Bukhara Summer Market Favorites

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Summer markets in Bukhara are filled with fragrant herbs, ripe vegetables, stone fruits, and freshly baked breads. These traditional recipes celebrate the season with light flavors, vibrant produce, and dishes that are perfect for family meals and warm-weather gatherings.

 

Dolma-i Qalampir

Bukharian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers filled with seasoned beef, rice, onions, and fresh herbs, then gently simmered until tender.

 

Ingredients

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cups tomato sauce or broth

Instructions

1. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
2. Mix the beef, rice, onion, herbs, spices, and oil.
3. Fill each pepper about three-quarters full.
4. Stand the peppers upright in a pot.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce or broth.
6. Cover and simmer for about 50 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the rice is cooked.

 

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Murabbo-i O’rik

Fresh Apricot Preserves

A traditional summer preserve made with ripe apricots, lightly sweetened to showcase the fruit.

 

Ingredients

• 2 lb fresh apricots, halved
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add the apricots and lemon juice.
4. Simmer gently until the fruit is tender and the syrup thickens.
5. Cool completely before serving or storing.

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Karam Dolma

Bukharian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of beef, rice, onions, and herbs.

 

Ingredients

• 1 large cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 1 onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups broth

Instructions

1. Blanch the cabbage leaves until flexible.
2. Combine the beef, rice, onion, herbs, and seasonings.
3. Roll a spoonful of filling inside each cabbage leaf.
4. Arrange the rolls in a pot.
5. Add the broth.
6. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour.

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Angur Sharbat

Fresh Grape Cooler

A refreshing summer drink made from fresh grapes, water, and a touch of lemon.

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless grapes
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1–2 tbsp sugar, optional

 

Instructions

1. Blend the grapes, water, lemon juice, and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain through a fine sieve.
3. Chill thoroughly.
4. Serve over ice.