Mshosh
Mshosh, a festive dish from Van | |
| Alternative names | Vana Mshosh |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional dish |
| Course | Side dish, main dish, appetizer |
| Place of origin | Armenia |
| Region or state | Western Armenia |
| Associated cuisine | Armenian cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Lentils or beans, onions, walnuts, dried apricots, vegetable oil |
| Ingredients generally used | Salt, black pepper, parsley |
| Variations | With pumpkin, green beans, or beets |
Mshosh (Armenian: մշոշ, Armenian pronunciation: [mʃɔʃ]) is a traditional Armenian dish made from lentils or beans with the addition of onions, walnuts, and dried apricots.[1][2] It is eaten both hot and cold, can be served as a side dish or as a standalone dish, and may also be used as an appetizer spread on lavash.[1][2]
History and origin
Mshosh is considered one of the oldest Armenian dishes and is associated with the region of Van.[3] Its name derives from a shortened form of the word մըշոշ ("myshosh"), which refers to a type of wild apricot.[3]
Mshosh is traditionally prepared during Lent and is common among Western Armenians.[3] There are variations in which apricots are replaced with pumpkin, green beans, or beets, although the apricot version remains the most widespread.[3]
Ingredients
The main ingredients of mshosh are:[1][2]
- lentils or beans
- onions
- walnuts
- dried apricots
- vegetable oil
- salt, black pepper, and parsley
Preparation
To make mshosh, the lentils are sorted, rinsed, and cooked until nearly done, then salted.[1][2] Separately, finely chopped onions are sautéed.[2] Walnuts are crushed or finely chopped, and dried apricots are rinsed.[1] All the ingredients are then combined with the lentils and simmered over low heat for 10–15 minutes.[1][2] The finished dish is placed on a plate and sprinkled with black pepper and parsley.[1][2] Mshosh is served hot or cold.[1][2] It may be offered as a standalone dish, as a side dish, or as an appetizer, including when spread on lavash.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Кулинарная энциклопедия [Culinary Encyclopedia] (in Russian). Komsomolskaya Pravda. 2017. p. 96. ISBN 9785447001551.
- ^ a b c d e f g h A. S. Piruzyan (1960). Հայկական ճաշեր, Армянская кулинария [Armenian cuisine]. Moscow, USSR: Gostorgizdat. p. 45.
- ^ a b c d Vartanian Datian, Christine (23 April 2020). "Recipe Corner: Mshosh, a Lentil and Dried Fruit Dish". The Armenian Mirror-Spectator. Retrieved 19 November 2025.