Dopiaza

"Dopiaza" is a flavorful dish celebrated for its generous use of onions, incorporated at two distinct stages of cooking. The name "Dopiaza" translates to "two onions" underscoring this unique culinary technique. Although traditionally prepared with meats such as beef, chicken, lamb, mutton, or shrimp, a delightful vegetarian version also exists.

The dish dates back to the Mughal era, attributed to a courtier named Mullah Do Piaza, who served under Emperor Akbar. Legend has it that Mullah accidentally added an excessive amount of onions to a dish, resulting in such a delicious creation that it became a culinary staple. Over time, Dopiaza has become deeply ingrained in Mughal cuisine, particularly in Hyderabad, India, and Pakistan.

Dopiaza generally features a tangy twist, often achieved using raw mangoes, lemon juice, or cranberries. Essential ingredients include your choice of meat or vegetables, a copious amount of onions, ginger and garlic paste, and a mixture of spices such as black cardamoms, cloves, peppercorns, salt, and chili powder. Regional variations exist, with the Iranian version potentially including potatoes, turmeric powder, tomato paste, dried fenugreek leaves, and other spices.

Whether you're a meat enthusiast or a vegetarian, Dopiaza offers a rich, aromatic experience steeped in history and bursting with flavor.