Dovga (Azerbaijani Warm Yogurt, Chickpea & Seven-Herb Soup) – Authentic Azerbaijan Recipe

Ingredients for Dovga (Azerbaijani Warm Yogurt, Chickpea & Seven-Herb Soup) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tangy yogurt and short-grain rice, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh mountain herbs
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Azerbaijan seasoning (garlic, turmeric pinch)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and fresh mountain herbs for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in garlic, turmeric pinch and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Azerbaijan's kitchen.
3. Add tangy yogurt and short-grain rice and cooked chickpeas, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
4. Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
5. Fold in spinach, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.