#Armenian cuisine

[morethansalad]

Vegan Summer Tolma / Ամառային տոլմա / Armenian Stuffed Grape Leaves

[nixon-alice]

Armenian Food History: A Journey Through Culinary Traditions

Introduction

Armenian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, influenced by the country's history, geography, and cultural diversity. This article delves into the fascinating history of Armenian food, exploring its origins, staple ingredients, traditional dishes, and the cultural significance of culinary traditions. Join us on a mouthwatering journey through the diverse and flavorful world of Armenian cuisine.

Armenian Food: A Reflection of Cultural Heritage

The Significance of Food in Armenian Culture

In Armenian culture, food holds a special place. It is not merely sustenance but a means of connecting with family, friends, and the community. Sharing meals is a cherished tradition, fostering bonds and creating lasting memories. Armenian hospitality is legendary, and food plays a central role in expressing warmth and generosity.

Staple Ingredients in Armenian Cuisine

Wheat: The Grain that Sustains

Wheat is a staple ingredient in Armenian cuisine, providing the foundation for various breads, pastries, and dishes. Armenians are known for their love of bread, and lavash, a thin, unleavened flatbread, is a culinary icon of Armenia. Other wheat-based dishes, such as gata (a sweet pastry) and anushabur (a soup made with wheat berries), also showcase the importance of this grain.

Meat and Dairy: Cornerstones of Armenian Cooking

Meat and dairy products occupy a significant place in Armenian cuisine. Lamb, beef, and poultry are commonly used in dishes like khorovats, a traditional Armenian barbecue. Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are essential ingredients in many recipes, adding richness and depth of flavor to dishes like basturma (cured beef) and tolma (stuffed grape leaves).

Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs: A Bounty of Flavors

Armenia's favorable climate and fertile land allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Apricots, pomegranates, figs, and grapes are among the fruits that thrive in the region. Vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs such as mint and parsley are integral to Armenian recipes, providing freshness and vibrant flavors.

Traditional Armenian Dishes

Khorovats: The Art of Armenian Barbecue

Khorovats, a traditional Armenian barbecue, is an integral part of Armenian culinary culture. It involves marinating meat, typically lamb or pork, in a flavorful blend of spices and grilling it over open flames. The result is succulent, charred pieces of meat that are often enjoyed with lavash, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.

Dolma: Stuffed Delights

Dolma is a beloved dish in Armenian cuisine. It consists of various vegetables, such as grape leaves, bell peppers, or cabbage leaves, stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, herbs, and spices. Dolma is typically served with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of lemon juice, adding tanginess to the dish.

Lavash: The Versatile Flatbread

Lavash, a soft, thin flatbread, holds a special place in Armenian cuisine. It has been a staple for centuries and is used in various ways. It serves as a wrap for khorovats, a base for toppings in dishes like lahmajoun (Armenian pizza), and even as a utensil to scoop up food. Lavash is versatile, delicious, and an indispensable part of Armenian meals.

Harissa: A Hearty Porridge

Harissa is a traditional Armenian porridge made with cracked wheat and meat, usually chicken or lamb. The dish is slow-cooked for several hours until the grains and meat meld together, resulting in a thick and hearty porridge. Harissa is often enjoyed during festive occasions, and its comforting flavors evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition.

The Influence of Armenian Cuisine on the World

The Spread of Armenian Culinary Traditions

Armenian cuisine has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of the world. As Armenians migrated to different parts of the globe, they brought their culinary traditions with them, influencing the cuisines of various countries. Armenian dishes like dolma, pilaf, and baklava have found their way into the kitchens and hearts of people around the world.

Armenian Diaspora: A Global Impact

The Armenian diaspora has played a significant role in promoting Armenian cuisine internationally. Armenian communities in different countries have established restaurants, bakeries, and food businesses that showcase the flavors and traditions of their homeland. These establishments not only preserve Armenian culinary heritage but also introduce it to a wider audience.

Preserving and Celebrating Armenian Food Culture

Food Festivals and Culinary Events

Armenians take pride in their culinary heritage and celebrate it through food festivals and culinary events. These gatherings bring together people from different backgrounds to savor traditional dishes, share recipes, and pass on culinary knowledge to younger generations. Events like the Yerevan Wine Days and the Dolma Festival highlight the richness and diversity of Armenian cuisine.

