{"title":"Afghan Pantry","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn Afghan kitchen in one place. Our Afghani masalas cover qorma, karahi, Kabuli rice and tikka, blended in-house in Ottawa. Super Negin saffron from Herat brings colour and aroma to palaw and firni.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlongside them sit the dried fruit and nuts of an Afghan dastarkhan: pressed Afghan figs (anjeer), Ghazni red raisins (kishmish surkh), black and white mulberries (toot), paper shell almonds (badam kaghazi), chilgoza pine nuts and kabuli chickpeas. Free shipping in Canada on orders over $50.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"saffron-2g","title":"Afghan Super Negin Saffron","description":"\u003cp\u003eSaffron is the dried stigma of the \u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e flower, picked by hand. A small pinch releases an aroma that is earthy and floral, slightly sweet and delicately grassy, and the taste carries a subtle bitterness held in balance by warm floral notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs is Super Negin grade, hand-harvested in Herat, Afghanistan, a region recognised internationally for saffron with deep colour, intense fragrance and high purity. Super Negin is the highest grade of saffron: the threads are trimmed so that only the deep red stigma remains and the pale yellow style is removed entirely, which gives longer, thicker threads, stronger colouring power, and no filler weight in the gram you pay for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteep a pinch of threads in a few spoonfuls of warm water or milk for twenty minutes, then add the liquid rather than the dry threads so the colour spreads through the whole pot. Used that way it turns rice, pilaf and biryani gold and scents them right through. It also goes into tea and warm drinks, cakes, pastries and other baked goods, soups, stews, sauces and seafood, and into saffron milk, syrups and confectionery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: Saffron threads.\u003cbr\u003eBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrade: Super Negin\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Herat, Afghanistan\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 1g, 2g and 5g\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eزعفران, Zafran, Za'afaran, Fan Hong Hua, Safran, Zaffarano, Azafrán, Krokos, Kesar\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"1g","offer_id":39324801597462,"sku":"660111675537","price":20.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2g","offer_id":39324801630230,"sku":"660111675544","price":39.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5g","offer_id":39324801662998,"sku":"660111675551","price":87.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/products\/saffronafghan.jpg?v=1639684327"},{"product_id":"dried-black-mulberries","title":"Dried Black Mulberries (Toot Siah)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSun-dried black mulberries with a deep, jammy sweetness and a fig-like richness behind it. Darker and more complex than the pale white mulberries most stores carry, with a gentle tartness that keeps them from tasting sugary. The texture is soft and chewy rather than crisp, with tiny seeds that give a slight crunch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNothing is added. The sweetness is entirely the fruit, concentrated by drying, which is why they read as dessert without behaving like candy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to enjoy them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEat them by the handful, or scatter over yogurt, porridge and granola. They belong in a bowl with walnuts, almonds and pistachios, which is exactly how they are served across Afghanistan and Central Asia. Bake them into muffins, breads and energy bars in place of raisins, blend into smoothies, or steep a spoonful in hot water for a naturally sweet infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEat them as they are with tea and nuts, or scatter a handful over porridge, yoghurt and grain salads. Soak them in warm water or tea for fifteen minutes to plump them before folding into a cake batter or a rice pudding, and use the soaking liquid too. Sealed in a cool dry cupboard they hold for six to twelve months, and the fridge suits them in a warm kitchen. Technique tip: if they have gone firm in the jar, steam them over simmering water for two minutes rather than soaking, which softens them without washing out the jammy sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: 100% dried black mulberries. No added sugar, no preservatives.\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eMorus nigra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Reseal after opening, or refrigerate to keep them soft.\u003cbr\u003e\nNote: Contains natural seeds and the occasional stem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDried black mulberries, toot siah, tut siyah, karadut kurusu\u003cbr\u003e\nPersian: توت سیاه خشک | Arabic: توت أسود مجفف | Turkish: Karadut Kurusu | Chinese: 黑桑葚 | Hindi: काले शहतूत | French: Mûres Noires Séchées | Spanish: Moras Negras Secas | German: Getrocknete Schwarze Maulbeeren\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":39325963059222,"sku":"660111674660","price":10.