Dovga
A refreshing Azerbaijani yogurt soup with rice, chickpeas, spinach and plenty of fresh herbs, delicious served both warm and well chilled.
Ingredients
- matsoni or plain unsweetened yogurt700 g
- cold water500 ml
- short-grain rice60 g
- cooked chickpeas120 g
- egg1 pcs
- wheat flour1 tbsp
- fresh cilantro40 g
- fresh dill40 g
- fresh spinach100 g
- salt1 tsp
Instructions
In a large pot, whisk together the matsoni or plain unsweetened yogurt, cold water, egg and wheat flour until completely smooth.
Add the rinsed rice and place the pot over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, especially along the bottom, so the yogurt doesn't curdle or stick.
Bring the mixture to its first boil while continuing to stir; this will take about 15–20 minutes. Do not add salt before it comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked chickpeas and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender.
Finely chop the cilantro, dill and spinach, add them to the soup and cook for another 3–5 minutes, just until the greens wilt and release their aroma.
Remove the pot from the heat, season with salt to taste and stir. Don't cover with a lid until the soup has cooled, so a film doesn't form on the surface.
Serve the dovga warm, or let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
More recipes
Azerbaijani plov with dried fruit and chestnuts
Fluffy saffron rice with crispy lavash is served alongside a tender meat-and-fruit gara with chestnuts.
Azerbaijani Khingal with Meat and Garlic Yogurt
Thin diamond-shaped pieces of homemade pasta are paired with juicy ground beef, golden-browned onion, butter, and cool garlic yogurt.
Badimjan Dolmasi
A traditional Azerbaijani dolma made with eggplants, sweet peppers and tomatoes, stuffed with juicy lamb, fresh herbs and cinnamon.
Baku Pakhlava
Golden, diamond-cut pakhlava with thin layers of yeasted dough, walnuts, cardamom, and saffron syrup — a festive dessert served with Azerbaijani tea.