Mastava Pamiri (Tajik Rice, Mung Bean, Root Vegetable & Spiced Meat Soup with Sour Cream) – Authentic Tajikistan Recipe
Known as "Liquid Plov": a rich, cumin-scented Tajik soup of rice, roots, and herbs topped with cool sour cream.
- Country of Origin
- 🇹🇯 Tajikistan (Central Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 25 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Finely cubed beef (or mushrooms), Short-grain rice and mung beans, Diced carrots, Mountain cumin (zira), Coriander seeds
Ingredients for Mastava Pamiri (Tajik Rice, Mung Bean, Root Vegetable & Spiced Meat Soup with Sour Cream) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) finely cubed beef (or mushrooms), prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups short-grain rice and mung beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with mountain cumin (zira)
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Tajikistan seasoning (coriander seeds, garlic, fresh cilantro and dill, katyk/sour cream)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a heavy pot over medium heat; gently sweat the minced onion, garlic, and mountain cumin (zira) for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in coriander seeds, garlic, fresh cilantro and dill, katyk/sour cream and toast for 45 seconds to release the essential oils of Tajikistan's kitchen.
- Add finely cubed beef (or mushrooms) and short-grain rice and mung beans, tossing to coat in the aromatic base.
- Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18–20 minutes until tender and deeply flavorful.
- Fold in diced carrots, adjust seasoning, and ladle steaming hot into deep bowls.