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. 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
[edit]Mshosh is considered one of the oldest Armenian dishes and is associated with the region of Van. 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. There are variations in which apricots are replaced with pumpkin, green beans, or beets, although the apricot version remains the most widespread.[3]
Ingredients
[edit]The main ingredients of mshosh are lentils or beans, onions, walnuts, dried apricots, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, and parsley.[1][2]
Preparation
[edit]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. The finished dish is placed on a plate and sprinkled with black pepper and parsley. 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
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Кулинарная энциклопедия [Culinary Encyclopedia] (in Russian). Komsomolskaya Pravda. 2017. p. 96. ISBN 9785447001551.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Piruzyan, Aram S. (1960). Армянская кулинария [Armenian Cooking] (PDF) (in Russian). Moscow: Gostorgizdat. p. 45.
- 1 2 Vartanian Datian, Christine (23 April 2020). "Recipe Corner: Mshosh, a Lentil and Dried Fruit Dish". The Armenian Mirror-Spectator. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
