Cuisine : Qurutob - How to prepare this traditional Tajik dish

 

**Qurutob** is a traditional Tajik dish, especially popular in Central Asia, particularly Tajikistan. It typically consists of flatbread, thinly sliced vegetables, and dried yogurt balls (qurut) mixed with water. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare Qurutob:

**Ingredients:**

- Flatbread (Lavash or similar)

- Fresh tomatoes

- Cucumbers

- Green onions

- Radishes

- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley)

- Salt

- Water

- Qurut (dried yogurt balls)

**Steps:**

1. **Prepare the Qurut:**

   - Soak the dried yogurt balls (qurut) in water until they soften. This may take a few hours or overnight.

2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**

   - Wash and thinly slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, radishes, and any other desired vegetables.

   - Chop fresh herbs finely.

3. **Create the Yogurt Mixture:**

   - In a bowl, mix the softened qurut with water until it forms a yogurt-like consistency. Add salt to taste.

4. **Assemble the Dish:**

   - Lay out a large serving platter or dish.

   - Place the flatbread on the bottom, covering the entire surface.

5. **Arrange the Vegetables:**

   - Spread the sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, radishes, and fresh herbs evenly over the flatbread.

6. **Pour the Yogurt Mixture:**

   - Pour the qurut and water mixture evenly over the vegetables and flatbread. Ensure it soaks into the bread.

7. **Serve:**

   - Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

   - Optionally, you can serve additional qurut on the side.

8. **Enjoy:**

   - Qurutob is often eaten with hands, tearing off pieces of the flatbread with the vegetables and yogurt mixture.

Qurutob is a refreshing and nutritious dish, and its preparation allows for variations based on personal preferences. It's a dish that reflects the culinary traditions of Central Asia and is enjoyed for its unique combination of flavors and textures.