A Jewish Recipe from Azerbaijan

Moshe Mousa was a respected, hard-working merchant known for his wisdom and wit. But he wasn’t the best-dressed of men, which did not serve him well when invited to a seuda hoda’ah (feast of thanksgiving). Taking him for a beggar, the servant turned Moshe Mousa away. So Moshe Mousa went back home, dressed in his best, and returned to the feast, where he was welcomed like a king. Once inside and seated at the table, Moshe Mousa filled his sleeves with meat and rice and dipped his cuffs in the sauce. When asked to keep his clothes out of the food, he flatly refused, saying, “Eat, clothes, eat! Obviously, you are more welcome than I am in this house.”

Azerbaijani Plov

Ingredients:

3 tbsp olive oil		1 tsp loose tea (preferably green tea)
1 ½ pounds meat, cut into bite-size pieces		1 tsp cinnamon
1 onion, chopped		1 tsp ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, chopped		1/2 tsp ground coriander
3 medium carrots, sliced 1/2-inch thick		Pinch or two of Aleppo pepper, cayenne or crushed red pepper
1/2 cup halved dates, preferably Medjool		1 cup white rice
1/2 cup cut-up dried apricots		2 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
1/3 cup golden raisins		Salt to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large heat-proof, oven-proof pan over medium heat.

Add the meat and cook, turning the pieces, for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned.

Remove the meat and set aside.

Pour the remaining olive oil into the pan. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the garlic and carrots and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the dates, apricots, and raisins. Sprinkle with salt, cumin,  coriander, cinnamon, tea, and Aleppo pepper, stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the rice and meat. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover the pan, and place in the oven.

Bake for about 45 minutes. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.

May the sharing of this tale and dish strengthen the bonds of friendship, hope, and Shalom (peace)

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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