Traditional Cooking Techniques and Utensils

Armenian cuisine has a wealth of traditional cooking techniques and utensils that have been passed down through generations. From the tonir (a clay oven used for baking bread) to the saj (a domed griddle for making lavash), these tools play a vital role in preserving the authentic flavors and textures of Armenian dishes. The use of traditional methods adds a unique charm to the culinary experience.

The Role of Food in Armenian Festivities

Armenian festivities are incomplete without a lavish spread of food. Whether it's weddings, New Year celebrations, or religious holidays like Easter, food plays a central role in bringing people together and honoring traditions. Special dishes like gata (sweet bread) during Easter and choreg (buttery, braided bread) during Christmas add a sense of occasion and joy to these festivities.

Conclusion

Armenian food history is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by centuries of cultural exchange and a deep-rooted connection to the land. From the delicious aromas of khorovats on a summer evening to the comforting warmth of harissa on a winter's day, Armenian cuisine reflects the spirit, hospitality, and resilience of its people. As the world embraces diverse culinary traditions, Armenian food continues to captivate and delight, sharing its rich history one bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are some popular Armenian desserts?

A: Some popular Armenian desserts include baklava (layered pastry with nuts and syrup), gata (sweet bread), and paklava (sweet pastry with layers of filo dough and nuts).

Q: Are there vegetarian options in Armenian cuisine?

A: Yes, Armenian cuisine offers several vegetarian dishes such as lentil soup, eggplant dolma, and yalanchi (stuffed grape leaves without meat).

Q: Is lavash gluten-free?

A: Lavash is typically made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free variations available using alternative flours.

Q: What is the significance of Armenian bread in the culture?

A: Bread holds great cultural significance in Armenia. It symbolizes sustenance, prosperity, and hospitality. Sharing bread is considered an act of goodwill and friendship.

[formeryelpers]

Old Gyumri Restaurant, 4441 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

Old Gyumri is an Armenian restaurant that was recently given a luxe remodel. The ownership is the same and the food too. The menu includes appetizers (e.g., hummus, ikra, sarma, lebni), salads, sandwiches, kabobs, fish, dolmas, soups, kibbeh, soups, sides, late night entrees, drinks, and a full bar.

They probably have more chandeliers than any other restaurant in Glendale, including chandeliers on the outside, a chandelier for each of the private dining rooms, and chandeliers in the main dining area. The lobby has marble floors, a piano, roses, mirrors, and gold accents. The outdoor seating area has private cabanas – very fancy.

BBQ sturgeon ($20): Two pieces of sturgeon marinated, skewered, and flame-broiled, served with spinach and basmati rice. Mr. Froyo enjoyed the simplicity and the hearty, meaty fish.

Garni fish stew ($45): Famous fish stew served in Garni. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was told that they serve a fish found only in a lake in Armenia. I figured it would be pieces of fish and veggies. It was actually a whole freshwater fish (maybe 4 pounds) cooked in a tomato cream sauce and no veggies. The fish is a type of trout – white flesh, mild, medium firmness. The sauce was too salty but eating it with rice helped.

I realized after receiving my order that the food is meant to be eaten family style. So, order a few appetizers and salads, not just entrees. We weren’t given any pita. And except for a few raw spinach leaves, the dishes didn’t have any vegetables.

They have live music on some nights. Expect to hear Armenian and Russian pop. Valet parking is available.

Service was very attentive. He even gave me a complimentary cup of hot Armenian coffee.

3.5 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.

[armanvard1234]

Armenian Restaurant Manchester 

Enjoy a delicious meal with your friends or take your partner on a date at Manchester’s oldest restaurant- the Armenian Taverna. From marinated lamb chops to smoked salmon salad, we have the finest dishes on our menu. Book table or place order online. visit:-https://www.armeniantaverna.co.uk

[tjkirsch]

Recipes of Armenian cuisine

[manulys]

Authentic Homemade Yogurt Recipe Our family has used this traditional recipe for rich, homemade cream yogurt for many generations. To guarantee a successful recipe every time, I've updated the measurements and temperatures.

[mxl755]

TASTE OF VENEZUELAN, ITALIAN AND ARMENIAN CUISINE

[morethansalad]

Armenian Rice Pilaf (Vegan)

[girlactionfigure]

Me: I don’t deny your identity. I acknowledge Palestinians exist today.

Them: Jesus was a Palestinian, not a Jew!

Me: Well, no - he was a Jewish rabbi. He had a bris, kept Shabbat, kept kosher, & his “Last Supper” was a Passover Seder. Besides, nobody would be called “Palestinian” for ~1,900 years after #Jesus died.

