First ever Lavangi Festival held in Lankaran

First ever Lavangi Festival has been held in Lankaran, Azernews reports. The event was organized by Lankaran-Astara Regional Culture Department, the Lankaran-Astara Regional Youth and Sports Department, the Lankaran Executive Power and the Azerbaijan Culinary Specialists Association.

During the festival, various Lavangi dishes are showcased at the festival. The event also featured an exhibition of artists and competition among chefs. Lavangi Festival aroused great public interest.

Lavangi is a stuffing for chicken or fish. Such stuffing is usually made in the southern parts of Azerbaijan, specifically in Lankaran.

Often, the term is used to refer to the entire dish that includes this stuffing. Translated from Talysh, it consists of two words: "lava" meaning belly/stomach and "gi" meaning to hide, i.e., "hidden in the belly."

The mixture of walnuts and onions is used to fill the belly of the bird or fish, which is then cooked over an open fire.

Primarily, Lavangi is traditionally prepared in Azerbaijani "tandir" (clay oven) by the people of Lankaran.

Lavangi is also used in the preparation of dough and vegetable dishes. It is typically made from finely grated onions, ground walnuts, tursu (a seasoning made from cherry plums), and other spices (salt, pepper, etc.).