Baghali ghatogh facts for kids
| Alternative names | Baghala ghatogh |
|---|---|
| Type | Stew |
| Place of origin |  Iran |
| Region or state | Gilan and Mazandaran |
Baghali ghatogh (pronounced Bah-gah-LEE Gah-Togh) is a delicious and popular stew from northern Iran. It's especially famous in the Gilan and Mazandaran regions, which are known for their rich cooking traditions. This tasty dish is made mainly with fava beans, fresh dill, and eggs.
It's usually served with a special Persian rice dish called kateh. Baghali ghatogh is a type of "khoresh," which is the Persian word for stew. It gets its wonderful flavor from spices like turmeric, salt, garlic, and sometimes a little pepper.
What is Baghali Ghatogh?
Baghali ghatogh is a simple yet flavorful stew. It's a favorite comfort food in Iran, especially in the northern areas near the Caspian Sea. The main ingredients are easy to find and combine to create a hearty meal.
Key Ingredients
The star of this dish is the fava bean. These beans are also known as broad beans. They are often peeled before cooking to make the stew extra smooth and tender.
- Fava Beans: These are the main ingredient. They give the stew its creamy texture and unique taste.
- Dill: Fresh dill adds a bright, herby flavor that is very important to the dish.
- Eggs: Eggs are usually cracked directly into the stew towards the end of cooking. They poach gently in the sauce.
- Spices: Turmeric gives the stew a beautiful yellow color and a warm, earthy taste. Garlic adds a strong, savory kick. Salt and pepper balance the flavors.
How is it Made?
Making Baghali ghatogh is quite simple. First, the fava beans are cooked until they are soft. Then, fresh dill and garlic are added. Finally, eggs are gently cooked into the stew.
Outside of Iran, people sometimes use other beans if fava beans are hard to find. These can include lima beans or kidney beans. If you use dried beans, it's a good idea to soak them in water overnight. This helps them cook faster and become softer.
Serving Baghali Ghatogh
This stew is often served with kateh. Kateh is a simple, fluffy Persian rice dish. The rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the stew. Baghali ghatogh can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. It's a popular choice for family meals.
