#Armenian food

[madam-of-lithuania]

Celebrating my Today's birthday with my parents, my two little brothers and my aunt in the Armenian Restaurant

[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

[urbandrivingskills-blog]

Manti. Pasadena, CA. October 2023.

[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.

[jtem]

I go here for Armenian pizza 

[armenianvendor]

Top 10 Traditional Armenian Foods

Dive into the diverse world of Armenian food with our selection of the top 10 traditional dishes. From hearty meats to intricate pastries and flavorful vegan options, Armenian cuisine offers something for everyone. Experience the warmth and richness of Armenian culture, increasingly popular among vegan food in USA.

[formeryelpers]

Zaatar Factory & Bakery, 2909 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91504

Zaatar Factory & Bakery is a traditional Armenian bakery that opened 12 years ago. They have various kinds of bureks, manaeesh, lahmajune, khachapuri, manti, baklava, cookies, etc.

They also carry grocery store items like spices, coffee, condiments, pickles, tea, canned goods, halva, etc. The building looks older. There’s a refrigerator with hummus, desserts, drinks, etc.

Zaatar Cheese Sandwich ($6.99): fresh thin dough wrapped around a thick slab of feta with zaatar. The cheese was too thick.

Spicy cheese burek ($3.99): Thicker than average, flavor was good but it’s too thick

Veggie lahmanjun: finely diced mushrooms, red pepper paste spread on a thin flatbread with crisp edges – a nice alternative to the usual meat based lahmajun

#6 Wrap ($10.69?): It was huge – 14 inches. The manaishe was thicker than I’m used to. It was wrapped around fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint. The tomatoes were mealy. The wrap was too dry and heavy.

Prices were not posted on the menu or for the baked goods in the display cases. Online ordering is available. It’s a good idea to order online or call first because some items take awhile to make (like 20 minutes). Parking was easy to find as they’re in a strip mall with parking.

3 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.

[metamorphesque]

Yet another sweet fact about the Armenian language: the word for "friend" is ընկեր "unker" (the stress is on the second syllable, and the first "u" is pronounced like the "a" in the word "arise"). In this word, the prefix "un" means "together," and "ker" means "eat." So, essentially, ընկեր "unker a friend" is someone you share your food with 🌻

[antoniettabrandeisova]

The Mithridate Wine, c. 2009. Rubik Kocharian (Armenian, 1940-2019) 16" x 20", oil on linen,

[fattributes]

Lula Meatballs with a Spiced Tomato Sauce and Sumac Onion Salad

[harminuya]

Armenian Zhingyalov Hats 🌟.

[thestudentfarmer]

9-5-2024 Garden and homesteading update,

Hello, hello!

Life's been keeping me a bit busy recently but I do have a bit of an update for the garden~

Finally Got manure in to fill in a few beds and top off rows. (Which I've started and got going to prep for winter)

Pulled everything but the carrots, cucumber, peppers and 1 tomato (tho the tomatoes on a wire line. I'm still thinking bout pulling it)

I found a few of the armenian cucumbers that might have viable seed, ive got to pull them apart and clean them tonight to dry and give a viability test. I'll leave the cucumbers growing for now. The pollinators and hummingbirds have been using them for shade and fuel. Plus I like the flush of lush foilage and ground cover. It's been extra hot this summer so we haven't seen as much produce as I usually crow about from them. When the weather starts going back to regulalry below 95*f I'm hoping to see more fruiting.

Started up a new bed in the garden. Its a raised bed, two boards tall. This one will be layered on the bottom as usual with cardboard thickly to repell and deter the grass a little bit. Instea dof paper shreds, i cracked up the sunflower stalks I've been saving up to fit the bed size and filled it a good bit with the smaller ones. Topping it off with the manur/compost. I also threw some of the dead cucumber vines with the sunflower stalks to sort of fill it. Not tight packed, just loosely. Just wanna see of it'll work similar to hugelkultur. (Link at end to Wikipedia page).

The sweet potato vines are starting to take off. Thankfully this means I'll have some greens to split between family and the chickens soon. Maybe even some spuds at the end of the season 🤞

The thyme plant kicked the can, the asparagus is ferning out, but not stalking. The basil is seeding pretty good. So with luck some wild seeded basil starts soon.

The sunchokes have stunted a bit, this week I'm gonna see about putting a shade up to see if that'll help them out.

The hollyhocks in the hen alley have been sort of taken over by grasshoppers. So not too much growth among them. Think I'll need to spend a few nights catching them, freezing them and giving them to the chickens for a little extra snack time delight. (Plus getting them out of the garden) I think at that time I'll also lay out some new cardboard as the ground cover has disintegrated pretty well. Looking good beneath on the soil.

Started filling in the area I wanted to put melons in, may instead end up using that area to grow winter veggies, like cauliflower, cabbage or broccoli.

Still need to mix the seed starting soil, cut up some cardboard tubes (gonna try to use them for some seed starting) and get those winter crops started up.

Getting ready to dig out my floral patch to plant elsewhere. (I've been waiting for cooler weather.)

And start up the new direct seed rotation plan (carrots, lettuce, radish, nasturtium and other)

And a few other minor tasks related to the garden and some major ones later too that I'm not gonna get ahead of myself yet on grandoise plans 😂

That's the garden update for now :)

🌱💚Happy Gardening and homesteading💚🌱

Links for additional infos:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%BCgelkultur

[wizardyke]

hi, I was looking through the Armenian Miku tags on here and saw your post. I got curious and looked through your blog a little because initially I wanted to chime in and say a lot of Armenian and Azeri culture is similar and has been for thousands of years (just look at zhingalov hats! or how similar our traditional dress is!), and the outrage is stupid esp. when it comes from people who only learned about everything recently and have no idea how we were able to coexist long before any of this happened. But it felt weird to reblog and say that so I didn’t.

anyway. I lurked your tumblr and saw you post about Armenia occasionally and it warmed my heart to see how much you appreciate and admire our culture. No matter what the future holds, I hope our two nations can find peace one day. We are not always fairly represented by those who govern us, and we as people are more alike than not—both sides need to realize that. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see a day in our lifetimes where Azeris and Armenians alike can enjoy a cup of coffee in Karabakh/Artsakh, but until that day comes, I hope you know people like you are a light in the dark for people like me, and as long as people like you exist, peace doesn’t feel like a pipe dream for either of us. ❤️

-a random Armenian that found your tumblr

AUGHHUAYHAH IM SOO HAPPY YOU REACHED OUT ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️‼️‼️‼️‼️ thank you so much, it means a lot to know that someone feels the same!! so much of the bullshit online is from people who JUST learnt about our conflict and putting it through such an oversimplified lense and not realising that ultimately we need to coexist TOGETHER. every armenian ive met has been the kindest most generous person & it frustrates me to no end that many azeris have been brainwashed to think otherwise. i really wish the best for you and our countries 💞❤️🇦🇿🤝🇦🇲❤️💞

[artsyaprilmr]

Alert legislators to send emergency aid to Artsakh!

(US Citizens)

You can contact the Congress members just in a few clicks: texts for e-mails and phone calls are pre-written! You only need to send them out/call. Please, take your time to help 120.000 people in Artsakh that are currently under blockade organized by fascist dictatorship of Azerbaijan.

[feeshies]

person: hi this is a recipe for a cultural dish my grandma would always make for me :) hope you enjoy

comments: ACTUALLY THIS IS FROM [insert culture here] YOUR CULTURE HAS NO SIGNIFICANT RECIPES. GET FUUUUUCKED!!!