Assyrian cuisine
Encyclopedia
Assyrian
cuisine
is similar to other Middle East
ern cuisines. It is rich in grains, meat, tomato, and potato. Rice is usually served with every meal accompanied by a stew which is typically poured over the rice. Tea is typically consumed at all times of the day with or without meals alone or as a social drink. Cheese, crackers, biscuits, baklawa, or other snacks are often served alongside the tea as appetizers. Dietary restrictions may apply during special holidays in which certain types of foods may not be consumed; often meaning animal-derived. However, unlike their Muslim or Jewish neighbors of the countries they originated from, they may consume pork or alcohol though pork is not a staple in the diet and is shunned by many. There are hold-overs from the Old Testament
in which people slaughter animals a certain way and where some animals are considered unclean such as the aforementioned swine. The story of Jesus
casting the demonic Legions
into pigs that went over the cliff is a popular reason for some Assyrians not to eat pork. Alcohol on the other hand is rather popular specifically in the form of Arak
.
There is a widely circulated story on the Web stating that the Assyrians invented baklava
in the 8th century BCE, but current scholarly work indicates that it is of central Asian Turkic origin.
Most of the time, the preparation of meals reflects the region in which the individual ancestors are from. The foods consist of similar ingredients however the manner in which they are prepared slightly varies from region to region. Furthermore, individuals tend to combine the authentic Assyrian meals with the ethnic meals of that particular region.
, Baba Ghanouj
, Tapoula, Fattoush
, vegetables and dip, Burek
(fried egg roll stuffed with either ground beef or chicken, onions, parsley, and various spices), etc. Fava beans, known as baqqilē, and chick peas, known as ḥemṣē
or ḥerṭmanē (Syriac: ܚܪܛܡܢܐ), are very common in soups, salads, and find their way into many foods. Fried almonds and raisins are also used but not as appetizers but rather as garnishes for main dishes. "Potato chap" is deep fried mashed potatos stuffed with ground beef, parsley, and onion. "Kubba" made with ground beef and an outter shell of ground wheat is flattened and then fried or oven baked is another maza favorite, it is often eaten with ketchup or steak sauce. Another popular maza is tourshee which literally means pickled. Many different types of vegetables are pickled such as cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, beets, and peppers. As mentioned in the main paragraph, tea is a staple in the diet even more so than coffee. Almost always the maza is accompanied with tea or Turkish coffee.
) is also referred to as kawitrā w kharamsha. There is no difference to lunch and dinner to Assyrians as there are with some other cultures. Lunch and dinner typically consists of basmati
rice
which can be prepared either plain, red ("smooqah"), yellow ("zardah"), or plain with fried miniature noodles called sha'riya. In place of rice, "Gurgur" burghul
can be prepared in any of the styles Assyrian rice is made.
Biryani is an Assyrian rice dish with sha'riya made of green peas, fried cubed potatoes, almonds, raisins, sliced hard boiled eggs,and chicken. "Rizza Smooqah" (red rice) is often made with chicken or meat. Rice (when made plain) is usually accompanied with a stew; called shirwah." There are many different shirweh (plural) in the Assyrian community and may vary by tribe. The broth is basically tomato paste, water, and a variety of spices depending on the shirwah one makes. The name of the shirwah is often called by the main ingredient in it. Typical shirweh include (but are not limited to): "Kari" (made with potatoes), "Masheh" (beans), "Bumyeh" (fried okra), "Fasulyah" (long green beans), "Loobiyeh" (Chinese green beans), "Spenakh" (Spinach), "Qarnabeet" (cauliflower), "Qareh" (zucchini). All the mentioned soups are prepared with beef, chicken, or ox tails depending on the preference. During Lent, the meat is omitted. Salad may be served with any of the rice dishes. A traditional Assyrian salad is cubed tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and red onions made with a home made dressing of lemon, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Other various types of Assyrian soups/stews include:
"Tlokheh" (Lentils made with curry and sha'riya)
"Kipteh" (Ground beef meatballs flavored with parsley, rice, onion, and spices in a tomato based stew)
" Kuba Hammouth" (Ground beef long meatballs that has an outter cracked wheat shell served in a sour tomato based stew)
" Dikhwah" (yogurt based heavy stew with barley and meat)
" Boushala" (yougurt based stew with assorted greens such as swiss chard and spinach)
" Pachah" (A longtime Assyrian delicacy, this heavy stew consists of lamb stomach stuffed with rice, brain, tongue, liver, and assorted other parts)
" Girdoo" (porridge made of rice and yogurt, then served with date or fig syrup)
" Tashreep" (a soupe made of chick peas, onions, and lamb meat)
Some traditional Assyrian specialities include:
"Tepsi" (a casserole made in layers of fried potato, fried eggplant, fried green peppers, fried onions, meat, and tomatoes drenched in a tomato sauce and baked in the oven)
"Shamakhshi" (fried rolled eggplant stuffed with ground beef in a garlicky tomato sauce)
"Dolma" (rice and tomato sauce stuffed in grape leaves, cabbage, various peppers, zucchini, and eggplant)
"Masgoof" (fish spiced with olive oil,salt, and tumeric, topped with tomatoes, potatos, and onions then oven baked)
" La'Mah'Jeen" (flat bread topped with ground beef, tomato paste, spices, and onions and then oven baked)
During the holidays, many of the dishes previously mentioned are traditional such as Hareesa and Pachah for Christmas.
