Snapshot

I had the privilege of going to a friend's house and learning how to make this meal. I love this dish. It's one of about five traditional meals that families here eat every week. They literally have the same menu on a weekly basis. It seems like people are less willing to try new foods here, and that may be because they're used to eating the same things all the time. Regardless, I almost always enjoy eating the food here, and getting to help prepare the meals is an even bigger treat.

Top: The mother puts a meat mixture inside dough balls made of bulgar and then pats them flat. She's squatting in the cooking area where the stove and water heater are located. This is an area that's "outside," but located in the middle of the house. It's like a little patio - maybe 5 X 7 feet. After she finishes the prep work, the "patties" are placed in a tomato based soup with pumpkin, zucchini, onion, and other vegetables to cook for awhile.

Bottom: The finished product. Yum! The entire process (from start to finish) took about two hours. We also ate pickled vegetables and flat bread.