Top 7 Afghan Vegetarian Dishes
Afghan cuisine is full of delicious vegetarian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds! From creamy eggplant dishes like Borani Banjan and Bonjan Salat to delightful snacks like Bolani and Ashak, there’s something for everyone.
So if you’re looking for a unique culinary adventure, then these traditional Afghan vegetarian delights are just what you need. Go ahead, read on to discover some of my favorite Afghan vegetarian dishes, and start your own journey into the flavorful world of Afghan vegetarian cuisine!
1. Vegetarian Kabuli Pulao
Have you ever tried Kabuli Pulao? It’s one of the most iconic dishes of Afghanistan, and trust me, it’s a must-try for all foodies out there. This dish has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Mughal Empire when it was a popular dish among the royals.
The recipe features a perfect balance of flavors, with caramelized carrots and raisins, and nuts, all tossed with basmati rice and seasoned with aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
What makes it even more special is that it’s a national dish of Afghanistan and is often served on special occasions like weddings and religious events. Apart from its delicious taste, the dish is quite healthy, especially the vegetarian option. If you’re looking to try something new and flavorful, I highly recommend giving this dish a shot.
2. Bolani
Have you ever heard of Bolani? This delicious Afghan dish has become one of my favorite vegetarian options. It is so popular in Afghanistan, that it is sold in the streets of Kabul and other cities in Afghanistan.
Bolani consists of a thin, unleavened bread filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, spinach, leeks, chives, lentils, and/or pumpkin. Creating Bolani involves rolling out the dough and filling it with the desired ingredients before shallow-frying or baking (for a reduced-fat option).
Bolani is often served with a yogurt dip and/or green chutney. The combination of the warm bread with the cold, tangy sauce makes for a delightful flavor explosion in your mouth. Next time you’re in the mood for something new and vegetarian, I highly recommend giving Bolani a try!
3. Bonjan Salat
Bonjan Salat is a delicious vegetarian dish that features eggplants (or what Afghans call “bonjan”) as its star ingredient, along with tomatoes, cinnamon, and mint leaves. What gives this dish the spicy kick is the addition of red chili flakes and black pepper.
The eggplant slices are fried and put to the side, and then the rest of the ingredients are combined and simmered for 10 minutes. Pour the sauce over the eggplant and then chill for a few hours or overnight before serving with Afghan flatbread and yogurt.
As for the history of Bonjan Salat, many believe it originated in the eastern provinces of Afghanistan where it was commonly served as a side dish alongside a main meal. But no matter where it comes from, this salad is a healthy and tasty treat for anyone looking for some Afghan culture and flavor.
So if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen and want to try something new, give this dish a go and discover the mouth-watering flavors of Bonjan Salat.
4. Borani Kadoo
As an Afghan cuisine enthusiast, I cannot stop raving about this vegetarian dish. Originating from Afghanistan, Borani Kadoo consists of slices or cubes of pumpkin sautéed until tender in garlic, onions, tomatoes, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and chili peppers. The star of the show, however, is what gets drizzled on top — the garlic-spiked yogurt sauce mixed with lemon juice and dried mint — that brings the flavors alive. Serve it up with fluffy rice to make a complete meal that will satisfy vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!
Did you know that Borani Kadoo is typically served as an appetizer during special occasions like weddings or religious holidays in Afghanistan? It’s fascinating to discover how food brings people together across different cultures and traditions.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up in a matter of minutes. So the next time you want to impress your friends or family with a unique vegetarian dish, give Borani Kadoo a try!
5. Lubya
If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian dish with roots in Afghanistan, you can’t go wrong with Lubya.
Picture this: tender kidney beans cooked in a delicious curry sauce, packed with a tasty blend of coriander, cumin, mint, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and garlic. Lubya is the ultimate vegetarian dish that pairs flawlessly with aromatic basmati rice. Just sprinkle some cilantro and minced red onions on top and voila! a mouthwatering meal awaits you.
I love the fact that this dish is both healthy and delicious — it’s a great way to get your veggies in! Plus, the spices give it a depth of flavor that is truly unique. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, I highly recommend giving Lubya a try. Who knows — it might just become your new favorite dish!
6. Ashak
Have you ever heard of Ashak (sometimes spelled Aushak)? It’s an Afghan dish that is one of my personal all-time favorites. The dish is said to have originated from the northern regions of Afghanistan before spreading throughout the country. An interesting tidbit about Ashak is that it resembles the Italian dish, ravioli, so it’s also known as the “Afghan Ravioli”.
The hand-made dumplings (made from flour, water, and oil) are typically filled with a cooked mixture of chives, spinach, leeks, scallions, and/or garlic and boiled until the dumpling wrapper is cooked.
These delicious morsels are then served topped with a creamy yogurt sauce (made from yogurt, mint, and garlic) and a delicious oil-based tomato sauce, spiced with onion, coriander, cayenne pepper, and garlic. It’s a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors!
The dumpling-making process can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is so worth it. It’s certainly a labor of love that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Do yourself a favor and try Ashak if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it!
7. Borani Banjan
Borani Banjan is a vegetarian delight that you just might fall in love with. The history of Borani Banjan can be traced back to the wonderful country of Afghanistan, where the dish is known as an all-time favorite in the food culture.
This amazing dish is constructed by layering fried eggplant slices, sliced onions, and sliced tomatoes with a delicious spicy sauce made from green chili peppers, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, garlic, and salt. It is topped with a tasty yogurt sauce (made from yogurt, mint, salt, and garlic) and served with Afghan flatbread.
Borani Banjan can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or even as a side dish that compliments other meals. If you haven’t yet tried Borani Banjan, now is the time to do so and experience the delicious flavors of Afghan vegetarian cuisine!
Wrapping It Up
From the creamy richness of Lubya to the spicy kick of Borani Banjan, there’s no shortage of wonderful and unique flavors when it comes to Afghan vegetarian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying out plant-based dishes for the first time, these traditional vegetarian delights are sure to add some excitement to your dinner table.
So why not give these delicious Afghan dishes a try and start exploring the world of Afghan cuisine today? You’ll love it, I’m sure!
Need a dessert to compliment your Afghan-themed vegetarian meal? Take a look at my Top 10 Afghani Desserts & Sweets!
Noosh’e Jaan!
