Hapama with sweet rice
4 servings
40 minutes
Khapama with sweet rice is a traditional Armenian dish symbolizing warmth and family comfort. It is made from pumpkin stuffed with sweet rice, nuts, and dried fruits, creating a rich aroma and delicate taste. Historically, khapama was a festive treat, especially at weddings, symbolizing abundance and joy. The tender pumpkin flesh soaked in honey harmonizes with crunchy almonds and the sweetness of raisins, apricots, and prunes. Spicy cinnamon adds cozy depth to the flavor. It is baked until soft and served cut into pieces like a pie. It pairs perfectly with hot tea or compote. This dish not only delights the palate but also serves as an ornament on the festive table, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth.
1
Wash the pumpkin, cut off the top, remove the insides, and wash again.
- Pumpkin: 1.5 kg
2
Mix all chopped dried fruits with cooked rice, add pumpkin seeds, almonds, honey, and cinnamon. Fill the empty pumpkin with this mixture, cover it with a lid, grease the outside of the pumpkin with vegetable oil and place it in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Rice: 70 g
- Almond: 50 g
- Honey: 25 g
- Ground cinnamon: 1 g
- Dried Peaches: 70 g
- Prunes: 70 g
- Dried apricots: 70 g
- Raisin: 30 g
- Salt: to taste