39 afghan recipes

Ketjap manis, the Indonesian sweet soy sauce that flavors nasi goreng, satay, and bami goreng. Homemade syrup of dark brown sugar, soy, molasses, galangal, and coriander cooks in 20 minutes and keeps for months.

Korma Sabzee is a slow-simmered Afghan beef stew with spinach, cilantro, and cumin, served over chalau basmati rice. A gentle, herb-forward one-pot meal from Afghan home kitchens.

Silky eggplant slices fried golden, then chilled in a spiced tomato bath with cinnamon, mint, and red pepper flakes. This Afghan salad tastes bright, tangy, and just a little bit dangerous.

Nasi kuning, Indonesian yellow rice cooked in coconut milk with turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaf. A fragrant, golden ceremonial rice traditionally molded into a cone shape.

Quick Indonesian pickled mushrooms in cumin-spiced vinegar with shallots. This tangy condiment takes 30 minutes and adds bright acidity to rice dishes and grilled meats.

Crisp matchstick vegetables dance in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce spiked with sambal heat and golden turmeric. This Indonesian pickle jar classic pairs like a dream with Nasi Goreng.

Aush is a hearty Afghan noodle dish layered with split peas, kidney beans, spinach, spiced lamb keema, and tangy mint yogurt. Handmade noodles meet bold Central Asian flavors in this soul-satisfying one-bowl meal.

Orak Arik is an Indonesian cabbage and egg stir-fry with shrimp, garlic, and scallions. A fast wok dish that comes together in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Tender squid rings stir-fried in a fiery paste of almonds, chiles, and shrimp paste, then simmered in coconut milk with tamarind and lemongrass. Serve this bold Indonesian sambal over steamed rice.

Afghan layered eggplant with tomatoes, peppers, and onions topped with garlic yogurt sauce. This vegetarian main dish is comfort food at its finest, served with flatbread.

Homemade ketjap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) from dark brown sugar, soy sauce, molasses, galangal, and cilantro. Stores for months at room temperature.

Indonesian-inspired gado gado peanut dipping sauce with garlic, ginger, soy, cream, and Tabasco. Warm or cold, this lush satay-style dip transforms a tray of crudites.

Gulai kambing, an Indonesian spiced lamb curry simmered in coconut milk with lemongrass, bird's eye chilies, cardamom, and ground macadamia nuts. Rich, aromatic, and served over rice.

Freshly ground spice blend with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cardamom, toasted in a pan until fragrant. Make your own curry powder in five minutes and never go back to the jar.

Indonesian sambal ikan transforms tuna into a spicy-sweet coconut relish with shallots, garlic, and candlenuts. Serve hot or cold as a bold condiment or side dish.

Thinly sliced beef marinated in curry, garlic, and honey, threaded on skewers and grilled until charred at the edges. Dunk these Indonesian satay skewers in warm coconut-peanut sauce for pure bliss.