Chuchvara

Chuchvara

Чучвара (chooch-vah-RAH)

Tiny Boiled Dumplings

Prep Time 2 hours
📈 Difficulty Hard
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 332 kcal

Miniature dumplings no bigger than a thumbnail, filled with spiced lamb and onion, served swimming in a clear cumin-scented broth with fresh herbs.

Nutrition & Info

340 kcal per serving
Protein 20.0g
Carbs 36.0g
Fat 12.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

rolling pin large pot small spoon sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep soup bowl

Garnishes: fresh dill, cilantro, sour cream

Accompaniments: lepyoshka bread

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make a firm dough from flour, water, and salt, knead for eight minutes until smooth and elastic, then rest covered for twenty minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix ground lamb with very finely minced onion, cumin, black pepper, and salt until the filling is uniformly blended and seasoned.

  3. 3

    Roll dough very thin and cut into four-centimeter squares, place a tiny amount of filling in the center of each square piece.

  4. 4

    Fold each square into a triangle and press edges firmly, then bring the two pointed corners together and pinch to form a tiny ring shape.

  5. 5

    Bring seasoned broth to a gentle boil, drop in the dumplings in batches, and cook for seven minutes until they float to the surface.

  6. 6

    Serve in deep bowls with plenty of hot broth, garnish with fresh dill and cilantro, and offer sour cream on the side for stirring in.

💡

Did You Know?

An Uzbek saying holds that a skilled cook should be able to fit forty chuchvara on a single spoon — a testament to the art of making them tiny.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • rolling pin
  • large pot
  • small spoon
  • sharp knife

Garnishing

fresh dill, cilantro, sour cream

Accompaniments

lepyoshka bread

The Story Behind Chuchvara

Chuchvara belongs to the vast family of Central Asian filled dumplings that spread along the Silk Road. Unlike the larger manti, these tiny parcels showcase the patience and dexterity valued in Uzbek home cooking tradition.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed starter or light meal 📜 Origins: Medieval Central Asian

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