Shirin plov

Azerbaijan is a country with a rich tapestry of culture, with many different influences - and no dish does more justice to its history than the sweet rice dish shirin plov. Believed to have been created in the capital of Baku, the dish is a nuanced and fragrant main course, often reserved for special occasions.

It is a pilaf made with several layers of basmati rice (infused with saffron and melted butter) that is combined with seasonal dried fruit. The most common toppings are apricots and raisins, but it can also be made with chestnuts during the fall season, or black plums during winter.

The infused rice and dried fruit are placed on top of a qazmaq - a typical pilaf crust made by frying a mixture of pre-cooked rice, yogurt, eggs, and saffron. Shirin plov is most often served alongside grilled meat but has recently gained some popularity in Europe as a vegan main course.