Because Assyrians are minorities in all places they inhabit, their local cuisine may vary and also contain elements of the popular cuisine in their locale. The majority of Iraqi cuisine
is incorporated into Iraqi Assyrian cuisine and the same is the case for Assyrians of Iran, Syria, or Turkey. Falafel
with amba
for example is very popular amongst Assyrians and are especially common during lent and other holidays requiring dietary restrictions that call for abstinence from animal-derived products and foods.
, different types of cakes and cookies, Kadeh, "Nazooki", and others. Kadeh (ܟܕܐ) are usually prepared alongside Kulecheh." A Kada looks like a thick yellowish flat bread though it contains plenty of butter, eggs, and sugar which renders it a very sweet pastry. Due to the influence from the post-Ottoman
occupation of Iraq and Syria by the British
and French
many customs were picked up from the colonial administrators. Tea and Biscuits are often eaten as snacks. Turkish coffee
which is a hold-over from Ottoman times is often used the same way though with a twist of fortune telling called finjan which is a form of tasseography
. When the coffee is consumed the fortune teller will look at the bottom of the cup and read you your future. Arak is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages. It tastes like black liquorice and is clear until mixed with water, which then becomes milky-white. "Daweh" is a popular yogurt drink and is consumed during the summer when it is hot.
Assyrian people
The Assyrian people are a distinct ethnic group whose origins lie in ancient Mesopotamia...
cuisine
Cuisine
Cuisine is a characteristic style of cooking practices and traditions, often associated with a specific culture. Cuisines are often named after the geographic areas or regions that they originate from...
is similar to other Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
ern cuisines. It is rich in grains, meat, tomato, and potato. Rice is usually served with every meal accompanied by a stew which is typically poured over the rice. Tea is typically consumed at all times of the day with or without meals alone or as a social drink. Cheese, crackers, biscuits, baklawa, or other snacks are often served alongside the tea as appetizers. Dietary restrictions may apply during special holidays in which certain types of foods may not be consumed; often meaning animal-derived. However, unlike their Muslim or Jewish neighbors of the countries they originated from, they may consume pork or alcohol though pork is not a staple in the diet and is shunned by many. There are hold-overs from the Old Testament
Old Testament
The Old Testament, of which Christians hold different views, is a Christian term for the religious writings of ancient Israel held sacred and inspired by Christians which overlaps with the 24-book canon of the Masoretic Text of Judaism...
in which people slaughter animals a certain way and where some animals are considered unclean such as the aforementioned swine. The story of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
casting the demonic Legions
Legion (demon)
Legion is a group of demons referred to in the Christian Bible. The New Testament outlines an encounter where Jesus healed a man from Gadarenes possessed by demons while traveling, known as Exorcising the Gerasenes demonic.- In the Bible :...
into pigs that went over the cliff is a popular reason for some Assyrians not to eat pork. Alcohol on the other hand is rather popular specifically in the form of Arak
Arak (distilled beverage)
Arak or Araq , is a highly alcoholic spirit from the anis drinks family. It is a clear, colorless, unsweetened anise-flavoured distilled alcoholic drink...
.
There is a widely circulated story on the Web stating that the Assyrians invented baklava
Baklava
Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is characteristic of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and much of central and southwest Asia....
in the 8th century BCE, but current scholarly work indicates that it is of central Asian Turkic origin.
