Cooking Memories
Words: Lola Pazilova
What makes food memorable
Food brings us closer. A really good meal can be a little bit like a small holiday. We get together and are distracted from our routines, spending time with loved ones and creating new memories amid everyday things. And of course, most of us want these moments to benefit our health, as well. In this article, we go in search of a balanced combination of delicious dishes for making unforgettable memories.
Vegetarian Plov with Jama Adilov
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Uzbekistan? Many people would say plov. Did you know that there is a vegetarian variation of this sensational Uzbek dish?
Jama Adilov is a well-known Uzbek surrealist painter. He’s also passionate about cooking and kindly agreed to share his thoughts about his signature vegetarian plov with the Visit Uzbekistan team.
A rice dish made with chickpeas, carrots, garlic and spices – all of these make vegetarian plov fragrant and rich in taste. “My task is to feed my guests tasty, hearty and plentifully so they miss the dish later," says Jama.
Uzbek cuisine should be tasted by everyone and vegan plov is a perfect example how any recipe can be adapted to a variety of tastes and preferences, so even the pickiest eaters feel satisfied after the meal.
“My vegetarian plov is not at all distinguishable from a meat-based one,” says Jama with a smile. “After all, plov should be just as festive, delicious and of course it will be caloric...oily!”
Each plov chef makes it in their own way and it always turns out differently. You can experiment with the taste by adding more vegetables and spices or choosing different varieties of rice. Most importantly, always cook with soul – this is the secret ingredient of any recipe.
Vegetarian plov is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy one. After all, vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, and rice is a source of carbohydrates and fibre that help our bodies function well.
Food should be a real pleasure! Among the huge variety of dishes, you will definitely be able to find something that will fill your heart with love.
How can we find balance with food and make time together even healthier and tastier? We went in search of answers to these questions from our next guest.
Saidakram is a well-known chef for the Bosphorus Family restaurant. He has an active online presence, with a cooking blog and popular social networks. Saidakram likes to experiment with different types of dishes. For him, cooking is a process in which each individual can find something close to their heart.
“The most interesting part of cooking a dish for me is the finished product. The moment when you realise that everything turned out exactly the way you wanted,” says Saidakram. “During the cooking process, the team and I always communicate with each other, communicate with the food and do everything with love. These are important parts of a delicious outcome.”
Healthy eating is crucial to life. Especially now, when many products are subjected to artificial treatments, it is important to know what we’re eating.
“Our [Uzbek] national dishes are fatty and it is always good to eat them with salads for balance. The ideal combination is to combine meat with green vegetables,” advises the chef.
Luckily, Uzbekistan’s rich variety of vegetables, fruits and greens offer something for every taste. Summer is the best time to consume fresh, healthy plant foods that offer the maximum nutrition from what our rich region provides.
Here, Saidakram shares a recipe for his favourite light summer salad that will make a wonderful addition to any table this season.
Ingredients:
• Tomatoes and cucumbers, peeled
• Rocket (arugula)
• Lettuce
• Green olives
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
Coarsely chop the greens, tomatoes and cucumbers. It is very important that all the greens are fresh. Pit the olives if necessary and add to the mix. Season with olive oil and lemon juice. Stir and let it stand for 15 minutes. Now it’s ready!
This very quick recipe is a useful side dish that will delight you and your loved ones.
Eat healthily and don't forget to enjoy every moment, whether cooking or just having a relaxing time with people that are important to you!
