Aushak (Afghan Leek Dumplings with Meat Sauce)
Delicate dumplings filled with soft leeks, served under a rich beef and tomato sauce with garlic yoghurt and dried mint.
- Time1 hr 45
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.73 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Estimated nutrition per serving
- 685kcal
- 73.4gcarbs
- 10.6gof which sugars
- 28.7gfat
- 10.8gsaturates
- 31.6gprotein
- 6.5gfibre
- 2.5gsalt
A rough estimate worked out from the ingredients, for the serving size above. It is a guide only and not medical advice. If you count carbs or manage diabetes, check with your own tools and your care team.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Mix the flour and half teaspoon of salt, add the warm water and knead for 8 minutes into a smooth dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
30 min - 2
For the filling, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan, add the leeks with a teaspoon of salt and the chilli flakes and cook for 12 minutes, until very soft and most of the liquid has gone. Leave to cool.
12 min - 3
For the sauce, fry the onion in the second 2 tablespoons of oil for 8 minutes. Add the beef and brown it for 6 minutes, breaking it up. Stir in the tomato purée, turmeric and coriander, add the water and simmer for 20 minutes. Season.
20 min - 4
Roll the dough thin and cut into 9 cm rounds. Put a teaspoon of leek filling in the middle of each, fold into half moons and press the edges firmly to seal.
- 5
Boil the dumplings in a large pan of salted water in batches for 5 minutes, until they float and the dough is tender. Lift out with a slotted spoon.
5 min - 6
Mix the yoghurt with the garlic and a pinch of salt. Spread it on a warm plate, pile on the dumplings, then spoon over the meat sauce and sprinkle with dried mint.
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