Most of the time, the preparation of meals reflects the region in which the individual ancestors are from. The foods consist of similar ingredients however the manner in which they are prepared slightly varies from region to region. Furthermore, individuals tend to combine the authentic Assyrian meals with the ethnic meals of that particular region.
ṭʿāmtā ( ܛܥܡܬܐ; breakfast)
Tea is almost always drunk in the morning with breakfast. Assyrian tea is drunk with sugar and evaporated milk as opposed to regular milk or cream. Common breakfast includes fried eggs and tomatoes seasoned with various spices. Scrambled eggs mixed with vegetables are typical as well. Meats used in the morning to eat with eggs include ham, bacon, sausage, Spam, and even pan-fried beef hot dogs, which are mixed in an omelette or scrambled eggs. Soft-boiled eggs are often made when members of the household are sick as many believe it to be very healthy. Hareesa, a traditional Assyrian porridge made of chicken, wheat, and a generous amount of butter, usually made during Christmas, is also eaten as a breakfast by some because it is perceived as a heavy and nutritious meal. Home-made yogurt called mastā can be eaten plain with bread, or mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, mint, and olive oil called "jajik." Assorted cheeses and "samoon" (thick Assyrian bread) are a must in any Assyrian household for breakfast time. Usually the cheese is American or "guptah tamirta" (feta), and various cream cheeses from Middle Eastern stores such as "Kiri Cheese" and "Puck". Baklava (which Assyrians call Baklawah), kelecheh, and kadeh may also be eaten during breakfast time. "Gehmar" is a rich cream that is consumed with honey or date syrup on samoon. During Lent (in which meat and dairy products are forbidden) many Assyrians fry a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and green peppers with a generous amount of olive oil, adding to it spices such as curry, red pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is generally eaten with samoon, lawasha (flat, unleavened pita) or pita bread. Lenten breakfasts also include tahini mixed with fig or date syrup called "napukhta" which is again eaten with the breads mentioned previously. Halawah (Halva), which is a sesame paste mixed with pistachios, is also popular during Lent.Maza (ܡܙܐ; appetizer)
Assyrian Maza is similar to related cuisines' Mezze which may include ḥemṣē ṭḥīnēHummus
Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C and also has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6. The chickpeas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber; the tahini consists mostly of sesame seeds, which are an excellent source of the amino acid methionine, complementing the proteins in the...
, Baba Ghanouj
Baba ghanoush
Baba ghanoush, baba ganush, baba ghannouj or baba ghannoug is a Levantine dish of aubergine mashed and mixed with virgin olive oil and various seasonings. A popular preparation method is for the eggplant to be baked or broiled over an open flame before peeling, so that the pulp is soft and has a...
, Tapoula, Fattoush
Fattoush
Fattoush is a Levantine bread salad made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables. Fattoush belongs to the family of dishes known as fattat or fatta, which are made in the Levant by Arab cooks using stale flatbread as a base...
, vegetables and dip, Burek
Burek
Börek is a family of baked or fried filled pastries made of a thin flaky dough known as yufka . It can be filled with cheese, often feta, sirene or kaşar; minced meat, or vegetables...
(fried egg roll stuffed with either ground beef or chicken, onions, parsley, and various spices), etc. Fava beans, known as baqqilē, and chick peas, known as ḥemṣē
Hemse
Hemse is a locality situated in Gotland Municipality, Gotland County, Sweden with 1,836 inhabitants in 2005. It is the second largest locality on the island of Gotland. During 19th century Hemse was known for its market places....
or ḥerṭmanē (Syriac: ܚܪܛܡܢܐ), are very common in soups, salads, and find their way into many foods. Fried almonds and raisins are also used but not as appetizers but rather as garnishes for main dishes. "Potato chap" is deep fried mashed potatos stuffed with ground beef, parsley, and onion. "Kubba" made with ground beef and an outter shell of ground wheat is flattened and then fried or oven baked is another maza favorite, it is often eaten with ketchup or steak sauce. Another popular maza is tourshee which literally means pickled. Many different types of vegetables are pickled such as cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, beets, and peppers. As mentioned in the main paragraph, tea is a staple in the diet even more so than coffee. Almost always the maza is accompanied with tea or Turkish coffee.
kawitrā w kharamsha, or ''ˁurāytā w ḥšāmtā (ܚܕܝܐ ܘ ܥܫܝܐ; lunch and dinner)
kawitrā w kharamsha, or ''ˁurāytā w ḥšāmtā in Syriac (ܚܕܝܐ ܘ ܥܫܝܐ; lunch and dinnerDinner
Dinner is usually the name of the main meal of the day. Depending upon culture, dinner may be the second, third or fourth meal of the day. Originally, though, it referred to the first meal of the day, eaten around noon, and is still occasionally used for a noontime meal, if it is a large or main...
