Language is a key ingredient in the recipe for understanding a culture, and what better way to dive into a culture than through its cuisine? If you’re planning to visit Azerbaijan or just interested in expanding your culinary vocabulary, knowing some basic cooking terms and food phrases in Azerbaijani can be both fun and useful. Here’s a glimpse into the delicious world of Azerbaijani cuisine through its language.
Aşbaz – Chef
A person who prepares and cooks food professionally in a restaurant or other establishment.
Mən tanınmış bir aşbazla işləmək istəyirəm.
(I want to work with a well-known chef.)
Bişirmək – To cook
The process of preparing food by heating it, typically using an oven, stove, or other heat source.
Bu gecə evdə pizza bişirmək istəyirəm.
(I want to cook pizza at home tonight.)
Qızartmaq – To fry
Cooking food in hot oil or fat, typically resulting in a crispy or golden exterior.
Kartofu qızıl rəngə çatana qədər qızartmaq lazımdır.
(Potatoes should be fried until they are golden.)
Dolma – Stuffed dishes
A popular dish in Azerbaijani cuisine, consisting of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, or grape leaves stuffed with a savory filling.
Dolma üçün təzə yarpaqlar almağa unutmayın.
(Don’t forget to buy fresh leaves for the dolma.)
Qovurma – To sauté or roast
A method of cooking that involves frying food quickly in a small amount of oil, sometimes followed by roasting.
Soğanı qovurmaq yeməyə xüsusi bir dad verir.
(Sautéing the onions gives the dish a unique flavor.)
Tava – Frying pan or skillet
A pan with a flat bottom used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Tavada kök qızartdım.
(I fried mushrooms in the frying pan.)
Xəmir – Dough
A mixture of flour and other ingredients, usually including water and a leavening agent, used to make bread, pastries, and other baked goods.
Baklava üçün xəmir çox nazik olmalıdır.
(The dough for baklava should be very thin.)
Dadmaq – To taste
To perceive or distinguish the flavor of something by taking it into the mouth.
Yeməyi dadmaq üçün bir azdan istifadə edin.
(Use a little to taste the food.)
Sous – Sauce
A liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moistness and flavor.
Bu ət üçün Narşərab sous yaxşı gedər.
(The pomegranate sauce would go well with this meat.)
Mürəbbə – Jam
A sweet spread or preserve made from fruit and sugar boiled to a thick consistency.
Çörək üstünə bir az qızılgül mürəbbə sürtün.
(Spread some rose jam on the bread.)
Çəkirtmək – To peel
To remove the outer covering or skin from fruits, vegetables, or shrimps.
Əvvəlcə xiyarı çəkirtmək lazımdır.
(First, the cucumber needs to be peeled.)
Sarğılamaq – To wrap
To cover or enclose food in a covering such as foil or lettuce leaves.
Lavaşı bütün maddələrlə sarğılamaq və sonra yemək lazımdır.
(Wrap the lavash with all the ingredients and then eat it.)
Learning these cooking terms and food phrases in Azerbaijani will give you a taste of the country’s rich culinary traditions and enhance your cultural immersion. Plus, it will surely impress locals and show your appreciation for their cuisine. Afiyet olsun! (Bon appétit!)
