This Sweet Rice Pilaf with raisins, dried fruits and nuts - is a fragrant and delicious traditional Armenian dish, which has been passed down through the generations, and is usually made twice per year: on Armenian Christmas and Easter days.

It is very simple and time-saving Lent dish containing no animal source foods with good “vitamin kick”. So the Vegans must love it, as it is a 100 % Vegan dish (provided, it is cooked without butter). In Armenia, we call it "Chamichov Pilaf", which means "Rice Pilaf with Raisins".

As you can gather from the descriptive name, the main ingredients are sweet rice, dried fruits (prunes, pears, apples, apricots and raisins) and some nuts (cashews and walnuts). However, other types of dried fruits and nuts can be used.

Raisins are an essential component here, because they have a symbolic meaning for the Christian Armenians: the rice in this Pilaf personifies the people that inhabited this Earth, and the raisins and dried fruits - are the chosen ones, who overcame the doubts of Thomas the Unbeliever in their souls and believed in the Resurrection of Christ.

When the "Chamichov Pilaf" is done, serve it hot on the sheet of Lavash bread, and enjoy your meal!

To learn more about Armenia's food & drink, please visit our ARMENIAN CUISINE page