) is also referred to as kawitrā w kharamsha. There is no difference to lunch and dinner to Assyrians as there are with some other cultures. Lunch and dinner typically consists of basmati
Basmati
Basmati is a variety of long grain rice grown in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, notable for its fragrance and delicate, nuanced flavour. Its name means "the fragrant one" in Sanskrit, but it can also mean "the soft rice," and the word coincidentally means "my smile" in Arabic...
rice
Rice
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima . As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the West Indies...
which can be prepared either plain, red ("smooqah"), yellow ("zardah"), or plain with fried miniature noodles called sha'riya. In place of rice, "Gurgur" burghul
Bulgur
Bulgur is a cereal food made from several different wheat species, most often from durum wheat. In the United States it is most often made from white wheat. Its use is most common in Middle Eastern cuisine, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Armenia and Bulgaria...
can be prepared in any of the styles Assyrian rice is made.
Biryani is an Assyrian rice dish with sha'riya made of green peas, fried cubed potatoes, almonds, raisins, sliced hard boiled eggs,and chicken. "Rizza Smooqah" (red rice) is often made with chicken or meat. Rice (when made plain) is usually accompanied with a stew; called shirwah." There are many different shirweh (plural) in the Assyrian community and may vary by tribe. The broth is basically tomato paste, water, and a variety of spices depending on the shirwah one makes. The name of the shirwah is often called by the main ingredient in it. Typical shirweh include (but are not limited to): "Kari" (made with potatoes), "Masheh" (beans), "Bumyeh" (fried okra), "Fasulyah" (long green beans), "Loobiyeh" (Chinese green beans), "Spenakh" (Spinach), "Qarnabeet" (cauliflower), "Qareh" (zucchini). All the mentioned soups are prepared with beef, chicken, or ox tails depending on the preference. During Lent, the meat is omitted. Salad may be served with any of the rice dishes. A traditional Assyrian salad is cubed tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and red onions made with a home made dressing of lemon, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Other various types of Assyrian soups/stews include:
"Tlokheh" (Lentils made with curry and sha'riya)
"Kipteh" (Ground beef meatballs flavored with parsley, rice, onion, and spices in a tomato based stew)
" Kuba Hammouth" (Ground beef long meatballs that has an outter cracked wheat shell served in a sour tomato based stew)
" Dikhwah" (yogurt based heavy stew with barley and meat)
" Boushala" (yougurt based stew with assorted greens such as swiss chard and spinach)
" Pachah" (A longtime Assyrian delicacy, this heavy stew consists of lamb stomach stuffed with rice, brain, tongue, liver, and assorted other parts)
" Girdoo" (porridge made of rice and yogurt, then served with date or fig syrup)
" Tashreep" (a soupe made of chick peas, onions, and lamb meat)
Some traditional Assyrian specialities include:
"Tepsi" (a casserole made in layers of fried potato, fried eggplant, fried green peppers, fried onions, meat, and tomatoes drenched in a tomato sauce and baked in the oven)
"Shamakhshi" (fried rolled eggplant stuffed with ground beef in a garlicky tomato sauce)
"Dolma" (rice and tomato sauce stuffed in grape leaves, cabbage, various peppers, zucchini, and eggplant)
"Masgoof" (fish spiced with olive oil,salt, and tumeric, topped with tomatoes, potatos, and onions then oven baked)
" La'Mah'Jeen" (flat bread topped with ground beef, tomato paste, spices, and onions and then oven baked)
Because Assyrians are minorities in all places they inhabit, their local cuisine may vary and also contain elements of the popular cuisine in their locale. The majority of Iraqi cuisine
Iraqi cuisine
Iraqi cuisine or Mesopotamian cuisine has a long history going back some 10,000 years - to the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians. Tablets found in ancient ruins in Iraq show recipes prepared in the temples during religious festivals - the first cookbooks in the world...
is incorporated into Iraqi Assyrian cuisine and the same is the case for Assyrians of Iran, Syria, or Turkey. Falafel
Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans. Falafel is usually served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as lafa. The falafel balls are topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces...
with amba
Amba (condiment)
Amba is a tangy mango pickle condiment popular in middle eastern cuisine particularly Iraqi and Israeli cuisines. It is also popular in India, where it originates, and is widely manufactured and bottled for the world market...
for example is very popular amongst Assyrians and are especially common during lent and other holidays requiring dietary restrictions that call for abstinence from animal-derived products and foods.
