan and Caucasus

Kebabs – barbecued meat, fish and vegetables – are a perennial favourite in Azerbaijan. They are an obligatory feature on special occasions, such as weddings. Azerbaijanis love to make kebabs at picnics and at their summer houses and, as is the case the world over, it is the men who …

Azerbaijani cuisine has a rich variety of pilaf dishes. Dill pilaf is a light, fragrant rice dish, ideal in summer. It can be served on its own or with fish, eggs or meat. The basic cooking method for rice is to parboil it and then steam it. Azerbaijani rice should …

Kebabs – barbecued meat, fish and vegetables – are a perennial favourite in Azerbaijan. They are an obligatory feature on special occasions, such as weddings. Azerbaijanis love to make kebabs at picnics and at their summer houses and, as is the case the world over, it is the men who …

Kulcha are a sweet pastry, traditionally baked in a clay oven. The name kulcha (külçə) probably shares a root with the bread known as kulcha, popular in India and Pakistan. Two different types of kulcha are found in Azerbaijan: round kulcha with a filling, which come from the southern town …

Chicken cutlets are a tasty way to use up chicken and a popular everyday dish across Azerbaijan. Chickpeas rather than breadcrumbs are used in Azerbaijani cutlets and rissoles. Preparation time: 30 min Cooking time: 60 min (including time for the chickpeas) Serves: 3-4

Chudu are an Azerbaijani pasty, made with a rich pastry. They are another of the Azerbaijani cuisine’s combinations of sweet and savoury. Chudu can be deep fried or baked in the oven. Preparation time: 1 hour Cooking time: 25 min Serves: 5-6

Ground walnuts and pomegranate sauce or juice are the essential ingredients for the deliciously tangy stew fisinjan. Fisinjan is a popular dish in the south of Azerbaijan and is a close relative of the Persian fesenjan. Fisinjan can be made with chicken, lamb, beef or meat balls. Preparation time: 60 …