Dushbara Soup
Dushbara is a soup of tiny dumplings filled with minced meat, served in a clear broth. The dumplings are small about the size of a fingernail and are often topped with vinegar, garlic, and mint.
What is Dushbara Soup?
Dushbara (düşbərə) is a traditional Azerbaijani soup of very small dumplings (dushbara) filled with minced meat and onion, served in a clear meat broth. The dumplings are shaped like tiny boats or half-moons and are boiled in the broth. The soup is often finished with vinegar, crushed garlic, and dried mint. It is a beloved home and restaurant dish.
How do you eat Dushbara Soup?
Dushbara is served hot in a bowl. Add a little vinegar and a sprinkle of dried mint at the table; some add crushed garlic. Eat the dumplings and broth with a spoon. Bread (lavash) on the side is common. The small size means you get several dumplings per spoonful. It is a main-course soup filling and comforting.
What is the filling inside Dushbara dumplings?
The filling is minced lamb (or beef) mixed with finely chopped or grated onion, salt, and pepper. No rice or other grains just meat and onion. The mixture is placed in small circles of thin dough, which are then folded and pinched into the characteristic small shape before being boiled in the broth.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Minced lamb (or beef)
- Onion
- Broth (lamb or beef)
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Dried mint
- Salt
- Pepper
Frequently asked questions
- How small should Dushbara dumplings be?
- Very small roughly the size of a fingernail or a small hazelnut. In Azerbaijan there is a saying that a spoon should hold several dushbara. Making them this small is time-consuming, so it is a dish that shows care and skill. Larger versions exist but are not traditional.
- What is usually sprinkled on top of Dushbara Soup?
- Vinegar (a few drops or to taste), crushed or minced garlic, and dried mint are the classic toppings. Some also add a little ground pepper. The vinegar and mint cut through the rich broth and add a sharp, fresh note.
