Dograma: A Hearty & Flavorful Bread Salad
Discover Dograma, a unique and incredibly comforting dish that’s a staple in many Central Asian cuisines, particularly popular in Turkmenistan. This isn’t your typical light salad; it’s a substantial, flavorful, and deeply satisfying “bread salad” that offers a wonderful blend of textures and tastes.

Imagine tender pieces of freshly baked bread – often a traditional flatbread or dense, unleavened bread – hand-torn or cut into bite-sized pieces. These bread pieces form the hearty base of the dish and are then lovingly mixed with succulent, often slow-cooked meat, typically lamb or beef, which is also torn or finely shredded.

The dish is brought to life with the addition of aromatic, often raw or lightly sautéed onions, which provide a sharp, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the meat and bread. A generous sprinkle of black pepper and sometimes a touch of other simple spices enhance the savory depth. The mixture is often moistened with a little of the meat’s own flavorful broth or sometimes just its natural juices, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully.

Dograma is a truly communal and comforting dish, traditionally prepared by hand, ensuring every piece is infused with flavor. It’s a testament to rustic, hearty cooking, offering a unique and deeply satisfying culinary experience.