YUPQA - Saj bread with meat. The best Uzbek traditional food Yufka

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner and more affordable than lamb.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a healthier grain alternative.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats.

dried fruits

🥗Healthier: fresh fruits

💰Cheaper: raisins

Fresh fruits are lower in sugar.

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Soak rice in warm water for 30 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in diced lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Add sliced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix in garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt, cooking for 2 minutes.

Drain the soaked rice and layer it over the meat mixture in the pot.

Pour in enough water to cover the rice by about an inch.

Add bay leaves and dried fruits on top of the rice.

Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: