The role of dairy products in Armenian cuisine
Armenian cuisine is renowned for its delightful and diverse flavors, with dairy products playing a significant role in enhancing the taste of many dishes.
From the creamy matsun to the tantalizing array of cheeses, dairy finds its way into various culinary creations in Armenia. In this blog, we will explore the significance of dairy products in Armenian cuisine and how they contribute to the delectable flavors of Armenian dishes.
Armenian Matsun:
At the heart of Armenian cuisine lies the beloved Armenian yogurt, known as matsun. This delightful dairy product is crafted by fermenting milk with a special strain of bacteria. Matsun not only aids digestion but also serves as a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather. It has gained popularity among both locals and visitors, becoming an integral part of Armenian gastronomy.
Spas:
Spas, also known as tanapur, holds a special place in the hearts of Armenians. It is a beloved soup that graces the tables of nearly every Armenian household. Depending on the season, Spas is enjoyed either warm during winter or chilled during summer. This soup is prepared by combining diluted matsoni (original fermented milk product) with dzavar, a native Armenian cereal made from fine-grained wheat.
There is an intriguing tale behind the name “Saved.” In the 19th century, after the Russian-Turkish war, Cossacks stationed in Transcaucasia sought warmth and nourishment in an Armenian home in the Kars region. The hospitable owner served them a hot soup, which led the freezing Cossacks to exclaim, “You saved us, brother, you just saved us.” Since then, the traditional Armenian tanapur has been affectionately referred to as “Saved.” This timeless tradition of preparing this hearty soup has been cherished and preserved to this day, inviting you to savor its delicious flavors at the Gata tavern.
Armenian Cheese:
Armenian cheese holds an irreplaceable position within the realm of Armenian cuisine, imparting its distinctive and delightful taste. With a wide array of varieties like Lori, chanakh, and khorats, Armenian cheese adds a touch of culinary magic to every dish. Lori cheese boasts a semi-solid texture reminiscent of feta and finds its place in salads and delectable pastries. Meanwhile, the soft and velvety chanakh cheese gracefully enhances sauces, creating harmonious flavors.
A beloved dish that showcases the versatility of cheese is the heartwarming cheese lunch, cherished particularly in rural households. This culinary gem involves simmering cheese in water, resulting in a tantalizing blend of flavors. It’s fascinating to discover the regional nuances of cheese dishes across Armenia, with each locality adding their own unique touches. Some variations may incorporate the aromatic notes of onions, the fiery kick of hot red peppers, the savory allure of garlic, or the richness of eggs. Whether served with delicate cheese threads, paired with crispy lavash, or accompanied by fragrant bread, cheese delights the palate and elevates the dining experience.
Cottage Cheese:
Cottage cheese holds its own in the realm of popular dairy products within Armenian cuisine. It finds its place as a delightful filling for various vegetables. The curd filling is complemented with dill, salt, and nuts, resulting in a delightful mixture. One cherished dish featuring cottage cheese is marmots-cottage cheese. The curd is sprinkled with an assortment of spices, shaped into balls, sun-dried, and stored in a glass jar until a delicate mold forms. This unique-tasting curd dish originates from the Armenian region of Musa Ler. Milk, like other dairy products, takes its rightful place in Armenian cuisine, often used in individual dishes such as milk soup enriched with noodles.
Armenian cuisine’s reliance on dairy products enhances its culinary tapestry, imparting a distinct and satisfying flavor to its traditional dishes. The utilization of matsun, cottage cheese, and milk showcases the creativity and ingenuity of Armenian chefs in harnessing the versatility of dairy to elevate their gastronomic creations. Whether you are a local or a visitor, indulging in the delights of Armenian cuisine is sure to be a memorable and palate-pleasing experience.
