When I think about the mountains of Azerbaijan, my mind is instantly filled with visions of rugged peaks, sweeping valleys, and the kind of natural beauty that feels almost untouched by time. But the image that stands out most vividly is of a cooking adventure I embarked on, which, to this day, remains one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The journey began with a simple yet profound idea: cooking lamb with @WILDERNESSCOOKING in the heart of the Azerbaijani mountains.
My trip started in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where the hustle and bustle of city life felt like a distant world compared to the serene landscapes I was about to explore. I had been following @WILDERNESSCOOKING on social media for some time, captivated by their unique blend of culinary skills and outdoor adventures. Their posts featured mouth-watering dishes prepared in the wild, often using traditional methods and local ingredients. When I saw their offer for a mountain cooking expedition, it was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.
The journey to the mountains was an adventure in itself. We traveled by 4×4 vehicles, winding our way through narrow, winding roads that seemed to defy the laws of geography. The scenery changed dramatically as we ascended, from the flat, arid expanses of the lowlands to lush, verdant forests and dramatic rocky outcrops. It was as if we were moving from one world into another, each turn revealing a new layer of the landscape’s beauty.
Upon arriving at our base camp, nestled in a remote valley surrounded by towering peaks, I was struck by the sense of tranquility that enveloped us. The air was crisp and clean, with a freshness that felt almost purifying after the city smog. Our guide, a tall man with a beard that seemed to blend seamlessly with the rugged landscape, greeted us with a warm smile. His name was Elmir, and he was the embodiment of wilderness expertise.
Elmir led us to a clearing where we would be cooking the lamb. The setting was perfect: a small open area with a natural stone fire pit and plenty of room for our group to gather around. The equipment we had was minimal but effective: a cast-iron pot, some basic cooking utensils, and a supply of local ingredients that had been sourced from nearby villages. The lamb itself was fresh and expertly butchered, a testament to the local traditions of meat preparation.
As we started preparing the meal, Elmir shared stories about the region’s culinary heritage. Azerbaijan has a rich tradition of lamb dishes, often featuring aromatic spices and slow-cooking techniques that bring out the meat’s natural flavors. The recipe we would be using was a traditional one, passed down through generations. It involved marinating the lamb in a mixture of yogurt and spices before cooking it over an open fire.
The process of marinating the lamb was both meticulous and therapeutic. The yogurt acted as a tenderizer, infusing the meat with a tangy richness. We added a blend of spices—coriander, cumin, and paprika—along with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. The mixture was massaged into the lamb with care, ensuring that every inch of meat was coated with the flavorful marinade.
Once the lamb was marinated, we prepared the fire pit. This involved gathering firewood, setting up the stones, and carefully arranging the logs to create the perfect bed of embers. Elmir demonstrated the technique with practiced ease, his movements precise and deliberate. As the fire crackled and the smoke began to rise, the anticipation in the air was almost palpable.
Cooking over an open fire is an art form, requiring patience and an intuitive understanding of heat. The lamb was placed in the cast-iron pot and positioned over the fire, where it would slowly roast. As the hours passed, we busied ourselves with preparing side dishes and enjoying the stunning surroundings. Freshly baked flatbread, a variety of salads, and some traditional Azerbaijani pickles complemented the meal, each dish prepared with ingredients that were as fresh as the mountain air.
The aroma of the roasting lamb was intoxicating. It mingled with the earthy scent of the forest and the faint, sweet fragrance of wildflowers that grew in abundance around our camp. The slow cooking method allowed the flavors to develop fully, and by the time the lamb was ready, the entire camp was filled with the mouth-watering scent of succulent, spice-infused meat.
When the moment finally arrived to taste our creation, it was nothing short of spectacular. The lamb was tender and juicy, the spices having permeated every bite. It was a symphony of flavors, with the tanginess of the yogurt, the warmth of the spices, and the smokiness from the fire creating a dish that was both comforting and exhilarating. Sharing this meal with fellow travelers, surrounded by the majestic mountains, was an experience that transcended the ordinary.
As the sun set and the stars began to emerge, the warmth of the fire and the satisfaction of a well-cooked meal created a sense of camaraderie among us. We sat together, sharing stories and laughter, our spirits lifted by the beauty of the surroundings and the joy of a meal prepared with such care and tradition.
The mountains of Azerbaijan had given us more than just a stunning backdrop; they had provided a setting for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Cooking lamb with @WILDERNESSCOOKING in such a magnificent place was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life: good food, great company, and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.