Piti
Piti: A Hearty Azerbaijani Stew with Mutton and Chickpeas
Piti is a traditional Azerbaijani stew that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold winter nights. This dish is made with mutton, chickpeas, and a variety of aromatic spices that give it a rich and complex flavor. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make Piti from scratch, with detailed composition of ingredients by serving, cooking tips, and a step-by-step guide to the cooking process.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb. mutton, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups water
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley) for garnish
Cooking Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the stew. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Soak the chickpeas overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure they are tender.
- Brown the mutton before adding it to the stew. This will add flavor and help seal in the juices.
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the mutton and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Drain the chickpeas and add them to the pot, along with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the mutton and chickpeas are tender.
5. Serve the Piti hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Appearance and Taste:
Piti is a hearty and filling stew that is perfect for cold winter nights. The mutton and chickpeas are tender and flavorful, and the aromatic spices give the dish a rich and complex flavor. The stew has a thick and creamy texture, and is garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness.
Type of Dish: Hearty Stew
Main Ingredients: Mutton, Chickpeas, Aromatic Spices
