Introduction: Armenian Cuisine at Its Finest
Armenian cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful dishes, and Armenian barbecue is no exception. The tradition of barbecuing meat over an open flame dates back centuries in Armenia, with unique techniques and spices used to create mouthwatering dishes. From the juicy and succulent khorovats to the spicy and unique basturma, here are some of the most popular Armenian barbecue dishes.
Khorovats: The King of Armenian Barbecue Dishes
Khorovats is the most popular barbecue dish in Armenia and is often referred to as the “king of Armenian barbecue.” Made with chunks of marinated meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, khorovats is cooked over charcoal on a skewer. The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, cumin, and garlic. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, tomatoes, and onions.
Lyulya Kebab: A Flavorful and Juicy Treat
Lyulya kebab is another popular Armenian barbecue dish that is made with ground beef or lamb mixed with onion, herbs, and spices, including coriander, cumin, and paprika. The mixture is formed into a sausage-like shape and grilled over a charcoal fire. The kebab is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as cilantro, parsley, and tomatoes, and is typically eaten with flatbread and yogurt sauce.
Shashlik: A Delicious and Traditional Dish
Shashlik is a traditional Armenian barbecue dish that is made with chunks of marinated meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, and grilled over a charcoal fire. The meat is typically marinated in a blend of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and a mix of herbs and spices, including paprika, cumin, and garlic. Shashlik is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, tomatoes, and onions, and is typically eaten with flatbread.
Manti: A Dumpling-Like Dish with a Barbecue Twist
Manti is a traditional Armenian dish that is typically made with dumplings filled with meat and spices, such as garlic, coriander, and cumin. In Armenian barbecue, manti is cooked over an open flame and served with a spicy tomato sauce and yogurt. The result is a delicious and unique dish that combines the flavors of barbecue and traditional Armenian cuisine.
Basturma: A Unique and Spicy Barbecue Treat
Basturma is a unique Armenian barbecue dish that is made with beef or lamb that has been cured with a blend of spices, including garlic, cumin, and paprika, and then cooked over an open flame. The result is a spicy and flavorful dish that is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, tomatoes, and onions.
Harissa: A Unique and Filling Barbecue Dish
Harissa is a filling and hearty Armenian barbecue dish that is made with wheat, meat, and spices, including cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. The mixture is cooked over an open flame for several hours until it becomes a thick and porridge-like texture. Harissa is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, tomatoes, and onions, and is typically eaten with flatbread.
Dolma: A Traditional and Satisfying Barbecue Delight
Dolma is a traditional Armenian dish that consists of grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, including cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. In Armenian barbecue, dolma is cooked over an open flame until the grape leaves become charred and crispy. The result is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is often served with fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, tomatoes, and onions.