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":39325963124758,"sku":"660111674684","price":17.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":43824075997206,"sku":"","price":32.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/BlackMulberries.jpg?v=1743450387"},{"product_id":"afghan-pine-nuts-in-shell","title":"Afghan Pine Nuts in Shell (Chilgoza)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Pine Nuts in Shell are whole chilgoza, slim dark brown shells about the length of a fingernail with a creamy kernel inside. The kernel is buttery and faintly resinous, sweeter and more perfumed than the round Mediterranean pine nut used in pesto, and eating them shell and all is a slow, companionable business.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are wild-harvested from chilgoza pines in Afghanistan's mountains and sold unshelled, which is how they keep best: the shell shields the oily kernel from air. If you want them ready to cook with, our Afghan Pine Nut Kernels listing has the same nut already hand-shelled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis is above all a snacking nut, cracked between the back teeth or with a light tap and eaten with green tea through the winter, and a fixture on the mewa tray at Nowruz and Eid alongside raisins, walnuts and dried apricot. Shell a handful and they go straight onto Kabuli pulao and qabili, into baklava and halwa, into dolma stuffings, or into pesto and grain salads. Technique tip: warm them briefly in a dry pan and the shells loosen and split far more easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Pine nuts in shell\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003ePinus gerardiana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 100g, 200g, 400g\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Once opened, seal the bag or refrigerate, as the kernels are high in oil.\u003cbr\u003e\nAllergen: Tree nuts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChilgoza, Chilghoza, Jalghoza, Pine Nuts in Shell, Unshelled Pine Nuts, Stone Pine Nuts, Himalayan Pine Nuts, چلغوزه (Pashto), جلغوزه (Dari), چلغوز (Persian), صنوبر أفغاني (Arabic), अफ़ग़ानी चिलगोज़ा (Hindi), Afgan Cam Fistigi (Turkish), Pignons de pin afghans (French), 阿富汗松子 (Chinese), Афганские кедровые орехи (Russian)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":43850793353238,"sku":"","price":16.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"200g","offer_id":43850793418774,"sku":"","price":27.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"400g","offer_id":52654217363478,"sku":null,"price":47.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghanPineNuts_1.jpg?v=1743440524"},{"product_id":"dried-white-mulberries","title":"Dried White Mulberries (Toot Safed)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDried white mulberries are small pale gold berries with a papery little stem still attached. They are much drier and lighter than most dried fruit, so the bite is crisp before it turns chewy, almost like a puffed cereal, and the flavour is soft honey and dried fig with a faint vanilla note and almost no acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are the pale sibling of our dried black mulberries. The black ones are dark, dense and jammy, with a winey tang and a much stronger flavour. White mulberries are the mild ones: lighter in colour, lighter in texture, and sweet in a gentle, honeyed way rather than a sharp one. They are the better choice for anyone who finds black mulberries too intense, and for baking where you do not want the fruit to stain the crumb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are mostly eaten straight from the bag, or handed round with green tea and on Nowruz and Eid dried fruit platters with pistachios, almonds and green raisins. Scatter them over yogurt, porridge, muesli and granola, blend them into smoothies, or bake them into cookies, muffins, energy bars and banana bread. They also work on a cheese board with something soft and salty, and in a trail mix with walnuts. Because they are dry and crisp, chop them before adding to a batter and they will distribute evenly instead of floating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: dried white mulberries.\u003cbr\u003eBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eMorus alba\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 200g, 400g and 1kg.\u003cbr\u003eStorage: keep sealed in a cool, dry cupboard. They pick up humidity easily and lose their crispness if left open.\u003cbr\u003eNote: the small stem on each berry is edible and normal, not a fault. Some breakage and powder at the bottom of the bag is expected with a fruit this fragile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhite mulberries, dried white mulberries, toot, toot safed, tut, shahtoot, dut kurusu, mûres blanches séchées, moras blancas secas\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":43674016481302,"sku":"","price":9.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":43674016514070,"sku":"","price":15.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":43699049857046,"sku":"","price":32.