Ghapama

Ghapama is a traditional Armenian dish, often served during the Christmas season and at weddings. The dish is a stuffed pumpkin filled with boiled rice, dried fruits, and nuts. The name "Ghapama" comes from the Armenian word "ghap" meaning "closed" or "stuffed," and "ama" meaning "dish."

Preparation

The preparation of Ghapama involves hollowing out a pumpkin and stuffing it with a mixture of rice, dried fruits such as apricots, prunes, raisins, and apples, as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. The pumpkin is then baked until it becomes soft. The dish is traditionally served by cutting the pumpkin into slices, allowing each person to take a slice along with some of the filling.

Cultural Significance

Ghapama is often associated with the celebration of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Christmas, which falls on January 6th. It is also commonly served at Armenian weddings. The preparation and serving of Ghapama is often accompanied by traditional Armenian songs, the most famous of which is "Hey Jan Ghapama," sung by the renowned Armenian singer Harout Pamboukjian.

Variations

While the traditional Ghapama recipe calls for a mixture of rice, dried fruits, and nuts, variations of the dish may include other ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, and sugar. Some versions may also use different types of rice or grains, or include additional types of dried fruits or nuts.

See Also

• Armenian cuisine
• Pumpkin
• Christmas traditions

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