Them: Jews are #Khazars with no history in Palestine!

Me: Well, no - millions of DNA samples have now scientifically proven that Ashkenazi Jews (like their Sephardi & Mizrahi brothers & sisters) originate from the Levant (Israel).

Ashkenazi Jews migrated to the Rhineland (western #Germany) between 800-900 CE. 

#Yiddish - the language spoken by #Ashkenazi Jews for a millennia - is a mixture of Jews’ original Hebrew & adopted #German.

Meanwhile, there is no evidence of any Khazar influence on Ashkenazi customs, language, or culture.

The #Khazar tale (claiming some or many Turkic Khazars converted to #Judaism), while interesting, is not supported by any archeological evidence, and can be considered nothing more than a story.

Besides, it’s unassailable that the Ashkenazim were living ~1,500 miles from the Khazars, which may as well have been on the moon in the Middle Ages.

Them: Palestinians are Canaanites, the original inhabitants of the Land!

Me: Well, no - there’s zero evidence the Palestinians are Canaanites. This theory followed other similarly false claims over the past several decades that the Palestinians descend from the Philistines (an ancient Aegean Greek “sea people”) and even the Jebusites - a people for whom there is no evidence outside of the Bible of their having ever existed (if they did, they have been gone for at least 3,000 years).

One thing is clear, all of these recent tall tales about Palestinians’ ancient roots in “Palestine” were created in an attempt to delegitimize the State of Israel & not as some academic attempt to find Palestinian roots.

The #Canaanites (who spoke a language similar to #Hebrew, not #Arabic) have been extinct for more than 3,000 years; and there are no #Canaanite influences in any modern Palestinian language, culture, cuisine, customs, or religion.

Furthermore, DNA studies now prove Canaanites are closest in descension to modern-day Armenians & Western Iranians - but, culturally, there has not been a “Canaanite” people in ~3,000 years.

Meanwhile, there is a practically infinite amount of archeological, biblical & non-biblical text, and architectural evidence proving beyond any doubt that Jews lived in the Land of Israel continuously for more than 3,200 years.

Arabs only started arriving in Eretz Israel in significant numbers during the Arab Imperial conquest out of the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula in the mid 7th century CE when the Land was still majority-occupied by ~350,000 Jews.

Arab conquerers #colonized the Land of Israel & subjugated the Jewish majority.

That’s right, the Arabs were the #colonizers - this is historical fact no matter how much that might make your head hurt.

Them: The Jews are foreigners who stole Palestinian land!

Me: Ok, now you’ve officially ticked me off by repeatedly denying MY identity - one that was OBVIOUS to everyone before the last ~55 years when KGB-inspired propaganda went into mass effect in an effort to delegitimize Israel.

Can’t say the same about your identity … even though I keep trying to offer to respect it!

The Arabs only ruled Eretz Israel after conquering it in the 7th century & until they were kicked out by the Seljuks ~400 years later. Never during that time, did they even attempt to establish an Arab or #Muslim state or capital anywhere in Eretz Israel (Jerusalem is never mentioned in the Koran, and while the city is holy to Sunni Muslims, it is not holy to Shia Muslims).

And during the time of Arab rule, there was obviously no state or country called “Palestine.”

Then, during the 400 years before the start of the British Mandate around 1920, the Land was a distant & severely neglected province of the Ottoman #Turkish Empire.

In fact, in the late 19th century, as Jews began moving back to their homeland in larger numbers, there were only ~200,000 people living there (mostly a sparse, nomadic population), and Jews were the majority in #Jerusalem.

Post-WWI, the League of Nations (the precursor to the UN) legally granted Britain a "sacred trust" called the Mandate for Palestine (a name given to the land by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 CE).

The Mandate for Palestine was the least controversial of the 15 post-WWI mandates because everyone KNEW Jews were from “Palestine.”

So the Mandate for Palestine, which included the legal requirement for Britain to aid in the establishment of a Jewish National Home, passed unanimously by the League of Nations.

Among other things, the unanimously passed & legally-binding Mandate recognized “the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine and to the grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country.”

Besides, before the Jews started returning to the Land in large numbers in the late 19th century, it had become almost entirely war-torn ruins, arid desert & malarial swamps.

But the returning Jews were determined to rebuild their homeland; and the evidence is undeniable that Jewish labor & the Western technology they brought along helped to make the desert bloom again.

