Tatar-style azu with beef and pickles
8 servings
90 minutes
Azu in Tatar cuisine is a bright and rich dish that combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and tangy pickles to create a rich flavor ensemble. Historically, azu was considered hearty food perfect for cold seasons as its thick texture warms and satisfies. The main feature of this dish is the harmony of salty, sour, and meaty flavors complemented by tomatoes and butter. Potatoes soaked in the aromas of stewed meat and vegetables become soft and juicy. Azu is great for both cozy family dinners and festive gatherings, surprising guests with its unusual combination of ingredients. It’s not just food; it’s a tradition that conveys the warmth and hospitality of the Tatar people.
1
We prepare everything. Potatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots - in cubes. Garlic in thin slices. By the way, to save deep bowls, you can combine onions with carrots since they are added at the same time, while the other ingredients are stored separately in various places as they will be used at different stages of stewing the meat.
- Potato: 1.5 kg
- Pickles: 4 pieces
- Onion: 4 pieces
- Carrot: 1 piece
- Garlic: 1 piece
2
The meat is fried in vegetable oil until it loses its red color and releases juice, then we add our diced pickles, mix, add a piece of butter (50-70 grams), and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Beef: 2 kg
- Vegetable oil: 100 ml
- Pickles: 4 pieces
- Butter: 50 g
3
Next, place the chopped onion and carrot in the pot, mix everything thoroughly, and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Onion: 4 pieces
- Carrot: 1 piece
4
We throw tomatoes into the cauldron, mix everything again, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Tomatoes: 2 pieces
5
After that, add the chopped potatoes and minced garlic, season with salt, pepper, and spices (just don't overdo it).
- Potato: 1.5 kg
- Garlic: 1 piece
- Spices: to taste
- Salt: to taste
6
If needed, periodically add boiling water to barely cover the dish. Simmer until the potatoes are ready, and after this process, you should have a dish suitable for consumption in Tatar style!