Here we have a classic Armenian comfort food–one made in almost every household as a sort of family signature. I know it basically looks like spaghetti with meat sauce, and it pretty much is, but much simpler. It’s actually called “macarón,” but that would lead you to think of dessert. To keep things streamlined, Armenians refer to pasta simply as macarón. I somehow had never eaten this until I started working closely with a bunch of Armenians and we’d all share our homemade lunches. I always looked forward to trying how each coworkers’ mom (usually) or sometimes grandma would make their version to suit their own family’s tastes and preferences. It’s such a simple, humble meal that it still fascinates me how every household has its own specific technique and taste. It became a quick favorite and I was so glad to find that my future-mother-in-law makes the best macarón. I’ve watched her make it countless times, and I’m proud to say I have finally mastered it.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity yet variability. From the pasta shape, specific spices and seasonings to the amount of tomato paste and bread or potato crust (tadig) on the bottom of the pot. It’s meat, pasta, tomato sauce and it almost always tastes so amazingly satisfying. My mother-in-law, who has this in her regular rotation of signature dishes, usually always makes hers with angel hair pasta, a perfect blend of just a few spices, and the absolute right amount of tomato paste that makes the sauce an amazing balance of savory, sweet and tangy. Ah, it’s so good. Everytime she makes it (happily in a gigantic pot,) I always have a second helping, and then when everyone else is in the other room having tea and dessert and I’m the last one lingering behind in the kitchen to “clean up,” I sneak in a few more bites right out of the pot (no one knows).🫥 My version closely emulates what I consider to be the best macarón. Top it with a scoop of plain Armenian yogurt and a side of Shirazi salad and tourshi (pickled vegetables 🥒) and you have yourself a cozy, homey meal.
Having never made or eaten this simple comfort food growing up, it makes me really happy that I can serve it to my own growing family. Next, I just have to perfect garmir pilaf (red rice) and I’ll be a proper hye mama (Armenian mom). That one still eludes me, but I won’t give up. For now, I’m glad I can do justice to my fave of the Armenian holy grail comfort foods.