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/WhiteMulberries.jpg?v=1743450754"},{"product_id":"afghan-paper-shell-almonds","title":"Afghan Paper Shell Almonds (Badam Kaghazi)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Paper Shell Almonds arrive still in the shell, and the shell is the point: it is thin and brittle enough to crack between finger and thumb. The kernel inside is mildly sweet and buttery with a softer bite than a hard shell almond, closer to a fresh almond than to a dry roasted one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a distinct Afghan variety, known at home as badam kaghazi, literally paper almond. Because the shell is so light, the nuts look large for their weight and no nutcracker is needed. Buying them in shell also means the kernel sits protected until you open it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMost often they are cracked and eaten by hand with green tea, alongside raisins and dried fruit on a mewa platter at Eid and Nowruz. Once shelled, use them sliced over Kabuli pulao and qabili, ground into halwa and sheer payra, or coated as noql. They also carry into baklava, granola, trail mix, almond milk and pastry. Technique tip: crack a batch, then dry-toast the kernels in a pan for a few minutes before using them as a garnish, which deepens the flavour and firms the bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Almonds in shell\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003ePrunus dulcis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003cbr\u003e\nAllergen: Tree nuts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBadam Kaghazi, Badam Post-e-Nazuk, Paper Shell Almonds, Soft Shell Almonds, Thin Shell Almonds, Easy Shell Almonds, بادام کاغذی (Dari), بادام پوست نازک (Pashto), بادام پوست کاغذی (Persian), لوز بقشرة رقيقة (Arabic), पतली छिलके वाली बादाम (Hindi), Ince Kabuklu Badem (Turkish), 薄壳杏仁 (Chinese), Amandes a coque fine (French), Almendras de cascara delgada (Spanish)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":43695706210326,"sku":"","price":12.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":43695706243094,"sku":"","price":22.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":43695706275862,"sku":"","price":49.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghanPaperShellAlmonds.jpg?v=1743447465"},{"product_id":"afghan-pine-nut-kernels","title":"Afghan Pine Nut Kernels (Chilgoza Maghz)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Pine Nut Kernels are long ivory seeds with a soft, almost waxy bite and a buttery flavour carrying a faint pine resin note behind the sweetness. They are longer and more slender than the stubby Mediterranean pine nut used in Italian pesto, and the resin edge is stronger, which is exactly what chilgoza is loved for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are the shelled kernels, wild-harvested from chilgoza pines in Afghanistan's high mountains and hand-shelled, so there is no cracking to do and no waste weight. If you prefer to crack them yourself and eat them the traditional way around a winter fire, see our Afghan Pine Nuts in Shell listing instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nScatter them over Kabuli pulao, qabili and zereshk polo, or fold them into stuffings for dolma and kibbeh. They are essential in baklava and other syrup pastries, and they enrich halwa, sheer payra and rice puddings. For everyday cooking, blend them into pesto, toss them through roasted vegetables and grain salads, or eat them plain. Technique tip: toast them dry in a pan over low heat and keep them moving, because their oil content means they go from pale to burnt in well under a minute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Pine nut kernels\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003ePinus gerardiana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 100g, 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: These are high in oil and turn quickly at room temperature. Keep sealed in the refrigerator or freezer once opened.\u003cbr\u003e\nAllergen: Tree nuts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChilgoza, Chilghoza, Chilgoza Kernels, Pine Nut Kernels, Shelled Pine Nuts, Maghz-e-Chilgoza, مغز چلغوزه (Dari), چلغوزه مغز (Pashto), صنوبر أفغاني (Arabic), चिलगोज़ा गिरी (Hindi), Afgan Cam Fistigi (Turkish), Pignons de pin afghans (French), 阿富汗松子仁 (Chinese), Афганские кедровые орешки (Russian)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":52654781890582,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200g","offer_id":52654781923350,"sku":null,"price":38.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":52654781956118,"sku":null,"price":67.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":71865840730134,"sku":null,"price":153.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghanPineNutKernels.jpg?v=1743442567"},{"product_id":"afghan-almonds-badam","title":"Afghan Almonds (Badam)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Almonds are whole raw kernels with a hard snap and a sweet, marzipan-like flavour that lingers after the crunch. They taste closer to the almonds inside a piece of Persian nougat or a bowl of noql than to the flat, papery almond sold in most supermarket bags, and they stay crisp in cold milk or on top of hot rice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are grown in Afghanistan, hand-harvested and dried in the sun rather than in a kiln. Sun drying takes longer, and it is why the kernels vary a little in size and shade instead of arriving perfectly uniform. They are sold raw, so the flavour is yours to shape with toasting or soaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSlice them thin and scatter them over Kabuli pulao or qabili with slivered carrot and raisin. Grind them into halwa, sheer payra and other Afghan sweets, or use them whole for noql. They toast well for granola, trail mix and salads, and they blend into almond milk and almond flour. Technique tip: soak them overnight in warm water and the skins slip off between your fingers, which gives you pale blanched almonds for garnishing without buying a second bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Almonds\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003ePrunus dulcis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Once opened, seal in an airtight container, or refrigerate to hold the flavour longer.\u003cbr\u003e\nAllergen: Tree nuts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBadam, Afghan Almonds, Raw Almonds, Natural Almonds, Sweet Almonds, بادام افغانی (Pashto and Dari), لوز أفغاني (Arabic), अफगानी बादाम (Hindi), Amandes afghanes (French), Almendras afganas (Spanish), 阿富汗杏仁 (Chinese), Afgan Bademi (Turkish), Afghanische Mandeln (German)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":52656613457942,"sku":null,"price":20.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"400g","offer_id":52656613490710,"sku":null,"price":38.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":52656613523478,"sku":null,"price":71.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghanAlmonds.jpg?v=1743448606"},{"product_id":"afghan-dried-figs-anjeer","title":"Afghan Dried Figs (Anjeer)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Dried Figs are whole figs with soft, jammy flesh and a honey sweetness that turns slightly caramel at the edges. The tiny seeds give a faint crunch against the chew, closer to a good sticky date than to the dry, chalky figs that come in a pressed block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey are grown in Afghan orchards and dried naturally rather than pressed flat, so each fig keeps its round teardrop shape, its stem and a dusty pale bloom on the skin. That bloom is fruit sugar coming to the surface as the fig dries, not a fault, and it is a sign the sweetness is concentrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nServe them whole with tea and nuts on a mewa platter, or chop them into sheer khurma, halwa and festive breads. Simmer them into a compote or a fruit khoresht, or slow cook them with lamb where the sweetness balances the fat. They are also excellent chopped into granola, yogurt, oat porridge, cakes and scones, and they sit well beside cheese. Technique tip: cover them in warm water or tea for ten minutes before baking so they stay plump instead of drawing moisture out of the batter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Dried figs\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eFicus carica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAnjeer, Anjir, Injeer, Dried Figs, Afghan Dried Figs, انجیر (Dari and Persian), Higo seco (Spanish), Figues seches (French), Feigen (German), Fichi secchi (Italian)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":68512921845782,"sku":null,"price":14.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":68512921878550,"sku":null,"price":23.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":68512921911318,"sku":null,"price":50.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghaniFig.png?v=1772918531"},{"product_id":"afghan-chickpeas-kabuli-chana","title":"Afghan Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Chickpeas are large, pale kabuli-type chickpeas with a firm bite and a nutty, faintly buttery flavour. Cooked properly they stay whole and creamy in the middle rather than collapsing into mush, and they are noticeably bigger than the small brown desi chana used for chana dal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey come from chickpea-growing regions of Afghanistan and are sold dried rather than canned, so you control the salt and the final texture. Dried chickpeas also swell to roughly double their weight, which is why a 1kg bag goes a long way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThey belong in shorwa and other Afghan and Persian soups, in ash with noodles and herbs, in korma and in chickpea and lamb stews, and they are cooked into rice pilafs where they hold their shape. Boil and blend them for hummus, or soak and grind them raw for falafel. Roast them for a crunchy snack, toss them into salads, or grind them into flour for pakora batter and savoury breads. Technique tip: soak overnight in plenty of cold water and add salt only after they have softened, since salting early keeps the skins tough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Dried chickpeas\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eCicer arietinum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKabuli Chana, Kabuli Chickpeas, Afghan Chickpeas, Garbanzo Beans, Ceci Beans, Chana, Nakhod, نخود (Dari and Persian), حمص (Arabic), چنا (Urdu), छोला (Hindi), Nohut (Turkish), Pois chiches (French), Garbanzos (Spanish), Kichererbsen (German)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":69003034656790,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":69003034689558,"sku":null,"price":17.