Khorovats facts for kids
Armenian khorovats (barbecue)
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| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Armenia |
| Region or state | Armenia and Armenian diaspora |
| Associated national cuisine | Armenian cuisine |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Meat |
Khorovats (pronounced kho-ro-VAHTS) is a very popular and tasty barbecue dish from Armenia. It's made by grilling different kinds of meat. You can use lamb, pork, beef, chicken, or even fish. Sometimes, the meat is soaked in a special sauce (marinated) before cooking. This makes it extra flavorful. Khorovats is often a special meal for celebrations and happy times.
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What Does "Khorovats" Mean?
The word "khorovats" comes from the Armenian language. It simply means "grilled." It comes from the Armenian verb "khorovel," which means "to grill" or "to roast."
How Khorovats is Made
Khorovats is usually made with chunks of meat. These pieces are put onto long metal sticks called shampoors (skewers). Then, the skewers are placed over a hot fire to cook. Sometimes, bigger pieces of meat like steaks are grilled without skewers.
People often serve vegetables with khorovats. For example, green vegetables like asparagus or green beans might be fried. They can then be mixed with eggs to make a dish similar to scrambled eggs.
Tips for Grilling Khorovats
A book about Armenian food shares some helpful tips for making great khorovats:
- The skewers should be about 12 to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) from the fire.
- Always put the biggest pieces of meat in the middle of the skewer. This is where the fire is hottest.
- Place the skewers close together over the fire. This helps to keep the heat focused on the meat.
In Armenia, khorovats is often made with the bone still in the meat. This is common for lamb or pork chops. There's even a street in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, called Proshian Street. Foreigners often call it "Barbecue Street" because it has many khorovats restaurants.
Khorovats in Culture
Khorovats has appeared in different parts of Armenian culture.
In Movies
In a 1976 Soviet film called When September Comes, a famous Armenian actor named Armen Dzhigarkhanyan plays a character named Levon. In one scene, Levon makes khorovats with his grandson on a balcony. Smoke from their barbecue makes neighbors call the fire department! But in the end, everyone gathers to enjoy the delicious khorovats together.
Khorovats Festival
Since 2009, there has been an annual khorovats festival. It takes place in a town called Akhtala in northern Armenia. It's a big event where many people come to enjoy the barbecue. In 2012, the US ambassador to Armenia, John A. Heffern, was one of about 15,000 guests at the festival!
See also
In Spanish: Khorovats para niños
