Grandma Rose’s 100-Year-Old MAXARA Recipe | Traditional Azerbaijani Cooking

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: cooked lentils

Lentils provide protein and are more affordable.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers health benefits and flavor.

broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth adds flavor without meat.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: no herbs

Dried herbs are more accessible and last longer.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds.

Season the pumpkin halves with salt and pepper.

Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.

While the pumpkin bakes, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and spices; cook for 2-3 minutes.

Mix in cooked rice, combining well.

Remove pumpkin from oven and turn cut-side up.

Fill each pumpkin half with the meat and rice mixture.

Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary