Ghapama Recipe; Armenian Stuffed Pumpkin

Ghapama is a classic Armenian dish traditionally served during the holiday season. This delicious and aromatic dish is made with pumpkin, rice, dried fruits, and spices. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to impress your family and friends. 

Ghapama provides an unforgettable taste experience and can also be prepared in advance to make your holiday cooking a breeze. Stay with Cooking County to make this delicious stuffed pumpkin.

Ghapama History

Ghapama is an ancient and beloved dish originating from the country of Armenia. The traditional dish consists of pumpkin, filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It is believed that this classic recipe dates back centuries ago and has been passed down through generations of Armenians. 

Ghapama was initially enjoyed as a festive meal during special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. However, due to its luscious flavor and unique combination of ingredients, it soon became popular all year round in Armenian households worldwide. The name Ghapama comes from the Armenian word for pumpkin, “Ghapa,” which indicates that this recipe will always have a strong connection to its roots.

What are the Benefits of Ghapama?

One of the most notable benefits of Ghapama is its high nutritional value. Each ingredient provides essential vitamins and minerals to the body, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and manganese. In addition to its nutritional content, Ghapama also offers numerous health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants can help protect cells from free radical damage caused by environmental toxins like pollution or ultraviolet radiation. 

It is also easy to prepare and can be customized with different ingredients depending on one’s preferences or dietary restrictions.

How to Make Ghapama?

Ingredients

• ½ kilograms of pumpkin rice 
• 100 grams rice
• Sugar, honey, and cinnamon as needed
• 100 grams of dried fruits such as raisins and chopped walnuts or almonds

Directions

Step One

To make Ghapama, wash the pumpkin, and cut off the top to serve as a lid. Clean the inside of the pumpkin, remove the seeds, rinse and let it dry.

Step Two

Take a pot, pour 3 cups of water into it, and let it reach the boiling point. Add rice and cook it on low heat for about 15 minutes. 

Note: Do not completely cook the rice because we cook it again later.

Step Three

Mix rice with chopped dried fruits such as raisins and chopped walnuts or almonds in a separate bowl. Mix well, and then add butter, salt, cinnamon, and honey. 

Step Four

Pour the mixture into the pumpkin, add 1/4 boiled water, and put the lid on the pot. Place in a preheated oven (200 degrees) and cook for 1.5-2 hours until soft.

How to Serve Ghapama?

After the Ghapama is ready, take it out of the oven, place it in a dish and serve it.

Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. Please do not hesitate to ask if you also have any related questions about the Ghapama recipe.

Tips to Make Ghapama 

• Start by selecting a large, unsliced pumpkin or squash. 
• Scoop out all the seeds while keeping the flesh intact so it can be used later as part of the filling.

FAQs about Ghapama

• How long does it take to cook Ghapama?

Assuming you are making Ghapama from scratch, it will take 3 hours to make this dish.

• What is Ghapama made of?

The traditional stuffing for Ghapama includes short-grain white rice cooked in butter until fragrant. Then raisins and chopped walnuts or almonds are added to the stuffing mix along with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg or other species depending on individual preference.

• Can I add prune to the Ghapama?

Prune is an excellent choice if you like your Ghapama to have a bit of a sour taste.

• Why should I take the pumpkin seeds out?

By taking out the pumpkin seeds, you can use them in the filling later.