10 Favorite Recipes That Show Off Armenian Cuisine

Armenian Stuffed Eggplant (Imam Bayildi)

These tender baked eggplants, stuffed with a combination of sautéed bell peppers, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce are packed with flavor, and will make a beautiful addition to a traditional Armenian feast. "I hope you enjoy this taste of Armenia from my family to yours!" says recipe contributor Chef Joanna. "Serve with sides of tabuli salad, hummus, and a whole wheat pita."

Lahmahjoon (Armenian Pizza)

Also known as lahmacun, or Turkish pizzas, this simple version uses pita breads for the crust but you could use homemade flat breads. They are topped with a spicy ground lamb, tomato, and herb mixture and crisped up in a very hot oven. Slice into triangles and serve with lemon wedges for a delicious appetizer, or put a little salad in the middle, and fold it over for a quick sandwich.

Armenian Rice Pilaf

In this super simple pilaf dish, egg noodles and rice are coated in melted butter, then simmered in chicken broth until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy. That's it...nothing extra needed! "This is a staple of Armenian homes and is always a favorite with everyone," says recipe contributor 5lilblessings. "Very easy to prepare and delicious with any meal, especially poultry."

Lavosh

Lavosh, also known as lavash, is a thin, oval-shaped Armenian flatbread that's traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven to give it that crunchy, cracker-like texture. "I make this bread often," says home cook HERRANA. "I like to add extra sunflower seeds to the mix. This recipes makes a great thin crispy crust for mini pizzas."

Armenian Lentils

Lentils and bulgur wheat are cooked with caramelized onions and served with green onions, yogurt, and lemon in this refreshing Armenian side dish. "Absolutely delicious!" says home cook YELLEPHANT. "I served this as a side dish to the Lahmahjoon (Armenian Pizza) recipe."

Armenian Shish Kabob

Cubes of boneless lamb are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, white wine, garlic, and herbs overnight, then broiled twice to create the most tender, mouth-watering kabobs that will rival any version you get in an Armenian or Middle Eastern restaurant. They are simply delicious served with char-grilled vegetables, an Armenian rice pilaf and pita breads.

Choereg (Armenian Easter Bread)

This traditional, braided, slightly sweet yeast bread is enriched with eggs and a fragrant spice called mahleb to give it its distinctive flavor and aroma. You can buy mahleb online or in most middle eastern grocery stores. Serve with strong coffee for a delicious celebratory breakfast at Easter or Christmas. "Being of Armenian descent, I've had my fair share of Choereg, and I must say, this is truly a wonderful recipe!" says home cook dancerjax.

Mock Sou Boreg (Armenian Macaroni and Cheese)

Mock Sou Boreg is a creamier, mellower-tasting version of traditional macaroni and cheese that's packed with cottage cheese curds and seasoned with plenty of freshly chopped parsley for a delicious Armenian side dish or vegetarian main dish.

Traditional Armenian Gomgush

Gomgush is an iconic Armenian stew that's made with lamb, tomatoes, eggplants, and an abundance of herbs. It's often served at large gatherings and special occasions, and traditionally prepared in a tonir (clay oven) until the meat falls apart and all the flavors from the vegetables and herbs have melded together for a rich and satisfying meal.

Lamb and Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves

You'll find lots of different types of stuffed vine and cabbage leaves (known as tolma) in Armenian cuisine. They are extremely popular and can be filled with ground meat, vegetables, and rice. This version from Chef John uses ground lamb, rice, fresh mint, currants, and pine nuts. Arrange them on a platter and serve with lemon wedges and a yogurt-mint sauce for a delightful appetizer.

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