A friend included this nourishing slice in a recent letter:We were enjoying the hospitality of a Tajik family in a remote village when our hostess disappeared for a few minutes.
She came back with the largest bread I've ever seen. She cooked it herself in her tandoor.
Bread is sacred in Central Asia culture. You thank God for it. You handle it with care. You never lay it down with the bottom side up. Bread is never thrown away. If it gets old, then feed it to the cows but it would be a sin to throw in the garbage.
When guests come, break the bread and place a piece in front of each guest. Honor them and God who has brought them safely to you.
Dr Geoff Pound
Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.
Image: A small loaf of Tajik bread.