Qarta facts for kids
Qarta is a traditional dish from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It is a special type of meat prepared from a specific part of a horse's digestive system. This dish is often served as an appetizer and is known for its unique texture and flavor. It is a popular part of the rich culinary heritage in these Central Asian countries.
What is Qarta?
Qarta is made from a section of the horse's lower digestive tract. This part includes both strong outer tissue and softer inner layers. These layers have different textures, from firm to tender, and contain some fat. This mix of textures makes Qarta a unique food experience.
How is Qarta Prepared?
Preparing Qarta involves several steps to make sure it is clean and tastes good.
- Cleaning: One way to clean it is to turn it inside out and wash it very carefully. This helps remove any unwanted flavors.
- Cooking Methods:
- It can be smoked for about 24 hours. Sometimes, it is then dried for another 48 hours.
- Another method is to boil it for a few hours until it is tender.
- Finishing Touches: After cleaning and cooking, Qarta is sliced into round pieces. These slices are then gently cooked in a flavorful meat broth. It is seasoned simply with salt, green pepper, and dill.
Serving Qarta
Qarta is usually served without any sauces or extra spices. It is often enjoyed with another traditional horse meat dish called qazy. The goal when cooking Qarta is to keep its interesting textures. Chefs work carefully to make sure the different parts of the meat are cooked just right, not too soft or too tough.
