Kuchma Kuzma
Kuchma Kuzma is a hearty and flavorful Tajik dish featuring tender lamb or beef cooked with chickpeas, dried apricots, and aromatic spices, often served with flatbread. It's a comforting and traditional meal, perfect for gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(cubed)
- 250 g Chickpeas(dried, soaked overnight or canned, drained)
- 150 g Dried Apricots(halved)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 liter Water or Broth
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried chickpeas, cook them until tender according to package directions or pressure cook. Drain and set aside. If using canned, drain and rinse.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the cooked or canned chickpeas and dried apricots. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 6
Pour in enough water or broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
- 7
Check the liquid level periodically and add more water or broth if needed to maintain a stew-like consistency.
- 8
Once the meat is tender, taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should have thickened slightly.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Traditionally served with Tajik flatbread (non).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking dried chickpeas overnight significantly reduces cooking time.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb shoulder or beef chuck.
- ✓Adjust the amount of dried apricots to your preferred sweetness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more complex aroma.
- Include other dried fruits like prunes or raisins.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper with the onions.