Asian > Afghan > Appetizer

Ashak (Fried Dumplings) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, vegetable oil, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
6. Cut the dough into 2-inch circles.
7. Place 1 teaspoon of the chopped herbs in the center of each circle.
8. Fold the dough over the herbs and pinch the edges together to seal.
9. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
10. Fry the dumplings in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
11. Remove the dumplings from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Time:
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: Makes about 24 dumplings

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 80
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs.
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.

Variations:
- The herbs can be varied to suit personal tastes.
- The dumplings can be served with a variety of sauces.

Tips and Tricks:
- The dough should be rolled out as thin as possible for the best results.
- The dumplings should be cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Storage Instructions:
The dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The dumplings can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
The dumplings can be served with a variety of sauces and garnishes.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped fresh dill
- Chopped fresh mint
- Chopped fresh chives

Pairings:
- Yogurt sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Tahini sauce

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Rice
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour.

Food Safety Advice:
- The dumplings should be cooked thoroughly before eating.
- The dumplings should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.

Food History:
Ashak is a traditional Afghan dish that is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is a popular street food in Afghanistan and is often served with yogurt sauce.

Flavor Profiles:
The dumplings have a savory flavor with a hint of herbs.

Serving Suggestions:
The dumplings can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish.

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Region: Afghanistan

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic