Index

figure

Aintab-Style Lahmajoun with Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Green Bell Pepper, 76

All-American Armenian Thanksgiving Turkey with Wild Rice Pilaf and Cranberry Sauce, 175–78

Ancient Noodle Dish, An (Sou-Boerek), 85–86

Aram Sandwiches, 65–67

Arayah Jenanyan’s Grilled Salmon Fillets Wrapped in Fig Leaves, 201–2

Armenian Chopped Tomato Salad with Green Bell Pepper, Cucumber, and Iceberg Lettuce, 90

Armenian Cracker Bread (Lavosh), 63–62

Armenian Cream Cheese (Kaymak), 296–97

Armenian Crème Fraîche, 26

Armenian Moussaka with Lamb or Beef, Potato, and Yogurt Béchamel, 148–49

Armenian Omelette with Tomato and Chive, 191

Armenian Pickled Cucumbers (Gheteh), 38–39

Armenian Pizza (Lahmajoun), 70–75

Armenian Ratatouille, 227–28

Armenian Shortbread Cookies (Kurabia), 269–71

Armenian Spaghetti and Meatballs, 113

Armenian Steak Tartar, with Garnishes (Chee Kufta), 104–5

Armenian Stewed Chicken, 157–58

Artichokes Braised in Olive Oil with Leek, Shallot, and Dill, 220–21

Aunt Rose’s Roast Pheasant, 183–84

Baked Chicken with Olives, Turnips, and Turnip Greens, 165–66

Baked Chicken in Yogurt Turmeric Sauce with Fresh Peas, 163–64

Baklava, 264–66

Basic Boerek Triangles, 77–80

Basic Kufta Mixture (Keyma), 106

Basic Meat and Nut Filling for Kufta, 108

Basic Meat Stuffing for Dolmas, 230

Basic Rice Pilaf, 250–51

Basic Rice Stuffing for Dolmas, 231

beef

Armenian Moussaka with Lamb or Beef, Potato, and Yogurt Béchamel, 148–49

Basic Meat and Nut Filling for Kufta, 108

Basic Meat Stuffing for Dolmas, 230

Beef Shish Kebab (Basterma Shaslik), 134–35

Spicy Lamb or Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cilantro Sauce, 114–15

beverages

Turkish Coffee, 298–99

Yogurt Drink (Tan), 20

Bishop, Willie, 258

Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Black Olives and Tomatoes, 92–93

boerek triangles, 77–80

Butternut Squash Filling, 80

Cheese and Stewed Grape Leaf Filling, 79

Goat Cheese, Garlic, and Herb Filling, 79

Traditional Cheese Filling Two Ways, 78

Braised Lamb Shanks with White Beans and Fennel, 139–40

breads and savory pastries, 59–87

Aintab-Style Lahmajoun with Fried Eggplant, Tomato, and Green Bell Pepper, 76

An Ancient Noodle Dish (Sou-Boerek), 85–86

Aram Sandwiches, 65–67

Armenian Cracker Bread (Lavosh), 63–62

Armenian Pizza (Lahmajoun), 70–75

Basic Boerek Triangles, 77–80

Coffee Rolls (Choeregs), 60–62

Homemade Pita Bread, 68–69

Spinach Fillo Pie, 81–82

Spinach Tahini Boerek (El-Boerek), 83–84

brining, 170

Budrick, Jerry, 258

bulgur

Basic Bulgur Pilaf, 259

Bulgur and Walnut Pilaf, 260

Bulgur Pilaf with Chickpeas, Spring Onions, and Grapevine Tendrils, 261

Butter Kufta with Tomato and Green Bell Pepper (Yala Kufta), 121–22

Butterflied Leg of Lamb Marinated in Mint Sumac Vinaigrette, 138

Caucasus-Style Cabbage Sarmas with Beef and Blanched Onion Stuffing and Tomato Caper Sauce, 243–45

Cauliflower Stew with Tomato, Black Olives, and Parsley, 224

chaiman paste, 11, 44

Chard Leaf Sarmas with Rice Pilaf, Cheese, and Yogurt Béchamel Filling, 246–47

cheese

Homemade Fresh Cheese, 48–49

Salted Cheese, 45

String Cheese, 46

Yogurt Cheese, 24–25

Yogurt Cheese Balls Marinated in Garlic Dill Oil with Aleppo Pepper, 50

See also cream cheeses

chicken

Armenian Stewed Chicken, 157–58

Baked Chicken in Yogurt Turmeric Sauce with Fresh Peas, 163–64

Baked Chicken with Olives, Turnips, and Turnip Greens, 165–66

Chicken and Wheat Porridge (Keshkeg, Herrisah), 173–74

Chicken Kufta in Yogurt Dill Broth, 117–18

Easy Armenian Chicken Rice Soup, 158

Fried Flattened Baby Chickens or Game Hens with Quince or Tart Apples, 169–71

Grilled Chicken in Yogurt Turmeric Sauce, 164

Grilled Chicken Marinated in Garlic and Olive Oil with Tahini Sauce and Grilled Figs, 167–68

Spring Chicken Stew with Leeks, Fava Beans, and Tarragon, 161–62

Stewed Chicken in Lemon and Egg Sauce with Roasted Onions and Carrots, 159–60

chicken broth, 14

Homemade Chicken Broth, 15

Chickpea Kufta with Pine Nut Filling, 125–26

Chickpea Tahini Dip (Hummus), 53

cider vinegar, 11

Coffee Rolls (Choeregs), 60–62

condiments

Lemony Homemade Mayonnaise, 120

Cousin Gary’s Rabbit Pie with Onion Confit, Pancetta, Mushrooms, and Sage, 187–90

cream cheeses

Armenian Cream Cheese (Kaymak), 296–97

Sweetened Yogurt, 297

Del Porto, Frank, 258

desserts

Armenian Shortbread Cookies (Kurabia), 269–71

Baklava, 264–66

Fresh Figs Poached in Zinfandel with Zinfandel Ice and Kaymak Cream, 283–84

Grape Honey (Pekmez), 295

Lemon Yogurt Cake Soaked in Lemon Mint Syrup, 274–76

My Mother’s Put-by Peaches, 287–88

Peach and Cherry Pie with Pine Nut Crust, 272–73

Poppy Seed Cake with Olive and Walnut Oils, 279–80

Shredded Fillo Pastry with Cheese and Date Filling (Kadaif ), 267–68

Sun-dried Apricot Halves with Sweet Cheese and Pistachio Nut Dust, 282

Sun-dried Apricots in Almond-scented Syrup, 281

Tarkana, 93–94

Three Nut Brittles, 89–93

Two Armenian Dessert Cream Cheeses, 296–97

Walnut Spice Cake Soaked in Orange Honey

Syrup, 277–78

Yogurt Panna Cotta with Cherry Sauce, 285–86

dolmas (stuffed vegetables)

Basic Meat Stuffing for Dolmas, 230

Basic Rice Stuffing for Dolmas, 231

Eggplant Dolmas, 234–35

Quince or Tart Apple Dolmas with Pork Stuffing, 236–27

Stuffed Vegetables (Dolmas), 229–31

Tomato Dolmas on a Potato Bed with Breadcrumb Topping, 232–33

dried fruits, 10

duck

Grilled Duck with Walnut Pesto, 179–80

Easter Eggs, 194

Easy Armenian Chicken Rice Soup, 158

eggplant

Eggplant Dolmas, 234–35

Eggplant Salad Dip, 54–55

Fried Eggplant, 216–17

Grilled Eggplant, 218–19

eggs

Armenian Omelette with Tomato and Chive, 191

Easter Eggs, 194

Fried Eggs with Mock Basterma, 194

Omelette Cum Frittata, 192

Oven-Poached Eggs on a Bed of Spinach and Yogurt, 193

fats, 12

fish

Arayah Jenanyan’s Grilled Salmon Fillets Wrapped in Fig Leaves, 201–2

Fish Baked in Parchment with Butter, Garlic, Herbs, and Capers, 204–5

Fried Fish Marinated in Orange, Lemon, and Garlic, 203

Grilled Mackerel with Lemon, Cilantro, and Scallion Sauce, 200

Grilled Trout, 198–99

Red Snapper Stew with Baby Artichokes and Potatoes, 208–9

White Fish Plaki-Style with Lemon and Curry, 206–7

Whitefish Kuftas, 119

See also seafood

Fresh Fava Bean Salad with String Cheese and Chive Oil, 94–95

Fresh Figs Poached in Zinfandel with Zinfandel Ice and Kaymak Cream, 283–84

Fried Eggplant, 216–17

Fried Eggs with Mock Basterma, 194

Fried Fish Marinated in Orange, Lemon, and Garlic, 203

Fried Flattened Baby Chickens or Game Hens with Quince or Tart Apples, 169–71

fruit

Fresh Figs Poached in Zinfandel with Zinfandel Ice and Kaymak Cream, 283–84

My Mother’s Put-by Peaches, 287–88

Peach and Cherry Pie with Pine Nut Crust, 272–73

Quince or Tart Apple Dolmas with Pork Stuffing, 236–27

Sun-dried Apricot Halves with Sweet Cheese and Pistachio Nut Dust, 282

Sun-dried Apricots in Almond-scented Syrup, 281

game hens

Fried Flattened Baby Chickens or Game Hens with Quince or Tart Apples, 169–71

Roasted Game Hens with Bread and Apricot Stuffing, 171–72

grains and legumes, 14

Grape Honey (Pekmez), 295

Grape Leaf Sarmas (Yalanchi), 238–40

Grape Leaves Stewed with Tomato and Lemon, 222

Green Bell Pepper Pickle (Tourshi), 36–37

Green Fig and Fennel Seed Marmalade, 61–62

Green Olive and Walnut Relish, 52

Green Tomato Pickle, 40

grilling

Arayah Jenanyan’s Grilled Salmon Fillets Wrapped in Fig Leaves, 201–2

Grilled Chicken in Yogurt Turmeric Sauce, 164

Grilled Chicken Marinated in Garlic and Olive Oil with Tahini Sauce and Grilled Figs, 167–68

Grilled Duck with Walnut Pesto, 179–80

Grilled Eggplant, 218–19

Grilled Lamb Hearts with Parsley Sauce, 152–53

Grilled Mackerel with Lemon, Cilantro, and Scallion Sauce, 200

Grilled Quail Wrapped in Grape Leaves with Grape Kebabs, 181–82

Grilled Trout, 198–99

herbs, 10

Homemade Fresh Cheese, 48–49

Homemade Pita Bread, 68–69

Hummus (Chickpea Tahini Dip), 53

Izmir or Smyrna Kufta, 111–12

Jenanyan, Arayah, 201

Jenanyan, Gary, 133, 187

Jenanyan, Henry, 39

Jenanyan, Victoria, 264, 266

Kufta, 101–27

Armenian Spaghetti and Meatballs, 113

Armenian Steak Tartar, with Garnishes (Chee Kufta), 104–5

Basic Kufta Mixture (Keyma), 106

Basic Meat and Nut Filling for Kufta, 108

Butter Kufta with Tomato and Green Bell Pepper (Yala Kufta), 121–22

Chicken Kufta in Yogurt Dill Broth, 117–18

Chickpea Kufta with Pine Nut Filling, 125–26

Izmir or Smyrna Kufta, 111–12

Kufta in Yogurt Mint Broth (Madzoon Kufta), 116

Kufta with Lamb and Walnut or Pine Nut Stuffing (Harput Kufta), 109–10

Potato and Chickpea Fritters, 127

Red Lentil Kufta (Vosbov Kufta), 123–24

Spicy Lamb or Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cilantro Sauce, 114–15

Tray Kufta (Sini Kufta), 107

White-Fish Kuftas, 119

lamb

Armenian Moussaka with Lamb or Beef, Potato, and Yogurt Béchamel, 148–49

Basic Meat and Nut Filling for Kufta, 108

Basic Meat Stuffing for Dolmas, 230

Braised Lamb Shanks with White Beans and Fennel, 139–40

Butterflied Leg of Lamb Marinated in Mint Sumac Vinaigrette, 138

Grilled Lamb Hearts with Parsley Sauce, 152–53

Kufta with Lamb and Walnut or Pine Nut Stuffing (Harput Kufta), 109–10

Lamb and Potato Fillo Pie with Pine Nuts, Raisins, and Orange Zest, 150–51

Lamb Stew with Green Beans and Tomatoes, 141–43

Ragout of Lamb or Pork with Dried Apricots and Whole Garlic Cloves, 146–47

Ragout of Lamb with Spinach, Green Pepper, and Lentils, 144–45

Shish Kebab, 131–32

Spicy Lamb or Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cilantro Sauce, 114–15

spit-roasted, 258

Traditional Lamb and Rice Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 241

Layered Tomato Salad with Green Bell Pepper, Wilted Onion, and Parsley, 91

lemon juice, 11

Lemon Yogurt Cake Soaked in Lemon Mint Syrup, 274–76

Lentil Salad with Walnut Oil and Yogurt Cheese Balls, 96–97

maza table, 33–57

Armenian Pickled Cucumbers (Gheteh), 38–39

Chickpea Tahini Dip (Hummus), 53

Eggplant Salad Dip, 54–55

Green Bell Pepper Pickle (Tourshi), 36–37

Green Olive and Walnut Relish, 52

Green Tomato Pickle, 40

Homemade Fresh Cheese, 48–49

Mock Basterma, 43–44

Pearl Onion and Zucchini Tourshi in Sweetened Brine, 41

Salted Cheese, 45

Salted Turnips and Radishes with Scallions and Soft Cracker Bread, 42

String Cheese, 46

Stuffed Baby Eggplant (Imam Bayildi), 56–57

Toasted Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Chickpea, and Pistachio Nut Snacks (Chackerdack), 34–35

Yogurt Cheese Balls Marinated in Garlic Dill Oil with Aleppo Pepper, 50

Zesty Marinated Olives, 51

Mock Basterma, 43–44

mulberries, dried, 62

Mussels in Tomato Onion Broth with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping, 210–11

My Mother’s Put-by Peaches, 287–88

New World Melon Salad with Mock Basterma, 101

New World Okra Stew with Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Corn, 225–26

noodles and pasta

An Ancient Noodle Dish (Sou-Boerek), 85–86

Armenian Spaghetti and Meatballs, 113

Nouvelle Rice, Wild Rice, Dried Fruit, and Nut Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 214–42

nuts and seeds, 10

Basic Meat and Nut Filling for Kufta, 108

Bulgur and Walnut Pilaf, 260

Kufta with Lamb and Walnut or Pine Nut Stuffing (Harput Kufta), 109–10

Nouvelle Rice, Wild Rice, Dried Fruit, and Nut Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 214–42

Three Nut Brittles, 89–93

Toasted Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Chickpea, and Pistachio Nut Snacks (Chackerdack), 34–35

