Armenian Basturma
Basturma is a pastrami style beef with a fenugreek based seasoning. Our spice kit includes mild Aleppo pepper. Experience the intensive flavor in this adaption for marinated grill meat. Or use the spice blend in a bell pepper dip. Add a cold fresh cucumber summer salad with dill. Armenians like the salad more liquidy close to a soup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs chicken
Fresh Produce
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1 English cucumber finely diced
Dairy
- 1 cup yogurt plain
Packaged Goods/Staples
- oil
- salt & pepper
Basturma Culinary Spice Kit
- [1] Fenugreek, cumin, allspice, black pepper, smoked paprika
- [2] Aleppo pepper
- [3] Dill
Suggested Sides
- cooked bulgur rice, or couscous
- Armenian Lavash bread
Instructions
Basturma Marinade
- In a BOWL, mix 2 tbsp oil, 2/3 of the garlic, and Basturma [1] spices.
- Add salt and Basturma [2] spices to taste.
- In a CONTAINER, pour the marinade over the meat slices and mix well.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours.
Jajuk Salad
- In a BOWL, mix yogurt with 1/2 cup of water.
- Add Basturma [3] spices and 1/3 of the garlic.
- Mix with cucumber and salt & pepper to taste.
- Let it cool in the fridge for 1 hour.
Grill
- In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
- Add meat slices and fry quickly until the meat is just cooked. Turn frequently.
Serve
- Serve basturma with jajuk and your preferred side(s).
- Enjoy!
Notes
Alternative Vegetarian Spread or Dip
4 red bell peppers, halved
1 clove garlic
1-4 tbsp nuts (choose your favorite)
Roast bell pepper skin side up in the OVEN at 350°F about 20 min until the skin comes off. Let it cool. Peel. Blend the flesh in a food processor with 1 tbsp oil, 1 clove garlic, and optionally nuts. Add water as needed to get a smooth paste.
Add to taste: salt, Basturma [1] + [2] spices
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!