“Do you want something to eat? said my grandmother. I have cabbage soup and bread.” – From The Living and the Dead by William Saroyan
LOS ANGELES — Released in 2020, The Vegan Armenian Kitchen Cookbook is a self-published project from Lena Tashjian, the author/recipe developer, and Siroon Parseghian, a Los Angeles–based photographer specializing in commercial, food, and product photography. With over 115 taste-tested recipes, the cookbook highlights the many plant-based and Lenten staples in Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora, and includes a variety of easy to prepare, healthy veganized classics.
“Armenian cuisine is connected to an endless sense of abundance, generosity, and often a grandmother, mother or aunt who takes it upon herself to lovingly (or forcefully) make sure that everyone is well-fed,” says Lena. “The photos we use are attractive depictions of exactly how your dish will turn out. Siroon grew up in a family of photographers in Los Angeles. By pursuing her talent and creativity in photography, she has achieved an incredible standard, thus making this cookbook a visually appetizing triumph.”
Lena spent six years in Armenia traveling from rural to urban areas, observing many traditional dishes created by locals while relishing Armenia’s unending hospitality. During her stay, she honed her culinary skills and recorded each experience while experimenting with a range of different vegan dishes and ingredients. Growing up in Toronto, Canada, and a graduate of Sourp Khatch and ARS Armenian schools, she had a profound love for food from early childhood and family life that was enhanced by her trip to Armenia.
She likes preparing the plant-based dishes she grew up with as a child, and making them “just like my mom’s.” Her recipe for Krchik, or Pickled Cabbage Soup, is featured at the Tazah/Karabetian Import & Distribution, Inc.’s website. “This soup is a comforting dish that will keep you coming back for seconds. The flavors — thanks to the tanginess of the pickled cabbage and savoriness of the tomato and red pepper pastes — come together to create a result that everyone will enjoy. Armenians are serious about cooking with many fresh vegetables, including cabbage.”
Karabetian Import & Distribution, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company established in 1987 with the mission of providing unique products with authentic taste made only with premium ingredients. “We are the exclusive, direct importers and distributors of fine Middle Eastern, Iranian, Greek, Armenian, Russian, and Mediterranean delicatessen, food products, cultural gifts, pipe tobacco, souvenirs, specialty beauty, kitchen and houseware products. Our line of innovative items from the historic past have been tailored to fit today’s contemporary lifestyle. Quality is our top priority — which is why we travel across the world and import only the finest products in the market,” the website says.