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":69003034722326,"sku":null,"price":27.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghaniChickpea.png?v=1773872378"},{"product_id":"afghani-karahi-masala","title":"Afghani Karahi Masala","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghani Karahi Masala is a bold, aromatic ground blend built for karahi cooking. Aleppo pepper, garlic, black pepper, red chillies, coriander and cumin give it a warm, earthy flavour that is slightly smoky with mild heat behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is inspired by traditional Afghan cooking, where karahi is prepared quickly over intense heat so the spices bloom and open out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdd one to two teaspoons while cooking your karahi, adjusting to taste. It works especially well with fresh tomatoes, garlic and oil, which build the traditional karahi base, and it suits chicken, lamb, beef and vegetable dishes alike. Put it in early, with the oil and tomatoes rather than at the end, so the spices have a chance to bloom in the fat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe shaker jar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: Aleppo pepper, garlic, black pepper, red chillies, coriander, cumin.\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 120g, 400g and 1kg\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfghani Karahi Masala, Afghan Karahi Spice Blend, Karahi Masala\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"120g (Jar)","offer_id":70954633199638,"sku":null,"price":14.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954633232406,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954633265174,"sku":null,"price":43.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/ameen-afghani-karahi-masala-shaker-jar.jpg?v=1790180471"},{"product_id":"afghani-qorma-masala","title":"Afghani Qorma Masala","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Qorma Masala is a warm, aromatic ground blend of paprika, garam masala and turmeric. The flavour is earthy and mildly spiced, and the paprika and turmeric together give it a rich golden-red colour that carries straight into the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQorma is a cornerstone of Afghan cuisine, slow-cooked so the flavours infuse deeply, and this blend follows generations of that tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdd one to two teaspoons while cooking your qorma. It works especially well with onions, tomatoes and oil or ghee, which build a rich, flavourful base, and it suits chicken, lamb, legumes and vegetables. Because qorma is slow-cooked, add the masala early with the onions so the paprika and turmeric have time to bloom and release their colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe shaker jar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: Paprika, garam masala, turmeric.\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 120g, 400g and 1kg\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfghani Qorma Masala, Afghan Qorma Masala, Qorma Spice Blend\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"120g (Jar)","offer_id":70954647912470,"sku":null,"price":13.04,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954647945238,"sku":null,"price":19.79,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954647978006,"sku":null,"price":39.59,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/ameen-afghani-qorma-masala-shaker-jar.jpg?v=1790180471"},{"product_id":"afghani-rice-masala","title":"Afghani Rice Masala","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Rice Masala is a fragrant ground blend of green and black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin and other warming spices, with black pepper for depth. It is warm, aromatic and slightly sweet, scenting rice without covering the natural flavour or the delicate texture of the grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRice dishes hold a central place in Afghan cuisine, above all Kabuli Pulao, where the spices are chosen as much for fragrance and presentation as for taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdd one to two teaspoons while cooking rice, or sauté the masala in oil before the water or broth goes in. It is most at home in Kabuli Pulao, combined with carrots, raisins and meat, and it suits festive meals and everyday cooking alike. Frying it in the oil first, rather than stirring it into the water, is what draws the aroma out of the whole spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe shaker jar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: Green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, black pepper and other warming spices.\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 120g, 400g and 1kg\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfghani Rice Masala, Afghan Rice Masala, Afghan Rice Seasoning\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"120g (Jar)","offer_id":70954650664982,"sku":null,"price":14.