Ghapama

Armenian stuffed pumpkin dish

Ghapama

Traditional Ghapama served in a pumpkin

Ghapama (

) is a traditional Armenian dish made by stuffing a pumpkin with a variety of ingredients, including rice, dried fruits, and nuts. It is typically prepared during the Armenian Christmas and other festive occasions.

Preparation

The preparation of Ghapama involves hollowing out a medium-sized pumpkin and filling it with a mixture of cooked rice, dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, and plums, as well as nuts like almonds and walnuts. The mixture is often sweetened with honey or sugar and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients

• Medium-sized pumpkin
• Rice
• Dried fruits (e.g., apricots, raisins, plums)
• Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• Honey or sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Cooking Method

The stuffed pumpkin is placed in an oven and baked until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors have melded together. The dish is served warm, often as a centerpiece during holiday meals.

Cultural Significance

Ghapama holds a special place in Armenian culture, symbolizing abundance and hospitality. It is a dish that brings families together and is often accompanied by traditional Armenian songs and dances.

Related pages

• Armenian cuisine
• Armenian Christmas
• Stuffed vegetables