Plov
Azerbaijani plov is a fragrant rice pilaf made with saffron, tender lamb, dried fruits, and chestnuts. It is the centrepiece of the table at weddings, holidays, and family gatherings across Azerbaijan.
What is Azerbaijani Plov?
Azerbaijani plov (also spelled pilaf) is the country's most iconic dish: a rich, aromatic rice pilaf cooked with saffron, tender lamb, dried fruits such as apricots and prunes, and chestnuts. Each region and family has its own version, but the base is always long-grain rice, often devzira, which stays fluffy and separate. Plov is the crown of the table at weddings, Novruz, and big family meals. This is the everyday plov the one you will find in most restaurants and the one locals eat most often.
How do you eat Azerbaijani Plov?
Plov is usually served on a large platter. Rice forms the base, with the meat, fruits, and chestnuts arranged on top or on the side. Take a bit of rice together with meat and a piece of dried fruit or chestnut in one spoonful. In many places it is accompanied by a simple salad (often with sumac or pomegranate) and yogurt or doogh. It is eaten with a spoon; mixing everything gently on your plate is normal. Leftovers are just as good the next day.
Over 40 Regional Variations
While the classic lamb and dried fruit plov is the most famous, Azerbaijan actually boasts over 40 different regional variations of this dish. Depending on where you travel, you might find plov made with chicken, fish, pumpkin, or even sweet variations packed with extra dried fruits and nuts. However, the golden rule remains the same everywhere: the rice must be perfectly loose and fragrant.
The Role of the Gazmag (The Crust)
A true sign of a master chef is the "gazmag". This is a crispy, golden crust baked at the very bottom of the rice pot. It is usually made from a thin layer of dough, potato slices, or a yogurt and egg mixture. When the plov is served, pieces of this delicious crunchy crust are placed on top of the rice. Many locals consider the gazmag to be the best part of the meal!
What are the ingredients of Azerbaijani Plov?
Classic Azerbaijani plov uses long-grain rice (often devzira), lamb (shoulder or leg), dried apricots and prunes, chestnuts, saffron, onion, and butter or lamb fat. Salt and pepper season the dish. The rice is parboiled and steamed separately; the meat and dried fruits are cooked in a base layer (gara). The two are combined when serving so the grains stay fluffy and the flavours stay distinct.
Ingredients
- Rice (usually devzira or similar)
- Lamb (shoulder or leg)
- Dried apricots and prunes
- Chestnuts
- Saffron
- Onion
- Butter or lamb fat
- Salt and pepper
Frequently asked questions
- Why is Azerbaijani Plov considered a festive dish?
- Plov has been the centrepiece of weddings, Novruz, and family feasts for generations. It is labour-intensive and shared from a large platter, so it symbolises hospitality and celebration. That said, ordinary plov is also everyday food in Azerbaijan you will find it in most restaurants. The festive image comes from its role at holidays and special occasions.
- How does Azerbaijani Plov differ from other pilafs?
- In Azerbaijani plov, the rice is parboiled and steamed separately from the base (meat, onion, dried fruits, and fat called gara or gazmakh). They are combined only when serving. In many Uzbek or Turkish pilafs, rice and base are cooked together in one pot. The Azerbaijani method gives fluffier, separate grains and a clearer layering of flavours on the plate.
- What drinks pair best with Azerbaijani Plov?
- Traditionally, heavy meat plov is followed by a glass of strong Azerbaijani black tea to help with digestion. During the meal, locals often drink Ayran (a cold, salty yogurt drink) or fresh pomegranate juice to balance the rich flavors.
- Can I eat Plov every day in Azerbaijan?
- Yes. While it is a festive dish, almost every traditional restaurant in Baku serves everyday versions of plov for lunch or dinner.
