Qarta

Qarta is a unique dish of horse meat from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Lastest Updated May 27, 2024
Verified by A-Z Cuisines Team
  • Exotic
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Fact: Qarta is kept simple with little seasonings.

Flag of Kyrgyzstan#17 in Kyrgyzstan

Flag of Kazakhstan#21 in Kazakhstan

Basic Information

Qarta: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/kar-ta/

Alternative Name(s)

No

Dish Type

Boiled dishes

Course

Appetizer

Mealtime

Anytime

Popular Variations

No
Origin and Region

Qarta: Origin and Region

Origin

  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan

Continent’s Region

Central Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified
Qarta Origin Map
Ingredients and Preparation

Qarta: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Horse rectum

Main Cooking Method

Boiling and pan-frying

Preparation Process

Cleaned thoroughly, smoked, dried, or boiled, then simmered in bouillon and pan-fried
A Deep Dive

Qarta: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Traditional dish in Kazakh and Kyrgyz cuisine

Taste

Savory

Texture

Slightly chewy

Aroma

Typically meaty without any off-putting (depending on the preparation)

Color

Dark brown

Serving Style

Sliced into rounds over a plate

Serving Temperature

Hot or warm

Accompaniment

Often served with qazi

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Gluten-free

Calories

Unspecified

Popularity

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

Popular Similar Dishes

Qazi

Popular Dining Area

Local restaurants or households

Qarta is a traditional dish in Kazakh and Kyrgyz cuisine, made by boiling and pan-frying horse rectum, the final part of the digestive tract but right before the anus section. This unique delicacy features a mix of buttery flavor and a little chewy texture enriched with layers of fat.

Qarta Overview

In Kazakhstan, horse meat is a crucial part of the country’s culture, especially at weddings, when family members sometimes are gifted with a live horse. Interestingly, qarta is often served without any addition of spices or sauces.

To ensure a pleasant taste, the horse’s rectum requires meticulous washing, sometimes smoked or dried from 1 to 2 days, or boiled to remove any off-putting flavors. Once cleaned, it’s sliced into rounds and gently simmered in a meat broth, seasoned simply with salt, green pepper, and dill.

Often, it’s paired with qazi, a popular horse sausage, making for a hearty meal that celebrates the culinary heritage of the region.

To further understand qarta, let me take you on a trip to uncover the advantages and disadvantages, along with a few inquiries related to qarta and some dishes that resemble it.

Key Points

  • Qarta is boiled and pan-fried horse rectum, with a mix of textures and layers of fat.
  • Qarta requires meticulous preparation to clean the horse’s rectum.
  • Qarta is often paired with qazi instead of spices or sauces.

Qarta Images

Pros and Cons of Eating Qarta

Before eating qarta, take a short look through these features about the pros and cons to make sure you know what to expect when having this unique horse meat delicacy.

Pros

  • Nutritional Value: Like other meats, qarta is a good source of protein and other nutrients.
  • Unique Taste: For those who appreciate diverse flavors, qatar offers a unique taste and texture that’s different from common meats.
  • Economic: In regions where horses are common, dishes like qarta are more affordable than other meat dishes.

Cons

  • Acquired Taste: The unique flavor and texture of qarta are only appealing to some, especially those unfamiliar with the dish.
  • Health Concerns: If not cleaned and cooked properly, there’s a risk of bacterial contamination.
  • Availability: It’s challenging to find authentic qarta or the required ingredients outside Central Asia.

When you have made up your mind to enjoy qarta, make sure to take some time to check about the popular concerns relating to this horse rectum dish.

Qarta FAQs

Yes, when prepared with proper hygiene and cooking practices, qatar is safe for consumption.

Traditionally, qarta is made from the rectum of a horse, but variations exist based on regional or personal preferences, with intestines of other animals used.

Yes, once cooked, qarta is refrigerated for a few days. For longer storage, it can be frozen.

In its native regions like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, qarta is generally affordable, but its price can vary based on location, preparation, and cultural value.

Adam Sam

Adam Sam

Senior Food and Drink Editor

Expertise

Food Writer & Recipe Developer, Recipe Tester, Bartender, Cooking-video Maker, Editor In Chief

Education

  • University of Gastronomic Sciences – Pollenzo (Italy) (MA Food Culture, Communication & Marketing)
  • Johnson & Wales University (US) (Baking and Pastry Arts)
  • Professional Bartender at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Adam Sam, an experienced food writer and recipe developer, is passionate about blending diverse culinary traditions, national dishes, and innovative beverages, showcasing his proficiency in both traditional and modern recipe testing.

As the Editor-in-Chief, he elevates culinary content from street food to fine dining, focusing on Western cuisine and types of drinks at azcuisines.com, and is professional in creating engaging cooking videos that simplify complex dishes and ingredients.

His passion for food is evident in his writing, where he uniquely merges various cultures, traditions, and contemporary trends, skillfully combining classic recipes with modern cooking methods.

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