Recipe Book

Afghanistan is rich in traditions and customs, and has long been a melting pot for an array of ethnic groups and cultures. The country is geographically positioned at the meeting point of 4 major cultural areas: the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. These different influences can be tasted in Afghan cuisine, with the country's regional specialities reflecting the variety found across the country. Hospitality is an integral part of Afghan culture, with the best possible food being served for guests, always following a cup of tea of course. Food is traditionally eaten communally, sat on large colourful cushions called toshak.

Here you can find a collection of our favourite recipes - some for special occasions, some using our spice of the month and some simply because they are delicious!

Have a recipe request or recommendation? Get in touch and let us know - we'd love to hear from you.

May spice of the month

Spice up your month this May with this sizzling recipe - inspired by our spice of the month, these Kofte Kebabs are infused with Murch-e-sia (or chilli powder) and make the perfect addition to any BBQ! Read more

April spice of the month

Saffron is claimed to help regulate blood sugar levels, perfect after all that Easter chocolate! Try this saffron inspired dish, Murgh-E-Shekam Pur, which is often made for celebrations in Afghanistan. Read more

Melt-in-your-mouth biscuits

Made all year round, but especially popular during Nowruz, Ab-E-Dandon literally translates as melt in your mouth biscuits! With flavours of pistachio and cardamom they taste great served with green tea. Read more

March spice of the month

Ground Coriander or Tokhum-e-gashneez is rich in iron, and has been shown to help lower cholesterol naturally. Check out our recipe for Aush-E-Asli - a unique Afghan dish which is real comfort food. Read more

February spice of the month

Cardamom, or Hail, helps digestion and detoxifies the body – perfect after all that winter comfort eating! Warm up your evenings with Norinj Pilau, a sweet and spicy Afghan dish that has a delicate flavour. Read more

January spice of the month

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, perfect for fighting infection during the colder months! This warming stew, Qorma- E-Gul-E-Karaml is a popular dish during the winter in Afghanistan. Read more

Burani Bonjon Recipe

Muraba-E-Kadu Recipe

Qorma Chalau Recipe

Latest

Alastair Pitcairn Memorial Fundraising

Alastair Pitcairn sadly passed away on Thursday 9th May 2019. He was a keen supporter of Afghanaid in many ways and roles including as Chairman. He would be proud to support the charity one final time with your help.

Opium poppy in Afghanistan: tackling the growing problem

For farming families living in rural Afghanistan life can be tough, and many struggle to make ends meet. For these families, growing weather- and pest-resistant opium poppy seed offers a reliable source of income that is not available with other crops.

May spice of the month

Afghanaid's guide to Ramadan

From everyone here at Afghanaid, we wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Ramadan. Find out more about the holy month of Ramadan and why it is celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

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London Marathon 2020

Join Team Afghanaid in next year's marathon! Pull on your running shoes and change lives in Afghanistan with every step you take.

Women’s Empowerment and Women’s Rights

In addition to ensuring that gender equality underpins all of the work we do, we also deliver stand-alone projects which specifically target women’s economic empowerment and gender rights.

Basic Services

We deliver basic services such as community infrastructure, clean water and sanitation and education; essential to long-term development and breaking the cycle of poverty.

The Elimination of Violence against Women

Although the issue of gender rights has made significant legislative progress in Afghanistan over the last decade, the country continues to be one of the most difficult places in the world to be a woman. We have been working to change this.

Livelihoods

Creating and strengthening livelihoods is key to achieving Afghanaid’s mission of providing Afghans with the skills, tools, and knowledge to help themselves, their families, and their communities.