Qurutob
Qurutob is a hearty and flavorful Tajik national dish, often described as a bread salad. It features pieces of torn flatbread (fatir) soaked in a tangy sauce made from dissolved qurut (dried, salted yogurt balls) or a yogurt-based mixture. The dish is then topped with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and sometimes other vegetables or meat. It's a communal dish, traditionally eaten by hand from a shared platter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Qurut (dried salted yogurt balls)(or 1 cup plain yogurt with a pinch of salt, thinned with water)
- 2 cups Warm water(for dissolving qurut)
- 300-400 g Fatir bread (or lavash/pita)(torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2-3 tablespoons Vegetable oil or butter
- 2-3 pieces Tomatoes(thinly sliced (optional))
- 1-2 pieces Cucumbers(thinly sliced (optional))
- 1 small bunch Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill)(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- 200 g Cooked lamb or beef(optional, for meat version)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Qurut Yogurt Base: If using qurut balls, place them in a bowl and pour warm water over them. Stir occasionally until they dissolve into a smooth, thick, tangy sauce. If using plain yogurt, mix it with a pinch of salt and thin with a little water to achieve a runny consistency similar to thick yogurt.
💡 Tip: Ensure the qurut is fully dissolved for a smooth sauce. - 2
Fry the Onions: Heat vegetable oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 3
Prepare the Bread: Tear the fatir bread (or lavash/pita) into bite-sized pieces. Place these pieces in a large, shallow serving dish (traditionally a wooden 'tabaq').
💡 Tip: The bread should be torn, not cut, to create a rustic texture. - 4
Assemble Qurutob: Pour the prepared qurut/yogurt mixture evenly over the torn bread pieces, ensuring they are well-soaked. The bread should soften and absorb the sauce.
💡 Tip: Qurutob should be soupy, not dry. Adjust the liquid if necessary. - 5
Add Toppings: Top the soaked bread with the sautéed onions. If using, arrange the optional sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or pieces of cooked meat over the onions. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh herbs.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs are crucial for the dish's vibrant flavor. - 6
Serve: Serve Qurutob warm. It is traditionally eaten by hand or with a spoon, mixing the bread, sauce, and toppings as you eat.
💡 Tip: This dish is meant for sharing and communal eating.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Qurutob is traditionally vegetarian, but meat can be added for a heartier version.
- ✓The consistency should be soupy; adjust the liquid (water or yogurt) as needed.
- ✓Using fresh, aromatic herbs is key to the authentic flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add fried lamb or beef for a non-vegetarian version.
- Incorporate other sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Some recipes include walnuts for added texture.