🍲 Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup 🇦🇿
Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup, also known as “Dovga,” is a traditional Azerbaijani dish that is both delicious and healthy. It is a sour yogurt-based soup made with various fresh greens and herbs. Here’s a detailed response with the information you requested:
📜 History:
Dovga has a long history in Azerbaijani cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the region centuries ago and has been a staple dish, especially during hot summer months when fresh greens are abundant. The name “Dovga” comes from the Azerbaijani word “dovğa,” which means “sour milk” or “kefir.”
🥣 Components:
- Kefir or yogurt: The base of the soup, which provides the sour and creamy element.
- Fresh greens and herbs: Typically, ingredients like spinach, sorrel, dill, cilantro, and mint are used. The choice of greens can vary depending on personal preference and what’s in season.
- Rice: It’s added to provide some substance and make the soup more filling.
- Eggs: Optional, but they can be beaten and added for extra protein and a creamy texture.
- Flour: A small amount is used for thickening the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a pleasant kick to the flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Start by thoroughly washing and chopping the fresh greens and herbs. Set them aside.
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In a large pot, bring the kefir or yogurt to room temperature. It’s essential not to heat it too quickly, as it can curdle.
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While the kefir is warming, rinse the rice under cold water and drain it.
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In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a small amount of water to form a smooth paste.
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Slowly add the flour paste to the warmed kefir, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
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Once the kefir thickens slightly, add the rice and continue to simmer until the rice is fully cooked. This may take about 20-30 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs (if you’re using them), and gradually add some of the hot soup to the beaten eggs while stirring continuously to temper them. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the pot, stirring gently to combine.
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Add the chopped greens and herbs to the soup, and let it simmer for a few more minutes until they wilt and the flavors meld.
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Season the Dovga with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add finely minced garlic for an extra kick.
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Serve the Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup hot or cold, depending on your preference. It’s often garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt.
⏰ Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup can vary, but on average, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish. This includes the time for chopping, cooking the rice, and simmering the soup.
Enjoy your delicious Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup, and feel free to customize it to your taste with different greens and herbs! 🥄🌿🥣
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Azerbaijani Kefir and Greens Soup, also known as Dovga:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion size.
- Protein: Dovga is a good source of protein, thanks to the kefir and optional eggs. A typical serving may contain around 10-15 grams of protein.
- Carbohydrates: The rice in the soup contributes carbohydrates, with roughly 20-30 grams per serving.
- Fat: The fat content can vary, but it’s generally on the lower side, around 5-10 grams per serving.
- Fiber: There is some dietary fiber from the greens and herbs, contributing about 3-5 grams per serving.
- Vitamins: Dovga is rich in various vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K from the greens and herbs. Kefir also provides some B vitamins.
- Minerals: It contains minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium from the kefir and greens.
🌿 Health Information:
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Rich in Greens: Dovga is a healthy dish due to its high content of fresh greens and herbs. These ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.
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Probiotic Benefits: Kefir, as the base of the soup, is a fermented dairy product. It contains beneficial probiotics that can support gut health and digestion.
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Protein Source: Dovga is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health, tissue repair, and overall body function.
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Low in Saturated Fat: The soup is relatively low in saturated fat, which is a heart-healthy feature.
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Fiber Content: The soup contains dietary fiber from the greens, which is beneficial for digestive health.
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Low Calorie: Dovga is a relatively low-calorie dish, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Nutrient Variety: This soup provides a variety of nutrients from different ingredients, contributing to a well-rounded and balanced diet.
It’s worth noting that the exact nutrition content can vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes. Additionally, if you have specific dietary concerns or requirements, you may want to adjust the ingredients to suit your needs. Enjoy your Dovga as a nutritious and delicious part of your meal! 🥗🥄
