The following are two treasured recipes from the Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes Cookbook published by the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Trinity Guild Ladies in 1970. The church is located in downtown Fresno, and is registered as a U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Patligan (Eggplant Moussaka)
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant
1 lb. ground lamb or beef
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
Pinch of sweet basil (rahan)
1 medium can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
Shortening
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Peel and slice eggplant in ¼-inch slices and sprinkle generously with salt. Let stand 15 minutes.
Wash the salt off the eggplant with water. Squeeze lightly and dry. Set aside.
Lightly brown meat in a tablespoon of shortening. Add the bell pepper, onion, basil, tomatoes and tomato sauce, garlic, and salt and pepper, and stir. Cook for 5-10 minutes, tossing. Arrange eggplant in a prepared baking dish alternating with meat mixture, and top with meat mixture.
Bake in a 350-degree oven for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden, and eggplant is tender.
Serves 6.
Armenian Meat Ball Soup
Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground lamb or ground chuck
3/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweet basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup white rice
2 1/2 quarts water
1 cup tomato sauce
Salt and pepper
Flour
Preparation:
Mix the first seven ingredients together in a large bowl and knead for a few minutes. Shape into balls the size of walnuts and roll in flour.
Prepare broth by combining the water, tomato sauce, salt and pepper in a large pot. Bring broth to a full boil, adding the meat balls a few at a time. Cook for 35-40 minutes on low heat, tossing occasionally.
Serve meat balls with hot broth, rice or bulgur pilaf, and Armenian madzoon or yogurt on the side. Garnish with paprika and sliced lemon.
Serves 6-8.
The Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes Cookbook was published by the Trinity Guild in 1970.
The cost is $20.00 each to purchase the Trinity Guild’s Armenian and Selected Favorite Recipes Cookbook. Include $5.00 for shipping. If paying by check, make payable to: Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. To order, please call or contact:
Nazik Arisian
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
2226 Ventura Street
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 486-1141 (office)
