Ingredients: For the bread:

• 4 large pieces of flatbread or lavash
• Olive oil for brushing

For the yogurt sauce:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

For the vegetable topping:

• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or mint, chopped

For the meat topping (optional):

• 250 grams of beef or lamb, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the flatbread or lavash with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until they become crisp and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
2. In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. If using meat, heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Break the baked flatbread or lavash into smaller pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
5. Pour the yogurt sauce over the bread pieces, making sure they are well coated.
6. Top the bread and yogurt mixture with the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, thinly sliced onions, and fresh herbs. If using meat, sprinkle the cooked meat over the vegetables.
7. Serve the Qurutob immediately, allowing everyone to mix the toppings and bread together as they eat.

Qurutob is a communal dish meant to be shared. Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing Tajik dish with family and friends!