Sumac

Pork ribs prepared according to a traditional Armenian recipe are infused with a wealth of flavors and aromas. A marinade of olive oil, light soy sauce, and a blend of ground peppers complements the meat, enhancing its juiciness. The added sumac gives the ribs a subtle tanginess, while rosemary adds refined spice. Baked in foil at low temperatures, the ribs become incredibly tender and rich. Historically, pork ribs are a popular dish in Armenian cuisine where meat is cooked slowly to retain its depth of flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables and flatbreads, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Duck fillet in the oven is an exquisite dish that embodies a harmony of flavors and textures. Crispy golden skin, rich sumac aroma, and tender, juicy meat make it a true gastronomic delight. This dish has roots in haute cuisine traditions where duck has always held a prestigious place due to its depth of flavor. Roasting with prior searing reveals the full spectrum of aromas while spices highlight the natural sweetness of the meat. Such fillet can be served as a main dish complemented by light sides like roasted vegetables or berry sauces. It is perfect for special occasions when you want to impress guests with an elegant meal. Every detail of preparation—from scoring the skin to roasting in its own fat—makes duck fillet a true culinary masterpiece.

Recipe by Alexander Mandron, chef of the Levantine restaurant.

Rice paper chips are a crispy and exquisite treat from Pan-Asian cuisine. Light and airy, they instantly puff up in hot oil, becoming golden and incredibly crunchy. Truffle oil adds refined mushroom notes, while spices like sea salt, sumac, and chili pepper create a balance between spiciness and freshness. This dish is an ideal option for a snack or an original accompaniment to main courses. They can be served with sauces like sweet chili or oyster sauce, enhancing the layers of flavor. Rice paper chips are a great way to impress guests and make the meal more vibrant.

Rice chips are an original culinary experiment that transforms ordinary rice paper into a light, crispy treat. Their origin is linked to the search for light and unusual snacks inspired by Asian cuisine. Due to the thinness of rice paper, when fried, it instantly turns into fragile sheets with a lightness and appetizing golden hue. Sumac adds a tangy, spicy note while chili provides a pleasant heat, making the flavor multifaceted and expressive. They are perfect with sauces or as a standalone snack. Easy to prepare, they become an eye-catching addition to any table with their unusual appearance and texture.

This recipe for eggplants baked in the oven with yogurt sauce is a true embodiment of simplicity and sophistication of European cuisine. Eggplants baked to a golden crust acquire a tender, slightly sweet texture, while aromatic spices enhance their natural flavor. The yogurt sauce with sumac and lemon zest adds a fresh tang to the dish, creating the perfect balance. This dish can be served as a side or light appetizer and pairs excellently with meat and vegetable dishes. Its roots trace back to Mediterranean culinary traditions where eggplants often serve as the main ingredient. Baked eggplants absorb the aroma of spices, and their softness combined with the refreshing sauce makes this dish a true gastronomic delight.

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the Sapiens restaurant Ilya Blagoveshchensky.

Pork neck steak is a true embodiment of simple yet exquisite flavor. In Russian cuisine, pork is traditionally valued for its juiciness and rich taste, and a skillet-cooked neck steak is a tender, aromatic dish with a golden crust. The meat, rested at room temperature beforehand, is seared in a mixture of olive and butter oils, absorbing their softness and richness. A sprig of rosemary adds piquant herbal notes while salt, black pepper, and sumac harmoniously reveal the depth of flavor. The steak turns out juicy with a light spicy aftertaste and pairs perfectly with simple sides or fresh vegetables. It should be served hot with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemon drink.

Duck breast in the oven is an exquisite and aromatic recipe where classic duck combines with notes of sumac, garlic, and rosemary. This dish has roots in haute cuisine traditions, where the tender duck meat reveals its depth of flavor through proper roasting and balanced spices. The skin of the breast becomes golden and crispy while retaining the juiciness of the meat. Exquisite sumac adds a light citrus tang, rosemary brings a savory aroma, and garlic enhances the richness of flavor. It is best served with a light side dish like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. This is an ideal option for a festive dinner that will captivate gourmets with its elegance and depth of taste.

Turkey with cheese is a dish that embodies the harmony of tender meat and spicy seasonings. The combination of poultry meat with cheese became popular due to the desire to create hearty yet refined recipes. In this version, it gains a special character from sumac's light tang and jalapeño's heat. Pushkin cheese melts, creating a stretchy texture, while the mustard-mayo sauce enriches the flavor with depth. Perfect for dinner with a glass of wine or as a spicy treat for a festive table. It cooks quickly while retaining the turkey's juiciness, and final touches like green onions and extra chili make the presentation especially appetizing. The dish not only delights with its taste but also creates an atmosphere of gastronomic pleasure.

PP sandwich with cheese is an original and healthy version of the classic sandwich that comes from European cuisine. Instead of traditional bread, a crispy iceberg lettuce leaf serves as the base, adding freshness and lightness. The combination of soft cottage cheese, spicy chili sauce, and tender capers adds depth of flavor. Two types of cheese—creamy cheddar and stretchy mozzarella—create a harmony of textures. Bright ramiro pepper brings sweet notes, while aromatic sumac highlights Eastern accents. This sandwich is perfect for those who watch their diet but don't want to sacrifice taste. It can be served as a light snack or a stylish appetizer at a party.

Fried kohlrabi with feta cheese is a vibrant combination of tender, caramelized cabbage with the tangy notes of feta cheese and spicy jalapeño pepper. This recipe draws inspiration from European culinary traditions where simple vegetables are transformed into exquisite dishes through bold spice combinations. Kohlrabi, sautéed in olive oil to a golden crust, acquires a pleasant sweetness that is beautifully complemented by the fresh, slightly salty taste of feta. Sumac adds a light citrus tang, while garlic and jalapeño provide spiciness. This dish is perfect as a standalone snack or as a side to meat and fish.

Duck tataki is an exquisite dish of Japanese cuisine that embodies the harmony of tender meat and rich sauce. This cooking technique originated in Japan, traditionally used for beef and fish, but duck adds a special depth of flavor. The meat is seared to a crispy golden crust while keeping a juicy texture inside. The sauce made from soy sauce, lemon juice, and sumac gives the dish tangy-salty notes with a hint of garlic and chili spiciness. Sesame and microgreens complete the composition, adding crunch and freshness. This dish is perfect for gourmets who appreciate flavor balance and simplicity in preparation, while its elegant presentation makes it suitable for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

Turkey with bacon is a fragrant and nutritious dish that combines the tenderness of turkey meat with the crispy saltiness of bacon. This recipe originates from American cuisine, where traditional ingredients are loved to be combined in new, rich flavors. The light tang of sumac and the spice of the pepper mix add sophistication to the dish, while suluguni provides a creamy texture. The dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard makes the meat juicy and rich. This dish is perfect for both family dinners and festive gatherings; it can be served hot and garnished with herbs. Hearty, spicy, and harmonious — it will delight gourmets with its rich flavor and appetizing aroma.

Cabbage cutlets are a refined yet simple recipe from Russian cuisine that traces back to folk traditions of thrift and culinary ingenuity. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, they have a delicate creamy flavor thanks to the addition of cheese, while sumac adds a light tanginess. Cabbage makes the cutlets light yet nutritious, and the combination of two types of oil in frying creates the perfect texture. These cutlets are suitable for vegetarian diets and are an excellent option for family lunches or light dinners. They can be served with sour cream, fresh vegetables, or a spicy sauce. This recipe is ideal for those seeking harmony between taste and health.