Desserts, Snacks, and Beverages
There are several different types of dessert which include Baklava, KuleichehKleicha
Kleicha may be considered the national cookie of Iraq. Kleicha come in several traditional shapes and fillings. The most popular are the ones filled with dates...
, different types of cakes and cookies, Kadeh, "Nazooki", and others. Kadeh (ܟܕܐ) are usually prepared alongside Kulecheh." A Kada looks like a thick yellowish flat bread though it contains plenty of butter, eggs, and sugar which renders it a very sweet pastry. Due to the influence from the post-Ottoman
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
occupation of Iraq and Syria by the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
many customs were picked up from the colonial administrators. Tea and Biscuits are often eaten as snacks. Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is a method of preparing coffee where finely powdered roast coffee beans are boiled in a pot , with sugar according to taste, before being served into a cup where the dregs settle...
which is a hold-over from Ottoman times is often used the same way though with a twist of fortune telling called finjan which is a form of tasseography
Tasseography
Tasseography is a divination or fortune-telling method that interprets patterns in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments....
. When the coffee is consumed the fortune teller will look at the bottom of the cup and read you your future. Arak is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages. It tastes like black liquorice and is clear until mixed with water, which then becomes milky-white. "Daweh" is a popular yogurt drink and is consumed during the summer when it is hot.
See also
- Arab cuisineArab cuisineArab cuisine is defined as the various regional cuisines spanning the Arab World, from Morocco and Tunisia to Saudi Arabia, and incorporating Levantine, Egyptian .-History:...
- Armenian cuisineArmenian cuisineArmenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people, the Armenian diaspora and traditional Armenian foods and dishes. The cuisine reflects the history and geography where Armenians have lived as well as incorporating outside influences...
- Iranian cuisineIranian cuisineIranian cuisine is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, culinary traditions and styles distinct to its region.It includes a wide variety of foods ranging from chelo kabab , khoresht Iranian cuisine is diverse, with each province featuring dishes, culinary traditions and styles distinct to...
- Iraqi cuisineIraqi cuisineIraqi cuisine or Mesopotamian cuisine has a long history going back some 10,000 years - to the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians. Tablets found in ancient ruins in Iraq show recipes prepared in the temples during religious festivals - the first cookbooks in the world...
- Jordanian cuisineJordanian cuisineJordanian cuisine is a traditional style of food preparation originating from Jordan that has developed from centuries of social and political change with roots as far back as 2000 B.C.There is a wide variety in the Jordanian style of cooking...
- Kurdish cuisineKurdish cuisineKurdish cuisine consists of a wide variety of foods prepared by the Kurdish people that have got many traditions from their homeland, Kurdistan.-Culinary customs:...
- Lebanese cuisineLebanese cuisineLebanese cuisine includes an abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood; animal fats are consumed sparingly. Poultry is eaten more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten it is usually lamb on the coast and goat meat in the mountain regions...
- Levantine cuisineLevantine cuisineLevantine cuisine is the traditional cuisine of the Levant, known in Arabic as the Bilad ash-Sham. This region shared many culinary traditions under the Ottoman Empire which continue to be influential today...
- Mediterranean cuisine
- Middle Eastern cuisineMiddle Eastern cuisineMiddle-Eastern cuisine, West Asian cuisine, or in some place in the United States, Persian-Mediterranean cuisine is the cuisine of the various countries and peoples of the Middle East . The cuisine of the region is diverse while having a degree of homogeneity...
- Ottoman cuisineOttoman cuisineOttoman cuisine is the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire and its successors in Anatolia, the Balkans, and much of the Middle East.- Description :...
- Palestinian cuisinePalestinian cuisinePalestinian cuisine consists of foods from or commonly eaten by Palestinians — which includes those living in the Palestinian territories, Israel, refugee camps in nearby countries as well as by the Palestinian Diaspora...
- Syrian cuisine
- Turkish cuisineTurkish cuisineTurkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Turkish cuisine has in turn influenced those and other neighbouring cuisines, including that of western Europe...