Анушабур

Name: Анушабур
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Armenian
Ingredients: 1 cup hulled wheat (dzedzadz); 8 cups water; 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced; 1/3 cup golden raisins; 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped; 1/4 cup blanched almonds; 3 tbsp honey or sugar; 2 tbsp rosewater; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Pinch of clove; Pomegranate seeds for garnish; Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Анушabur (ah-noo-shah-BOOR)

Anoushabour

⏱ Prep Time 1.5 hours

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 328 kcal

A festive Armenian dessert soup of hulled wheat simmered with dried apricots, raisins, walnuts, and warm spices, sweetened with honey and rosewater. This Christmas Eve tradition is a sweet, fragrant celebration in a bowl.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 56.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ tree nuts

Equipment Needed

large pot ladle serving bowls wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: decorative bowl

Garnishes: pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick, chopped nuts

Accompaniments: dried fruits

Ingredients

1 cup hulled wheat (dzedzadz)
8 cups water
1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup blanched almonds
3 tbsp honey or sugar
2 tbsp rosewater
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of clove
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

1
Soak hulled wheat overnight, then drain and rinse. Place in a large pot with 8 cups water.
2
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour until wheat is very tender and begins to burst open.
3
Add dried apricots, raisins, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Simmer for 20 more minutes until fruits are plump.
4
Remove from heat and stir in rosewater. The consistency should be like a thick porridge.
5
Let cool to warm or room temperature. The soup will thicken as it cools.
6
Serve in bowls topped with chopped walnuts, almonds, a scattering of pomegranate seeds, and a cinnamon stick.

💡

Did You Know?

Anoushabour literally means "sweet soup" in Armenian, and on Christmas Eve it is believed that eating it brings sweetness and blessing to the coming year.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
ladle
serving bowls
wooden spoon

Garnishing

pomegranate seeds, cinnamon stick, chopped nuts

Accompaniments

dried fruits

The Story Behind Анушабур

Anoushabour is the most important ritual dessert in Armenian Christian tradition, served on Christmas Eve as part of the holy supper. The dish predates Christianity in Armenia, likely originating as a harvest festival porridge that was later adopted into Christian practice. Each ingredient carries symbolic meaning: wheat represents the earth and resurrection, pomegranate seeds symbolize fertility and abundance, and the dried fruits represent the sweetness of life. The preparation of anoushabour on December 24th is one of the most enduring Armenian culinary traditions.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed christmas eve, new year 📜 Origins: Ancient Armenian Christian

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