Afghan Side Dishes

The Afghan bolani is a stuffed, pan-fried flatbread made with unleavened dough that is typically filled with a mixture of potato mash and various other ingredients such as spinach, spring onions, pumpkin, or even green or red lentils. In Afghanist... READ MORE

Afghan mantu, one of the most beloved dishes of the Afghan people, consists of meat and onion stuffed dumplings, either a thick yogurt and garlic sauce or chakkah (strained yogurt), and a tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, fresh pastry or... READ MORE

This delicious Afghan vegetable dish is made with slices of fried eggplant that are simmered in an aromatic tomato sauce and served topped with a thick yogurt that is heavily seasoned with garlic and mint. Even though borani banjan is oft... READ MORE

The main ingredients in this Afghan dish are chunks of pumpkin or squash that are slowly braised in a flavorful combination of onions, garlic, coriander, ginger, turmeric, chili peppers, and tomatoes. Borani kadoo can be enjoyed as the main course... READ MORE

Zamarod pulao, translated to emerald pilaf, is a famous Afghan dish made with rice and spinach cooked in vegetable or beef stock, often enriched with lamb or beef. The spinach imparts its signature green color to the dish, so it is usuall... READ MORE

Salata is a very popular side dish in Afghan cuisine, a frequent accompaniment during lunch and dinner. The ingredients are usually only cucumbers and tomatoes that have been uniformly diced as much as possible, dressed with freshly squeezed lemon... READ MORE

Sholeh ghorbandi is a traditional rice dish hailing from Afghanistan's Ghorband district. The dish is usually made with a combination of medium-grain rice, oil, onions, tomatoes, mung beans, lime, dill, and black pepper. The onions are fried in oi... READ MORE

Golpi is a traditional vegetable-based dish originating from Afghanistan. The dish is usually made with a combination of cauliflower florets, oil, onions, salt, garlic, curry powder, sugar, tomatoes, bay leaves, white vinegar, and spices such as c... READ MORE

Osh pyozee, meaning stuffed onions, is an Afghan specialty made with onions filled with rice, ground meat, feta cheese, and prunes. Layers of boiled yellow onions are topped with a mixture of cooked rice, ground lamb, feta, prunes, and sa... READ MORE