Walnut Spice Cake Soaked in Orange Honey Syrup, 277–78

Omelette Cum Frittata, 192

online specialty stores, 10

orange flower water, 11, 290

Oven-Poached Eggs on a Bed of Spinach and Yogurt, 193

Peach and Cherry Pie with Pine Nut Crust, 272–73

Pearl Onion and Zucchini Tourshi in Sweetened Brine, 41

pheasant

Aunt Rose’s Roast Pheasant, 183–84

pilafs, 249–50

Basic Bulgur Pilaf, 259

Basic Rice Pilaf, 250–51

Bulgur and Walnut Pilaf, 260

Bulgur Pilaf with Chickpeas, Spring Onions, and Grapevine Tendrils, 261

Rice Pilaf with Shrimp, Tomato, and Cilantro, 254–55

Rice and Lentil Pilaf with Sautéed Chicken Liver and Scallion Topping, 252–53

Wedding Pilaf, 256–57

Wild Rice Pilaf, 176

Pistachio Nut Snacks (Chackerdack), 34–35

pizza (Armenian), 70–75

Onion Confit and Pecan Topping, 75

Traditional Lamb Topping, 73

Wilted Leek and Fontina Cheese Topping, 75

pomegranate syrup, 11

Poppy Seed Cake with Olive and Walnut Oils, 279–80

pork

Pork Shish Kebab in Pomegranate, Sumac, and Black Pepper Marinade, 136–37

Quince or Tart Apple Dolmas with Pork Stuffing, 236–27

Ragout of Lamb or Pork with Dried Apricots and Whole Garlic Cloves, 146–47

Potato and Chickpea Fritters, 127

poultry. See chicken; duck; game hens; pheasant; turkey

produce, 12–13

quail

Grilled Quail Wrapped in Grape Leaves with Grape Kebabs, 181–82

Quince or Tart Apple Dolmas with Pork Stuffing, 236–27

rabbit

Cousin Gary’s Rabbit Pie with Onion Confit, Pancetta, Mushrooms, and Sage, 187–90

Rabbit Fricassee with Dried Figs and Boiling Onions, 185–86

Red Lentil Kufta (Vosbov Kufta), 123–24

Red Snapper Stew with Baby Artichokes and Potatoes, 208–9

rice

Basic Rice Stuffing for Dolmas, 231

Easy Armenian Chicken Rice Soup, 158

Nouvelle Rice, Wild Rice, Dried Fruit, and Nut Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 214–42

Rice and Lentil Pilaf with Sautéed Chicken Liver and Scallion Topping, 252–53

Rice Pilaf with Shrimp, Tomato, and Cilantro, 254–55

Wild Rice Pilaf, 176

Roasted Beets in Yogurt Sauce, 223

Roasted Chickpeas, 35

Roasted Game Hens with Bread and Apricot Stuffing, 171–72

rose water, 11, 291

salads, 89–101

Armenian Chopped Tomato Salad with Green Bell Pepper, Cucumber, and Iceberg Lettuce, 90

Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Black Olives and Tomatoes, 92–93

Fresh Fava Bean Salad with String Cheese and Chive Oil, 94–95

Layered Tomato Salad with Green Bell Pepper, Wilted Onion, and Parsley, 91

Lentil Salad with Walnut Oil and Yogurt Cheese Balls, 96–97

New World Melon Salad with Mock Basterma, 101

Tabbouli, 100

Wilted Baby Spinach with Toasted Walnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette, 98–99

Salted Cheese, 45

Salted Turnips and Radishes with Scallions and Soft Cracker Bread, 42

sandwiches

Aram Sandwiches, 65–67

Fried Eggplant, 217

sarmas

Caucasus-Style Cabbage Sarmas with Beef and Blanched Onion Stuffing and Tomato Caper Sauce, 243–45

Chard Leaf Sarmas with Rice Pilaf, Cheese, and Yogurt Béchamel Filling, 246–47

Grape Leaf Sarmas (Yalanchi), 238–40

Nouvelle Rice, Wild Rice, Dried Fruit, and Nut Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 214–42

Traditional Lamb and Rice Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 241

seafood

Mussels in Tomato Onion Broth with Toasted Breadcrumb Topping, 210–11

Rice Pilaf with Shrimp, Tomato, and Cilantro, 254–55

Stuffed Mussels (Midia Dolma), 212–13

See also fish

seeds, 10

See also nuts and seeds

shish kebab

Beef Shish Kebab (Basterma Shaslik), 134–35

Pork Shish Kebab in Pomegranate, Sumac, and Black Pepper Marinade, 136–37

Shish Kebab, 131–32

Shredded Fillo Pastry with Cheese and Date Filling (Kadaif), 267–68

soup

Easy Armenian Chicken Rice Soup, 158

Yogurt, Potato, and Celery Soup, 31

Yogurt and Barley Soup with Mint, Parsley, and Egg, 29–30

spices, 10–11

Spicy Lamb or Beef Meatballs in Tomato Cilantro Sauce, 114–15

spinach

Spinach Fillo Pie, 81–82

Spinach Tahini Boerek (El-Boerek), 83–84

Spring Chicken Stew with Leeks, Fava Beans, and Tarragon, 161–62

stews

Armenian Stewed Chicken, 157–58

Cauliflower Stew with Tomato, Black Olives, and Parsley, 224

Grape Leaves Stewed with Tomato and Lemon, 222

New World Okra Stew with Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Corn, 225–26

