If you're a fan of wild artichokes (known locally as kangar) and would like to enjoy them in a flavorful, traditional dish, we highly recommend trying Qayrmeh. This hearty meal is a local specialty of Sanandaj and the Kurdistan province of Iran, where wild artichokes are the star ingredient. Served with either bread or rice, Qayrmeh makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Also known as Kurdish fried kangar, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins and proteins and surprisingly easy to prepare. Typically enjoyed with flatbread or steamed rice, it brings both nourishment and tradition to the table. Wild artichoke (kangar), the main ingredient, has long been valued for its medicinal and digestive properties. It’s known to stimulate appetite, help regulate digestion, and even reduce fever. It also has natural detoxifying effects on the digestive system.
Ingredients of Qayrmeh
- Wild artichoke (kangar): 1 kg
- Strained yogurt: 1 cup
- Creamy yogurt: 1 cup
- Milk: 2 cups
- Flour: 1 cup
- Melted butter: 3 tablespoons
- Brewed saffron: 3 tablespoons
- Eggs: 3
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: as needed for frying
Instructions of Qayrmeh
- Prepare the Kangar: Clean the wild artichokes thoroughly and remove all thorns. Wash well and chop them into small pieces.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the melted butter and brewed saffron until well combined. Gradually add the flour while mixing continuously to create a smooth batter. Adjust with more flour if the mixture is too thin.
- Coat the Kangar: Add the chopped kangar to the batter and stir until all pieces are fully coated.
- Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the batter-coated kangar pieces and fry until golden and crispy.
- Drain: Transfer the fried kangar to a strainer or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy pieces on a serving plate. Garnish as desired and serve with strained yogurt, flatbread, or steamed rice.
We hope that someday soon, the team at Sana Persian will have the pleasure of hosting you in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, where you can enjoy an authentic taste of Qayrmeh made the traditional way. Looking forward to that day.