The result of a new booming economy in the midst of mostly rural, undeveloped land is no surprise; and hundreds of thousands of Arabs from neighboring lands immigrated to Mandate Palestine in the early to mid 20th century.

In fact, once Arabs began to rebel against the Jews (with pogroms & full-blown barbaric massacres on a particularly wide scale in 1920, 1921, 1929, and in 1936-1939), they made extremely clear to the British that they resented the name “Palestine,” which they claimed (incorrectly) was a modern Zionist invention.

For example, at the British Peel Commission in 1937 (looking into Arab riots from the year before), local Arab leader Audi Bey Abdul-Hadi testified that “[t]here is no such country [as Palestine]! Palestine is a term the Zionists invented!”

Again, during the 1946 Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry that was set-up to make recommendations for the territory, Arab-American historian Philip Hitti testified, “There is no such thing as Palestine in [Arab] history, absolutely not.”

The Arab position was not particularly surprising, as "Palestine” is not an Arab word (Arabic does not even have a letter “P” or a sound for “P,” which is why you often hear Arabs today pronounce it with a “B” as “Balastine”).

The Arabs in the Land at that time mostly identified with their local clan & otherwise considered themselves “Arabs” of “Southern Syria.”

In fact, just about anyone who was called a “Palestinian” pre-1948 was a #Jew.

This is why nobody made any attempt to create a “Palestinian state” during the 19 years between 1948 and 1967 in which #Egypt occupied #Gaza & #Jordan occupied the “#WestBank.”

The hard truth - even though I’m still acknowledging a #Palestinian people exists today - is that an Arab “Palestinian” identity was created for the first time in any signifiant way at the height of the Cold War in the mid-1960s & at the behest of the #Soviet#KGB, which wanted to expand its influence in the region, undermine the only democracy in the Middle East, and which had been repeatedly embarrassed by Israeli victories over invading Soviet-backed & Soviet-armed Arab states.

So the KGB wrote the ridiculous “Palestine Liberation Organization” (PLO) charter & molded Yasser Arafat at what was known as “KGB U” in #Moscow to use #terror & #propaganda to destabilize Israel.

Over the decades since then, many Arabs in the Land have come to self-identify as “Palestinians.”

Even among Palestinians today, however, many still identify with their clan over a separate “Palestinian” nationality (e.g., the clans do not intermarry & many are constantly engaged in some degree of violent conflict).

And the 2 million+ Arabs citizens of the State of Israel (who have equal protection under the law & more rights & privileges than they would have in any Arab and/or Muslim country on Earth) almost exclusively identify as either #Israeli-#Arabs or as simply #Israelis - not as #Palestinians.

Them: #Jews … I mean #Zionists … are bad, ok? Just ask the UN.

Me: Right. Just ask the #UN 

Captain Allen

@CptAllenHistory

[formeryelpers]

Vernatoun Restaurant, 1100 S Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91204

I had a strange experience at Vernatoun but I’ll chalk it up to cultural differences + a language barrier. Vernatoun is a new Russian-Armenian restaurant specializing in Armenian style charcoal BBQ cooking. They have kabobs, dolmas, stews, etc.

First, when I walked in, the cashier looked at me very suspiciously. When I said I wanted to order the lamb hearts and liver, she said, “Why would you want to order that?” I told her I liked lamb hearts and livers. She said it would take a long time to cook. I said that I could come back later to pick it up. She went into the kitchen and said they didn’t have any. She recommended the lamb chops or lule kabobs. I said okay and that I’m familiar with lule and Armenian food. At that point, two men came out and one asked me if I wanted the lamb hearts and liver. I said yes. I also wanted to order something for Mr. Froyo. I asked about the trout. The guy said it wasn’t any good. I asked about the sturgeon. Same thing. He muttered something about San Francisco and bad water. I asked about the salmon. He said no again. It was like they didn’t want me to order anything. The cashier handed me the menu and told me to call in my order even though I was ready to order right then. Eventually, they took my order for the trout and the lamb hearts & liver.

When I wanted to pay, they said cash only since the credit card machine was down. I tried to leave a tip but they gave the tip back to me and said no.

Lamb heart and liver, kabob style with rice, veggies, and raw onions ($18): The veggies (a whole tomato and chili pepper) were heavily charred. Mr. Froyo called them burnt and didn’t want any. The long grain basmati rice was soft but plain. The heart and liver pieces were also very charred but they were seasoned well. I wish the plate came with lavash and a dip but everything was tasty, better than average.

