Afghan cuisine is like a symphony of flavors—harmonious, vibrant, and unforgettable.
If you’ve never ventured into this rich culinary tradition, you’re in for a treat.
Known for its perfect balance of spices, fresh ingredients, and hearty meals, Afghan food offers something for everyone.
From savory stews to sweet pastries, every dish tells a story steeped in culture and history.
In this guide, we’ll take you through 15+ Afghan recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance.
These are not just meals; they’re experiences you’ll want to relive over and over. Let’s dig in!
1. Kabuli Pulao
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb lamb or chicken
- 2 carrots (julienned)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cardamom
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup oil
How to Make It: Cook the meat with onions, garlic, and spices until tender. In a separate pot, boil rice until slightly undercooked.
Layer the meat, rice, and a topping of sautéed carrots, raisins, and almonds in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.
Why we chose it: Kabuli Pulao is Afghanistan’s national dish and a must-try for its delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors.
It’s a meal fit for kings and cozy family dinners alike.
2. Mantu (Afghan Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pack wonton wrappers
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Mix the meat, onions, garlic, and spices for the filling.
Place small amounts of the mixture into wonton wrappers and seal.
Steam the dumplings for about 15 minutes. Top with yogurt and serve warm.
Why we selected it: Who doesn’t love dumplings? Afghan Mantu stands out with its bold flavors and rich textures, making it a hit at any dinner table.
3. Bolani (Stuffed Flatbread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- ½ cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It: Mix flour and water into a dough. Roll out thin circles and fill with mashed potatoes seasoned with green onions and cumin.
Fold and seal. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Why we selected it: Bolani is a snack that feels like a warm hug. It’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
4. Aush (Afghan Noodle Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 pack egg noodles
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Cook the meat with onions, garlic, and spices. Add broth and chickpeas.
Boil egg noodles separately and combine everything. Garnish with yogurt before serving.
Why we chose it: Aush is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, warm, and absolutely delicious.
5. Kofta (Afghan Meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
How to Make It: Mix the meat, onion, garlic, egg, and spices.
Form into meatballs and cook in a skillet until browned. Simmer in tomato sauce for 20 minutes. Serve with rice or naan.
Why we selected it: Kofta’s juicy texture and bold seasoning make it an unforgettable dish you’ll crave.
6. Afghan Shorba (Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb or chicken
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Sauté meat with onions and spices.
Add water, carrots, and tomatoes. Simmer until the flavors meld. Serve hot.
Why we chose it: This simple yet flavorful soup is like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings.
7. Ashak (Leek Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup leeks (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pack wonton wrappers
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ cup tomato sauce
How to Make It: Fill wrappers with a mixture of leeks and spices.
Steam for 15 minutes. Top with yogurt and tomato sauce before serving.
Why we chose it: Ashak’s unique flavor profile is a vegetarian delight that doesn’t skimp on taste.
8. Borani Banjan (Eggplant Dish)
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Fry eggplant slices until golden. Layer with tomatoes, onions, and yogurt in a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Why we selected it: This dish is all about bold, hearty flavors that’ll make you fall in love with eggplants.
9. Qorma Sabzi (Spinach Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb or beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups water
How to Make It: Sauté meat and onions with spices.
Add spinach and water. Simmer until thick and flavorful. Serve with rice.
Why we chose it: It’s a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
10. Sheer Khurma (Sweet Vermicelli)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vermicelli
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ tsp cardamom
How to Make It: Cook vermicelli in milk with sugar, cardamom, and dried fruits. Serve chilled or warm.
Why we chose it: Sheer Khurma is the ultimate dessert to end a meal on a sweet note.
11. Afghan Green Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp green tea leaves
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar (optional)
How to Make It: Boil tea leaves in water. Strain and sweeten if desired. Serve hot.
Why we chose it: Green tea is the heart of Afghan hospitality and the perfect way to wind down.
Conclusion
Afghan cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
From savory stews to sweet treats, every dish on this list promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Ready to bring Afghanistan’s rich flavors into your kitchen? Try one (or all!) of these recipes today. Let us know which one becomes your new favorite!