Azerbaijani cuisine is like a warm embrace from a culture steeped in history and tradition.
With its stunning mix of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Turkish influences, Azerbaijani dishes are a flavorful adventure you absolutely have to experience.
From hearty stews to flaky pastries, there’s a lot on the table—literally and figuratively—that’ll leave you craving more.
Ready to explore some of the most delicious recipes you’ve probably never heard of? Let’s dive into 10+ of the best Azerbaijani recipes you need to try at least once.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone looking for something fresh and exciting to whip up at home, this list has got your back.
1. Plov (Azerbaijani Rice Pilaf)
Plov isn’t just rice—it’s an experience. This dish features fragrant basmati rice cooked with saffron, dried fruits, and tender chunks of lamb or chicken.
What makes Azerbaijani plov special is its layering technique: rice, meat, and fruits are all prepared separately before being assembled into one stunning dish.
You’ll often find it served with a crispy layer of tahdig (golden rice crust) that’s worth fighting over.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
- 1 lb lamb or chicken, cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, raisins, or prunes
- 1/4 cup butter or clarified butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the meat with onions, salt, and pepper in butter until tender. Add dried fruits and set aside.
- Parboil the rice, then drain and layer it in a pot with saffron water and the meat mixture.
- Cover and steam on low heat for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Why did this make it to our list? Because plov is the heart and soul of Azerbaijani cuisine—it’s the dish you’ll see at weddings, family gatherings, and everywhere in between.
2. Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Dolma is one of those dishes that brings people together. These little bundles of joy.
Are grape leaves stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef or lamb, rice, and herbs.
They’re slow-cooked until tender, and every bite is packed with flavor. Bonus: They’re perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar grape leaves, rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How to Make It:
- Mix the meat, rice, onion, dill, mint, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on each grape leaf and roll it up tightly.
- Layer the dolmas in a pot, add lemon juice, and cover with water.
- Simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.
Why we selected it? Dolma is comfort food with a cultural twist, and the balance of fresh herbs and hearty filling is simply unbeatable.
3. Dushbara (Azerbaijani Dumpling Soup)
Dushbara is like a warm hug in a bowl. These tiny lamb or beef dumplings are served in a flavorful broth, often garnished.
With fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Making dushbara is a labor of love, but trust me, it’s so worth it.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 4 cups beef or lamb broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, egg, and water to form a dough. Roll it out thin and cut into small squares.
- Combine ground meat, onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Place a small amount of filling on each dough square and pinch the edges to seal.
- Boil the dumplings in broth until they float, then serve hot with cilantro.
Why did this make it to our list? Dushbara is the ultimate comfort food—it’s like the Azerbaijani version of chicken noodle soup but with a twist.
4. Qutab (Stuffed Flatbread)
Qutab is basically Azerbaijan’s answer to quesadillas. These thin flatbreads.
Are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from ground meat to pumpkin or fresh herbs.
Cooked on a griddle and brushed with butter, they’re crispy, savory, and ridiculously addictive.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (like cilantro and parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter, for brushing
How to Make It:
- Mix flour and water to form a dough, then roll it out into thin circles.
- Spread the filling over one half, fold the dough, and seal the edges.
- Cook on a hot griddle until golden brown, then brush with butter.
Why we chose it? Qutab is a quick, versatile snack that hits the spot every time.
5. Shah Plov (Crown Pilaf)
Shah plov is the king of all pilafs. It’s a showstopper dish where rice, meat, and dried fruits are baked inside a crispy layer of lavash bread.
When you cut into it, the steamy, aromatic filling spills out like a treasure chest.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups basmati rice
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
- 1 lb lamb or chicken, cooked
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (apricots and raisins)
- 4 large lavash breads
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Parboil the rice and mix with saffron water.
- Line a greased pot with lavash bread, letting the edges hang over.
- Layer the rice, meat, and fruits, then fold the lavash over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list? Shah plov is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach, perfect for special occasions.
6. Badimjan Dolmasi (Stuffed Eggplant)
Badimjan dolmasi takes stuffed veggies to the next level. This dish features tender eggplants stuffed.
With a flavorful mix of ground lamb, rice, onions, and herbs. Slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, the result is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Ingredients:
- 6 small eggplants
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Hollow out the eggplants and sprinkle them with salt to remove bitterness.
- Mix the lamb, rice, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Stuff the eggplants with the filling and place them in a pot.
- Pour tomato sauce over the eggplants and simmer for 45 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list? Badimjan dolmasi is comfort food at its finest, combining hearty flavors with the earthy sweetness of eggplant.
7. Lavangi (Stuffed Chicken or Fish)
Lavangi is a rich, flavorful dish featuring chicken or fish stuffed with a paste of ground walnuts, onions, and dried fruits.
Baked to perfection, this dish is sweet, savory, and completely unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken or large fish (like trout)
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or prunes
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix walnuts, onions, dried fruits, pomegranate molasses, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Stuff the chicken or fish with the mixture and secure it with kitchen twine.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour (or until cooked through).
Why we selected it? Lavangi is a celebration of bold flavors and textures, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish.
8. Piti (Lamb and Chickpea Stew)
Piti is a slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew served in individual clay pots.
The broth is rich and savory, while the tender lamb and chickpeas add heartiness.
Served with fresh bread, this dish is a warm and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb shank, cut into pieces
- 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried apricots
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Layer the lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, onions, and apricots in a clay pot.
- Sprinkle turmeric, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover with water and bake at 300°F for 4 hours.
Why did this make it to our list? Piti is a dish that takes its time, rewarding you with a hearty and flavorful experience.
9. Gurza (Azerbaijani Dumplings)
Gurza is similar to dushbara but larger in size and pan-fried for a crispy texture.
These dumplings are filled with ground meat and onions, offering a deliciously chewy and crispy bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It:
- Prepare the dough with flour, egg, and water, then roll it out and cut into squares.
- Mix the meat, onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Fill and seal each square, then pan-fry until golden brown.
Why we chose it? Gurza combines the comfort of dumplings with the satisfaction of a crispy, golden crust.
10. Südlü Şorba (Milk Soup)
Südlü şorba is a simple yet comforting soup made with milk, rice, and butter.
Lightly sweetened and often served with a dollop of honey, this dish is perfect for breakfast or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup rice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
- Cook the rice in milk until soft, stirring occasionally.
- Add butter, sugar, and salt, and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with honey.
Why did this make it to our list? Südlü şorba is comfort in a bowl, offering a nostalgic, soothing experience.
11. Pakhlava (Azerbaijani Baklava)
Pakhlava is a sweet and nutty dessert made with layers of flaky pastry, ground nuts, and a spiced syrup.
Its diamond-shaped pieces are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 cups ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make It:
- Layer phyllo dough with butter and a mixture of walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey syrup made from honey and water, then let cool before serving.
Why we selected it? Pakhlava is the perfect sweet ending to any Azerbaijani meal, combining rich flavors and delicate textures.
Conclusion
Azerbaijani cuisine is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. From hearty stews to delicate pastries.
These dishes are all about bringing people together and celebrating flavor.
So, grab your apron and give these recipes a try—your taste buds will thank you.
And hey, don’t keep all this deliciousness to yourself—share it with your friends and family!