How to Make Moshtak, A Traditional Breakfast Worth Discovering!
We all have those mornings when we crave a breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious, something quick to prepare, yet full of goodness. One of the best-kept secrets of traditional food culture is Moshtak. A simple yet nourishing breakfast that’s making a well-deserved comeback. And what better time to try it than on May 17th, World Walnut Day? After all, walnuts are the star of the show here.
What is Moshtak, and Why Is It Such a Beloved Breakfast?
Moshtak -also known as Mocholok- is a traditional mix of dried flatbread, cheese, fresh herbs, and walnuts. What sets it apart from your typical bread-and-cheese combo is the way everything is mixed together to create a soft, aromatic dough that’s then shaped into bite-sized portions. It’s compact, tasty, and easy to prepare, so much so that many people enjoy it not just for breakfast, but also as a snack or light dinner. The soft texture, the fresh aroma of herbs, and the rich flavor of walnuts make Moshtak a perfect choice for a healthy, energizing start to the day.
What You’ll Need for a Nutritious Batch of Moshtak
A plateful of dried flatbread or traditional dried sangak
About 150g of white cheese or local-style feta
1 cup of shelled walnuts (choose high-quality ones for breakfast!)
Parsley and dill, finely chopped
A splash of water or diluted yogurt drink (doogh)
Spices (cumin, nigella seeds, dried rose petals)
How to Make Moshtak
- First, grind the dried bread using a food processor or mortar.
- Finely chop the herbs and add them to the crushed bread along with nigella seeds, cumin, and dried rose petals.
- Dice the cheese and add it to the mixture with chopped walnuts.
- Gradually add water or doogh until the mixture forms a soft, sticky dough.
Lightly oil your hands with olive oil and shape the dough into small portions. You can use an oiled glass to shape them more uniformly.
- Refrigerate the Moshtak bites to set.
For serving, arrange the Moshtak bites with cucumber, radish, tomatoes, or fresh herbs. A beautiful combination for a nutritious and colorful breakfast!
Golden Tips for Making a Delicious Moshtak Breakfast
- Use low-salt cheese to let the walnut and herb flavors shine.
- Chop the walnuts neither too fine nor too coarse for the perfect texture.
- Spices like dried rose petals or cumin add a special aroma.
- Traditional dried bread works best for flavor and texture.
- The amount of liquid is crucial – not too much to make the dough runny, not too little to prevent shaping.
Why Moshtak is a Great Breakfast Choice
The combination of bread, cheese, herbs, and walnuts makes Moshtak a healthy and nutritious breakfast. Walnuts are full of omega-3 and antioxidants, great for memory and heart health. Cheese provides protein, bread gives energy, and herbs help balance the dish’s temperament. If you’re looking for a simple yet beneficial breakfast, Moshtak could become your regular choice.
Moshtak for Parties and Travel
Moshtak’s compact appearance and traditional flavor make it a special choice for parties or even picnics. It’s easy to transport, doesn’t spoil, and doesn’t need reheating. If you have guests and want to serve something different, try this tasty and nutritious breakfast.
Final Thoughts:
Moshtak isn’t just breakfast; it’s a piece of our culture and taste. With simple yet beneficial ingredients, it can find its place in every family’s meal plan. Now that World Walnut Day is approaching, what better time to try a healthy walnut-based breakfast? Make it, enjoy it together, and savor its delicious taste. Perhaps Moshtak will become that healthy, tasty breakfast you’ve always been looking for.