Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 6
Choose any positive whole number of servings. Ingredients and measured amounts in steps scale together. Times, temperatures and equipment stay unchanged. For larger yields, cook separate original-size batches. Counted ingredients can become fractions; beat eggs before dividing them. Fixed correction-water checks remain fixed.
Filling
Wrap
Sauce
Yogurt
Boil
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; saucepan with lid; sieve; heavy frying pan; spatula; food thermometer; heatproof spoon; spatula.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed draft, not every substitution.
Steps
Filling · About 10 min
- Cook 600 g leeks, washed and finely chopped, 30 ml neutral oil, ½ tsp salt in its oil 10 minutes; cool. Fill 36 dumpling wrappers, 60 ml water and seal edges.
Sauce · About 15 min
- Fry beef and onion in oil from 30 ml neutral oil, 350 g minced beef, 150 g onion, chopped, 400 g passata, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt 8 minutes; add remaining ingredients and simmer 15 minutes to 71°C / 160°F. Mix 400 g yogurt, 15 g garlic, 1 tsp dried mint.
Check: The food must be hot through at 71°C / 160°F.
Dumplings · About 7 min
- Boil 2500 ml water; simmer dumplings in batches 5–7 minutes. Drain and serve with yogurt and meat sauce.
Tips
- Wash leeks carefully between layers before chopping.
- Use the texture and doneness checks in the method; cooking times depend on your pan and heat.
Substitutions
- Use lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian sauce.
Storage
- Refrigerate perishable food within two hours, or within one hour in heat above 32°C / 90°F. Store covered at 4°C / 40°F or below. Use within two days for this draft.
- Reheat cooked dishes to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning for even heating. Serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts directly from safe refrigeration.
- For sauces and soups, add a little water if thick and reheat gently. Crisp coatings soften after storage.
Make ahead
- Prepare the measured ingredients for Afghan Aushak one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.
FAQ
What matters most when making Afghan Aushak?
Wash leeks carefully between layers before chopping.
What can I substitute in Afghan Aushak?
Use lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian sauce.
Can I prepare Afghan Aushak ahead?
Prepare the measured ingredients for Afghan Aushak one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating



