Chudu, kurze, shurpa: dishes of the Republic of Dagestan in the Gastronomic Rows of the National Centre RUSSIA

In the "South" corner of the Gastronomic Rows of the National Centre RUSSIA, visitors can taste national Dagestani dishes: chudu, kurze, and shurpa. From 1 to 7 September, the National Centre is hosting the Days of the Republic of Dagestan, and on 2 September the regional stand was opened as part of the exposition "Region 2030. Platform of the Future".

Among the first courses on the menu is shurpa — a rich beef soup, the name of which comes from the Arabic word "shorba", meaning "soup".

"Shurpa differs from the usual soup in that beans are added to it. Ingredients include potatoes, bell pepper, carrots, onions, herbs and, of course, beef. It is served with adjika and bread," said chef of the "South" corner, Pyotr Pustoshkin. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The Gastronomic Rows also feature kurze — traditional dumplings of the peoples of Dagestan with halal beef filling. Their distinctive feature is the dough folded with a braid-like seam. According to one legend, the name comes from the gyurza snake. It is said that the seam on kurze resembles a snake crawling. Strict Caucasian mothers-in-law often test future daughters-in-law by asking them to cook these dumplings: if a girl can virtuously make the seams, she will be a good housewife.

"Our menu includes kurze not only with beef, but also with lamb, chicken, potatoes and even cottage cheese. They are usually served with butter, sour cream, herbs or sauce," added Pyotr Pustoshkin.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Chudu are traditional pies with a variety of fillings: halal beef, cheese and herbs, potatoes and pumpkin. They are thin flatbreads made of unleavened dough folded in half, fried on a dry pan and then greased with clarified butter.

The secrets of cooking Dagestani dishes can be discovered on 5 September at 15:00 at the National Centre RUSSIA. On this day, renowned chefs from the Republic of Dagestan will hold a workshop on preparing traditional dishes of Dagestani cuisine: urbech, dried apricot porridge, chudu, and khalpama. During the event, they will talk about the culture and history of Dagestani cuisine and answer participants’ questions. The workshop will provide an opportunity not only to learn new recipes but also to enjoy the atmosphere of friendship and hospitality characteristic of Dagestani culture.