In the Armenian tradition, Christmas (Surb Tznund) and Epiphany are celebrated together on January 6th, preserving an ancient custom that unites the birth and baptism of Christ. This holy day is preceded by a week of fasting, culminating in the Christmas Eve dinner known as Khetum.
The Khetum table is a spiritual bridge between fasting and feasting. The menu is traditionally meat-free (except for fish) and relies on the winter pantry: dried fruits, legumes, grains, and root vegetables. Every dish served on this night carries profound theological symbolism, turning the dinner table into a place of worship and gratitude.
Nevik: Swiss Chard and Chickpeas
Ishkhan: The Princely Trout
Chamichov Pilaf: Sweet Rice with Raisins
Tanapur / Spas: Yogurt and Wheat Soup
Anoushabour: Noah’s Pudding
Ghapama: Stuffed Pumpkin
Accompaniments: Greens, Bread, and Kompot
Sweets: Gata and Rojik
1. Nevik: Swiss Chard and Chickpeas
Tradition and Meaning
Nevik is a humble vegan stew that is essential to the Christmas Eve table. According to Armenian legend, the Swiss chard (panjar) symbolizes the swaddling clothes of the Infant Jesus. The broad leaves are said to have protected the Holy Family and kept the Christ Child warm in the manger. Combining chard with chickpeas provides a complete protein, essential for sustenance during the fast.
Recipe: Traditional Nevik
Ingredients: 2 bunches Swiss chard (chopped), 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 onion (sliced), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp red pepper paste, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic.
Preparation:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Stir in tomato and pepper pastes to create a rich base.
Add the chard stalks first, then the leaves and chickpeas.
Simmer with a little water until the chard is tender (approx. 25 mins).
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
2. Ishkhan: The Princely Trout
Tradition and Meaning
Fish is the centerpiece of the Khetum meal, representing the Ichthys - the ancient symbol of Christianity and Baptism. In Armenia, the trout from Lake Sevan, known as Ishkhan ("Prince"), is the most prized variety. It is typically prepared simply poached or baked, to maintain the purity associated with the holiday.
Recipe: Baked Ishkhan in Wine
Ingredients: Whole trout (cleaned), 1 cup white wine, tarragon (fresh), butter, lemon slices, pomegranate seeds.
Preparation:
Season the fish cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with fresh tarragon and a pat of butter.
Place in a baking dish and pour white wine over the fish.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes.
Garnish generously with pomegranate seeds, which symbolize life and the blood of Christ.
3. Chamichov Pilaf: Sweet Rice with Raisins
Tradition and Meaning
This sweet pilaf is rich with scriptural symbolism. The white rice grains represent humanity, while the raisins and dried fruits represent the Apostles - the "chosen ones" who spread the flavor of the Gospel throughout the world.
Recipe: Chamichov Pilaf
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain rice, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup dried apricots (chopped), ½ cup almonds, butter, flatbread (lavash) for the crust.
Preparation:
Line the bottom of a pot with lavash bread and butter (to create the crispiness).
Add rice and water; cook until tender.
Separately, sauté the raisins, apricots, and almonds in butter until the fruits puff up.
Mix the fruit-nut mixture into the fluffy rice just before serving.
4. Tanapur / Spas: Yogurt and Wheat Soup
Tradition and Meaning
Spas is a creamy, fermented yogurt soup made with wheat berries (dzedzadz). Its white color symbolizes purity and the snow of winter. It acts as a soothing, warm starter to prepare the stomach after the fasting period.
Recipe: Creamy Spas
Ingredients: 1 kg Plain Yogurt (Matzoon), 1 egg, 2 tbsp flour, 1 cup cooked wheat berries, dried mint, cilantro.
Preparation:
Whisk the egg, flour, and yogurt together in a pot (off heat) until perfectly smooth to prevent curdling.
Add water and cooked wheat.
Crucial Step: Stir constantly in one direction over medium heat until it boils. Do not stop stirring!
Once boiling, reduce heat. Garnish with dried mint and cilantro.
5. Anoushabour: Noah’s Pudding
Tradition and Meaning
Anoushabour (literally "Sweet Soup") is Armenia's oldest dessert, often associated with Noah's Ark. Legend says Noah cooked all remaining supplies - wheat, fruits, and nuts - into a pudding to celebrate the ark landing on Mount Ararat. It symbolizes survival and the sweetness of the New Year.
Recipe: Anoushabour
Ingredients: 2 cups skinless wheat berries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup dried apricots/raisins, walnuts, pomegranate seeds.
Preparation:
Soak wheat overnight, then simmer in water until it bursts and releases its starch (porridge consistency).
Add sugar and dried fruits; cook for another 20 minutes.
Pour into a bowl and cool.
Decorate the top elaborately with nuts and pomegranate seeds.
6. Ghapama: Stuffed Pumpkin
Tradition and Meaning
Ghapama is a festive dish often served on Christmas Day or New Year's. A pumpkin is hollowed out and stuffed with rice, nuts, honey, and fruits. It symbolizes the "bin" of the harvest - filling the home with abundance and sweetness for the coming year.
Recipe: Ghapama
Ingredients: 1 medium pumpkin, 1.5 cups parboiled rice, honey, nuts, dried fruits, cinnamon, butter.
Preparation:
Cut the top off the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds.
Coat the inside with honey.
Mix rice, fruits, nuts, and spices; loosely fill the pumpkin.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 2 hours until the pumpkin is soft. Slice into wedges to serve.
7. Accompaniments
Fresh Herbs: A plate of cilantro, tarragon, and green onions is mandatory to represent new life.
Dried Fruit Kompot: A juice made by boiling dried pears, apples, and plums. It is the traditional non-alcoholic beverage of the table.
8. Sweets: Gata and Rojik
Gata: A sweet pastry bread. In many families, a coin is baked inside; whoever finds it is promised good luck and prosperity for the year.
Rojik - The Sweet Sujukh: Walnuts threaded on a string and dipped in thick grape molasses syrup.
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