Roasted trout ($12): The piece of trout was wrapped in lavash with fresh herbs (tarragon?) and baked. Never had trout prepared this way. The bones are larger but do watch out for them. The white flesh was firm and not too meaty. I liked it though I wish they had taken the bones out. It was served with a ton of white basmati rice, the charred tomato and chili pepper, and raw onions with herbs.

The food seemed very authentic. They don’t seem used to serving non-Armenians. Hopefully they don’t scare non-Armenians away. The restaurant is in a strip mall and I think they’re going for an upscale dining experience. The blacked out windows are strange; you can’t see inside. But maybe they like their privacy.

4 out of 5 stars.

By Lolia S.

[antisocialxconstruct]

Okay here's a question that I think about often and writing it out it seems like such a nothing issue but I am genuinely really curious about other opinions. For once I will debase myself and say I'd appreciate reblogs for a wider range of opinions 🙏

[persianatpenn]

Persian-Armenian Potluck

Earlier this October, I helped organize a cultural crossover event between the Persian and Armenian student societies here at UPenn. The event was a potluck where each attendee could bring a dish from their respective culture. It was held on campus, in one of the dormitory lounge spaces. I personally prepared سلاد شیرازی, a salad consisting of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, served with olive oil and vinegar as a dressing. This is my favorite salad and a particularly popular one in the Middle East. Some of the Persian dishes and delicacies which made appearances were: تهدیگ, گز ، and عدس پلو. The Armenian dishes included baklava, Armenian bread, and Lamajun— flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs. I was interested to see the overlap between the Persian and Armenian culinary traditions and broader cultures. Like with Persian cuisine, a lot of Armenian food centered around flatbread and meat dishes. There were also many specific foods that were shared between both cultures, including dolmeh and doogh. Some students were of Armenian/Iranian descent, being ethnically Armenian but having family who grew up in Iran. This definitely challenged my perceptions of Iran being relatively culturally homogeneous. I was able to see how there are many different ethnolinguistic groups comprising the vibrant population of the country. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the experience was that I was be able to practice my Farsi skills, especially with my friends from Iran. I also enjoyed the feeling of nostalgia imparted by the familiar tastes and smells of home. 

دانيال

[dailykafka]

Gamarjoba dear!

I only just found out that we're neighbors! As a law abiding Armenian I've had the chance to visit your beautiful country twice and each time I was left astonished by the beauty of its nature 🧡 and don't even get me started on Georgian cuisine!

Gamarjoba genacvale!

YES we are neighbors!! Im glad you liked it here😄 I follow you from my main blog and when I found out you were Armenian I was so happy!! Like yess another Caucasian on Tumblr (and with such wonderful blog!!🌟🌟)

[airis-ray]

Get To Know Me Tag

Tagged by @aces-and-kings, thank you for tagging and thinking of me! 💖🌺

Tag (9) people you'd like to know better!

Last song: The Day of Unknown (Three-Body series OST). Almost all day it's on repeat. I really like this song, it's incredibly atmospheric!

Currently reading: I'm rereading once again "Lord of Light" by Roger Zelazny.

Currently watching: Now I'm finishing watching Chinese series "Three-Body". I was advised to watch it by one blogger and I'm very impressed! The first two episodes may seems boring, but then… Absolutely incredible things begin. The series is based on a book written by Liu Cixin, I plan to read it asap. And of course I'm eagerly waiting Good Omens 2 😊

Current obsession: Armenian cuisine. It's gorgeous and amazing, especially Tjvjik, oh this is my love forever! 🥰

Non pressure tagging, only if you want: @xmimiteh, @heart-of-corundum, @littlestcreampuff, @under-the-blood-moonlight, @eris-vito, @archaiclumina, @miqoquest, @zhauric, @irisopranta, @dragonsongmakhali, @thefreelanceangel, @meatball-headache, @karotte2188, @sealrock, @alixennial and everyone who wants to do it.

[armenianbistro]

Armenian Dishes Toronto CA

Whether you’re a local looking for a new food love or a visitor eager to explore Toronto’s culinary scene, Armenian Bistro is the best to visit. We’re on a delicious journey, and we can’t wait to share the mouthwatering details of Armenian dishes that make our restaurant stand out. We’re not just a restaurant; we’re your go-to spot for delicious Armenian dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance. So, grab a seat and get ready for a tasty adventure!

Visit Us: https://armenianbistro.ca/armenian-dishes-toronto-ca/