Winter Warmth From The Bukharian Kitchen

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As winter settles in and families return to routine, the Bukharian kitchen becomes a haven of warmth — pots simmering for hours, noodles hand-cut at the table, dumplings folded together in conversation, and airy sweets whipped until glossy. These dishes carry both the heart of tradition and the comfort of home, reminding us that even as the cold deepens outside, the Bukharian table stays generous, fragrant, and full of warmth.

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Bukharian Beef & Vegetable Soup

A rustic, deeply warming soup made for cold days — tender beef, root vegetables, and chickpeas simmered slowly until the broth turns golden and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (preferably with bone)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 tomato, diced
• ½ cup chickpeas (optional)
• 6 cups water
• Salt, pepper, turmeric

Instructions:

Brown beef and onion in a little oil.

Add carrots, potatoes, tomato, chickpeas, and spices.

Pour in water; simmer 1½–2 hours.

Serve hot with herbs and warm bread.

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Fried Lagman Noodles with Vegetables

A stovetop classic — lagman noodles tossed with onions, peppers, carrots, tomato, and optional beef. Quick, filling, and full of Bukharian depth.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked lagman noodles or pasta
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 tomato, chopped
• ½ lb beef or lamb (optional)
• Oil, salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions:

Fry onions, meat, and vegetables.

Add tomato and spices.

Toss in noodles; stir-fry until coated.

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Bukharian Meat Dumplings

Delicate hand-folded dumplings filled with spiced meat and onions — a winter tradition made even better when the family shapes them together.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 2 cups flour
• ½ cup water
• Pinch of salt

Filling:

• ½ lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, grated
• Salt, pepper, cumin

Instructions:

Make dough; rest 30 minutes.

Roll thin, cut circles.

Add filling; fold and seal edges.

Boil until dumplings float (6–8 minutes).

Serve warm with broth or a drizzle of oil.

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Bukharian Whipped Meringue Dessert

A light, lemon-kissed cloud of meringue traditionally shared at celebrations — brightening even the coldest winter Shabbos table.

Ingredients:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp rosewater (optional)

Instructions:

Boil sugar and water to soft-ball stage.

Whip egg whites; slowly add hot syrup.

Add lemon juice and rosewater.

Beat until glossy and firm.

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