Celebrate Purim With Traditional Bukharian Flavors!

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Purim is a time of joy, unity, and feasting. These classic Bukharian dishes bring the warmth of tradition to your festive table.

 Oshi Bukhari (Bukharian Rice Pilaf)

A Traditional Bukharian Dish For Purim

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 ½ lbs beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• ½ cup chickpeas (optional, pre-soaked if using dried)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water, soak for 30 minutes, then drain.

Cook Meat & Vegetables: Sauté onions until golden, add meat, brown, then stir in garlic, carrots, and spices.

Simmer: Add water or broth, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour.

Cook Rice: Spread rice over meat, add raisins (if using), cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Final Step: Fluff gently, mix with meat and vegetables, and serve warm.

Bukharian Purim Tradition: During Purim, Bukharian Jewish families gather in large groups, sharing Oshi Bukhari as a symbol of communal unity. In Bukhara, elders would often tell stories of Esther HaMalkah and Mordechai HaTzaddik around the table, reinforcing the importance of Purim's theme and lesson: resilience and faith. This dish was often prepared in large batches, ensuring that neighbors and those in need also had a portion to celebrate the chag.

A beautifully arranged plate of Gosh-e Fil, a traditional Bukharian dessert for Purim. These crispy, golden-brown fried pastries are shaped like eleph.webp

 

Gosh-e Fil (Bukharian Elephant Ears Pastry)

A Delightful Bukharian Dessert for Purim

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk or water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp melted butter or oil
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare Dough: Mix all ingredients into a smooth dough.

Roll & Shape: Roll out the dough very thin and cut into large irregular shapes.

Fry: Heat oil, fry pieces until golden brown, and drain excess oil.

Dust & Serve: Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Bukharian Purim Tradition: Gosh-e Fil is a beloved treat served at Purim celebrations, particularly as part of the mishloach manot given to friends and neighbors. Its delicate, crisp texture represents the fleeting nature of the Purim miracles, while the powdered sugar symbolizes the sweetness of victory over adversity. In Bukharian communities, making Gosh-e Fil has always been a family activity, with multiple generations shaping and frying the dough together while singing classic Purim tunes.