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954650697750,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954650730518,"sku":null,"price":43.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/ameen-afghani-rice-masala-shaker-jar.jpg?v=1790180471"},{"product_id":"afghani-tikka-masala","title":"Afghani Tikka Masala","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Tikka Masala is a bold ground blend of paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cloves and cinnamon. The flavour is deep and smoky with mild heat, warm hints of cinnamon and clove, and a slightly earthy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTikka-style cooking is widely enjoyed across Afghan and South Asian cuisines, where marinated meats are cooked over high heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMix one to two tablespoons with yogurt, lemon juice and oil to make a marinade, coat the meat thoroughly, and let it sit for several hours before grilling, baking or pan-frying. It suits chicken, beef and lamb, and gives the meat a vibrant colour along with the flavour. Give the marinade the full several hours; the ginger and the acid need that time to work into the meat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe shaker jar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. The flip-top cap opens to a three-hole sifter for an even sprinkle straight over the pan, the grill or the plate, and closes again with a simple press. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. When a recipe calls for a measured spoonful, simply unscrew the cap; the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill with your next Ameen blend and makes a practical home for dried herbs, chilli flakes, sesame seeds or homemade rubs. Hand wash only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients: Paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cloves, cinnamon.\u003cbr\u003eSizes: 120g, 400g and 1kg\u003cbr\u003eStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfghani Tikka Masala, Afghan Tikka Masala, Tikka Seasoning\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"120g (Jar)","offer_id":70954651418646,"sku":null,"price":14.49,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954651451414,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000g (Pouch)","offer_id":70954651484182,"sku":null,"price":43.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/ameen-afghani-tikka-masala-shaker-jar.jpg?v=1790181945"},{"product_id":"afghan-ghazni-red-raisins","title":"Afghan Ghazni Red Raisins (Kishmish Surkh)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfghan Ghazni Red Raisins are dried grapes with a reddish amber colour and a deep, winey sweetness behind the sugar. They are chewier and more grape-forward than the small dark raisins in a supermarket cereal box, with a soft skin that gives way rather than sticking to your teeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey come from Ghazni, a highland region in Afghanistan known for its grapes. Sizes and shades are not uniform in the bag, which is what happens when a real grape harvest is dried rather than sorted down to a single machine grade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to use them\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFry them briefly in oil with slivered carrot for the topping on Kabuli pulao or qabili. Stir them into ash and other Afghan soups, into korma and into rice pilafs where their sweetness offsets the spice. Use them in halwa, sheer payra and festive breads, in chutney alongside tamarind, or simply with tea, nuts and dried fruit on a mewa tray. They also work straight into granola, oat cookies, trail mix and grain salads. Technique tip: soak them for ten minutes in warm water and they plump back up and separate easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIngredients: Dried grapes\u003cbr\u003e\nBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eVitis vinifera\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSizes: 200g, 400g, 1kg\u003cbr\u003e\nStorage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, sealed in an airtight container once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso known as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKishmish, Kishmish Surkh, Red Raisins, Afghan Red Raisins, Ghazni Raisins, Dried Grapes, کشمش سرخ (Dari), سرې کشمشې (Pashto), زبيب أحمر (Arabic), लाल किशमिश (Hindi), لال کشمش (Urdu), Kirmizi Kuru Uzum (Turkish), Raisins secs rouges (French), Pasas rojas (Spanish), Красный изюм (Russian)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ameen Foods","offers":[{"title":"200g","offer_id":70994341888022,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400g","offer_id":70994341920790,"sku":null,"price":20.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":70994341953558,"sku":null,"price":30.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/8602\/2678\/files\/AfghanRedRaisins_2965122d-b1e1-43b6-87db-ec7c3e56006f.png?v=1778782314"}],"url":"https:\/\/ameenfoods.ca\/collections\/afghan-pantry.oembed","provider":"Ameen Foods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}