Gürzə facts for kids
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| Type | Dumpling |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Azerbaijan |
| Main ingredients | Flour, lamb, onion |
| Ingredients generally used | Yogurt or sour cream, garlic |
Gürzə is a special type of dumpling from Azerbaijan. It's a popular part of Azerbaijan's national cuisine. Imagine a small, tasty package made from thin dough with a yummy filling inside!
Gürzə is unique because of its shape and how it's sealed. It's often served with creamy yogurt or sour cream, making it a delicious and comforting meal.
Contents
What is Gürzə?
Gürzə is a kind of dumpling, similar to ravioli or pierogi, but with its own special Azerbaijani twist. Each Gürzə is made from a small, round piece of very thin dough, usually about 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide. These dough circles are filled with a savory mix, then carefully folded and sealed.
How is Gürzə Made?
Making Gürzə involves a few steps, from preparing the dough and filling to shaping and cooking. It's a craft that has been passed down through generations in Azerbaijan.
The Dough
The dough for Gürzə is made from flour and water, rolled out super thin, about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) thick. Then, small circles are cut out, ready to be filled. This thin dough makes the Gürzə light and delicate when cooked.
The Filling
The most common filling for Gürzə is made from minced lamb that has some fat in it. This meat is mixed with finely chopped onion. Before it goes into the dough, the meat and onion mixture is often lightly fried. This step helps to bring out the flavors and makes the filling even more delicious.
Shaping and Cooking
After the filling is placed on the dough circles, the Gürzə are shaped into small cylinders. They have a unique open top, which is one of their distinguishing features. The edges of the dough are sealed with a special technique that looks a bit like a braided pattern.
Once shaped, Gürzə are usually boiled in water for just a few minutes until they are cooked through. After boiling, they are strained and often seasoned with a sprinkle of cinnamon. They are traditionally served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream mixed with crushed garlic. In some parts of Azerbaijan, Gürzə are boiled in a tasty lamb broth and served as a soup. This soup version is often topped with fresh chopped parsley and served with a mix of vinegar and crushed garlic.
Where Does Gürzə Come From?
Gürzə comes from Azerbaijan, a country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Azerbaijani cuisine is rich and diverse, with many dishes featuring meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Gürzə is a proud part of this culinary heritage, enjoyed by families across the country.
Why is it Called Gürzə?
The name "Gürzə" is quite interesting! It comes from the Azerbaijani language name for a type of snake called the "Caucasian meadow viper" (Vipera lotievi). You might wonder what a delicious dumpling has to do with a snake. Well, the name was given because the special way the Gürzə dumplings are sealed and folded looks a lot like the cornrow pattern found on the skin of the Caucasian meadow viper. It's a clever way to describe the unique look of this traditional dish!
