What is special about the food, recipes, method of cooking?
Food and its preparation are one of the cornerstones of Armenian culture.
Armenian cuisine is steeped in tradition and has been passed down to us from our Grandmother Zaruhue and our parents Paul and Carol Antaramian. Armenian cooking is quite often time consuming; but, with the advent of modern utensils such as food processors, professional ranges and outdoor grilling, preparation is now less time consuming.
The spices used in the Middle East are generally common from one country to the next, but the main spices and herbs used in Armenian cooking are garlic, basil, parsley, onion, mint, paprika, cayenne pepper, sesame seeds, lemons and olive oil. Armenian dishes, especially rice pilaf have become a gourmet dish in the world's finest restaurants and almost a common dish in the diets of many Americans. Skewered meats on the backyard grill [Shish Kebob] are becoming as popular as the hamburger.
Lamb is the main meat course in Armenian cooking. Because it can be expensive, it can be stretched or extended with wheat, vegetables or other meats. This wheat is cooked, dried and then cracked or milled in different degrees of coarseness and is called bulghur.
Vegetables such as grape leaves, onions, tomatoes, garlic, cabbage, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and chickpeas are used quite extensively during the summer growing season. Armenians love vegetables and are very adept at roasting them. Zucchini, peppers, squash, garlic and onions are among our favorites.
Another staple in the Armenian diet is "Mahdzoon". This is commonly known to Americans as "Yogurt". Mahdzoon or Yogurt is widely used throughout Europe, the Middle East and its use extends to the Far East. Armenians use their mahdzoon plain, as a beverage, or a cold or hot soup. It is used as well as a topping or garnish for other foods as you would use sour cream or salad dressing.
Hamov means delicious in Armenian. We look forward to sharing our favorite Armenian specialties with you. We hope you think our food is hamov!
Hamov LLC is owned by:
Laura (Antaramian) Belsky, Wendy Antaramian Powell and Paul P. Antaramian
Kenosha, WI
Updated Tuesday, January 06, 2009 7:28 PM
Fog | 30°F | High: 33°F
Low: 22°F
Wind: 8 mph
Humidity: 93%
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