Cooking Dovga & Baking Bread in a Quiet Village Kitchen 🥣🍞

Hello dear friends! Welcome to our serene village kitchen, where the air is filled with the aroma of fresh ingredients and the warmth of home. Today, we invite you to join us as we prepare two timeless classics from Azerbaijani cuisine: heartwarming Dovga and freshly baked rustic bread.

The Heart of Dovga

Dovga, a creamy and tangy yogurt soup enriched with vibrant herbs and delicate rice, embodies the spirit of comfort. Here, in our cozy kitchen, we use traditional methods passed down through generations. The key to a true Dovga lies in the freshness of our ingredients and the love we pour into every step of the cooking process.

Ingredients for Dovga:

• 1 cup yogurt (preferably homemade)
• 1/2 cup rice (rinsed)
• 5 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh herbs (such as dill, mint, and cilantro), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A drizzle of olive oil for finishing

Instructions for Dovga:

1. In a large pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a gentle boil.
2. Add the rinsed rice and finely chopped onion. Cook until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt with a ladle of hot broth to temper it, preventing curdling.
4. Gradually add the tempered yogurt to the pot, stirring continuously.
5. Stir in the fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for a few more minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
7. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

The Joy of Baking Bread

As we let our Dovga simmer, it’s time to turn our attention to the dough, transforming simple ingredients into a fragrant loaf of bread. The process of kneading is meditative; it connects us with the earth and our hands, and the result is pure bliss.

Ingredients for Rustic Bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions for Baking Bread:

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Slowly combine the flour with the liquid, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (around 1 hour).
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
6. Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Allow to cool slightly before slicing, making the perfect companion for your warm Dovga.

A Cozy Conclusion

As we gather around the table to enjoy our Dovga and freshly baked bread, we truly appreciate the simplicity and richness of village life. Each spoonful and every bite brings comfort and joy, a reminder of the beauty found in homemade food and the stories shared around the kitchen.

We hope this glimpse into our peaceful village kitchen inspires you to create these comforting dishes at home. Join us in cherishing the flavors of tradition and the art of cooking!

Watch the video by Kənd Həyatı

Video “Cooking Dovga & Baking Bread in a Quiet Village Kitchen 🥣🍞” was uploaded on 08/03/2025 to Youtube Channel Kənd Həyatı