Red Snapper Stew with Baby Artichokes and Potatoes, 208–9

Spring Chicken Stew with Leeks, Fava Beans, and Tarragon, 161–62

Stewed Chicken in Lemon and Egg Sauce with Roasted Onions and Carrots, 159–60

String Cheese, 46

Stuffed Baby Eggplant (Imam Bayildi), 56–57

Stuffed Mussels (Midia Dolma), 212–13

Stuffed Vegetables (Dolmas), 229–31

Sun-dried Apricot Halves with Sweet Cheese and Pistachio Nut Dust, 282

Sun-dried Apricots in Almond-scented Syrup, 281

Sweetened Yogurt, 297

Tabbouli, 100

Tarkana, 93–94

Three Nut Brittles, 89–93

Toasted Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Chickpea, and Pistachio Nut Snacks (Chackerdack), 34–35

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, 34

tomatoes

peeling and seeding, 13

Tomato Caper Sauce, 244

Tomato Dolmas on a Potato Bed with Breadcrumb Topping, 232–33

Traditional Lamb and Rice Stuffing for Grape Leaf Sarmas, 241

Tray Kufta (Sini Kufta), 107

turkey

All-American Armenian Thanksgiving Turkey with Wild Rice Pilaf and Cranberry Sauce, 175–78

Turkey Broth, 178

Turkish Coffee, 298–99

Two Armenian Dessert Cream Cheeses, 296–97

vegetables

Armenian Ratatouille, 227–28

Artichokes Braised in Olive Oil with Leek, Shallot, and Dill, 220–21

Cauliflower Stew with Tomato, Black Olives, and Parsley, 224

Eggplant Dolmas, 234–35

Fried Eggplant, 216–17

Grape Leaves Stewed with Tomato and Lemon, 222

Grilled Eggplant, 218–19

New World Okra Stew with Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Corn, 225–26

Roasted Beets in Yogurt Sauce, 223

Stuffed Vegetables (Dolmas), 229–31

Tomato Dolmas on a Potato Bed with Breadcrumb Topping, 232–33

See also dolmas; sarmas

Walnut Spice Cake Soaked in Orange Honey Syrup, 277–78

Wedding Pilaf, 256–57

White Fish Plaki-Style with Lemon and Curry, 206–7

White-Fish Kuftas, 119

Wild Rice Pilaf, 176

Wilted Baby Spinach Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Pomegranate Vinaigrette, 98–99

Wise, Jenan, 72

Wise, Rick, 258

yogurt, 17–31

Armenian Crème Fraîche, 26

Baked Chicken in Yogurt Turmeric Sauce with Fresh Peas, 163–64

Basic Yogurt (Madzoon), 18–19

Drained Yogurt, 24

Lemon Yogurt Cake Soaked in Lemon Mint Syrup, 274–76

Roasted Beets in Yogurt Sauce, 223

Sweetened Yogurt, 297

Yogurt, Potato, and Celery Soup, 31

Yogurt and Barley Soup with Mint, Parsley, and Egg, 29–30

Yogurt Béchamel, 28

Yogurt Cheese, 24–25

Yogurt Cheese Balls Marinated in Garlic Dill Oil with Aleppo Pepper, 50

Yogurt Dill Broth, 117

Yogurt Drink (Tan), 20

Yogurt Panna Cotta with Cherry Sauce, 285–86

Yogurt with Cucumber (Jajik), 21

Yogurt with Spinach, 22–23

Zesty Marinated Olives, 51