23/11/2015
Azerbaijani cuisine refers to the cooking styles and dishes of the nation of Azerbaijan and the region of Iranian Azerbaijan which is prepared by the Azerbaijani people around the world. Throughout the centuries, Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by the foods of different cultures, though at the same time, it remained distinctive and unique. Many foods that are indigenous to the country can now be seen in the cuisines of other neighboring cultures. For the Azerbaijanis, food is an important part of the country's culture and is deeply rooted in the history, traditions and values of the nation.
Out of 11 climate zones known in the world, the Azerbaijani climate has nine. This contributes to the fertility of the land, which in its turn results in the richness of the country’s cuisine. It is famous for an abundance of vegetables and greens used seasonally in the dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, coriander, dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, leek, chive, thyme, marjoram, green onion, and watercress are very popular and often accompany main dishes. The Caspian Sea is home to many edible species of fish, including the sturgeon, Caspian salmon, kutum, sardines, grey mullet, and others. Black caviar from the Caspian Sea is one of Azerbaijan’s best known delicacies well sought after in other parts of the world, including former Soviet countries.
One of the most reputed dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine is plov from saffron-covered rice, served with various herbs and greens, a combination totally distinct from those found in Uzbek plovs. Azerbaijani cuisine includes more than 40 different plov recipes. Other second courses include a wide variety of kebabs and shashlik, including lamb, beef, chicken, duck and fish (baliq) kebabs. Sturgeon, a common fish, is normally skewered and grilled as a shashlik, being served with a tart pomegranate sauce called narsharab. Dried fruits and walnuts are used in many dishes. The traditional condiments are salt, black pepper, sumac, and especially saffron, which is grown domestically on the Absheron Peninsula.
Black tea is the national beverage, and is drunk after food is eaten. It is also offered to guests as a gesture of welcome, often accompanied by fruit preserves.
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Азербайджанская кухня — национальная кухня азербайджанского народа, являющейся также кухней народов Азербайджана. По мнению известного азербайджанского кулинара Таира Амирасланова, азербайджанская кухня одна из самых древних и разнообразных в мире.
Азербайджанская национальная пища отличается большим разнообразием, насчитывая десятки видов различных блюд: молочных, мясных, мучных, овощных и т. д. Сами способы приготовления и потребления пищи различны и многообразны. В прошлом пища различалась также в зависимости от географических условий и социального положения людей.
Основные компоненты кухни определяются природными условиями страны: горный и субтропический климат обусловили широкое распространение в азербайджанской кухне баранины, птицы, речной и морской (каспийской) рыбы, а также фруктов и овощей. Широкое распространение получили разнообразная зелень, специи и приправы: корица, гвоздика, петрушка, кресс-салат (вазари), зелёный и чёрный рейхан (базилик), укроп, горький и душистый перец, тмин, кинза, мята, шафран, сумах и т. д.
