Authentic Aushak Recipe (Ashak Recipe)- Afghan Dumplings
Aushak aka Ashak is a traditional Afghan dumpling dish filled with a flavorful mixture of leeks, scallions, and cilantro. Topped with a spiced meat sauce and a tangy yogurt-mint dressing, aushak is a beloved dish often served at family gatherings and special occasions. Its light, herbaceous filling and rich toppings make it a perfect blend of flavors, embodying the essence of Afghan cuisine and the joy of shared meals.
Ingredients
Dumpling Filling:
- 2-3 large leeks finely chopped
- 1 bunch scallions finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 –2 packages wonton wrappers or homemade dough
Meat Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons crushed coriander seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water enough to achieve desired consistency
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon dried mint or fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon quroot optional
- Salt to taste
Garnishes:
- Extra cilantro finely chopped
- Additional dried mint optional
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in turmeric and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Add ground beef, crushed coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Add water to achieve your desired sauce consistency and simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Make the Dumpling Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped leeks, scallions, and cilantro.
- Add salt, pepper, and ground coriander, and mix until well combined.
Assemble the Dumplings
- Lay a wonton wrapper flat and place about 1 tablespoon of the leek filling in the center.
- Wet the edges with water and fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing firmly to seal.
- Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.
Cook the Dumplings
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully add the dumplings and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a platter.
Make the Yogurt Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, minced garlic, dried mint, quroot (if using), and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Dish
- Spread a layer of yogurt sauce on a serving platter.
- Arrange the boiled dumplings on top of the yogurt layer.
- Spoon the meat sauce over the dumplings.
- Finish with extra yogurt sauce, and garnish with cilantro and dried mint.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm and share with loved ones for an authentic Afghan dining experience!