Stewed lamb with pumpkin (Pastyner)
4 servings
80 minutes
Pastynar is a traditional Armenian dish that combines tender lamb with sweet pumpkin, creating a harmony of flavors. The recipe's origins date back centuries when Armenian families prepared it on autumn and winter evenings, enjoying the warmth and richness of the dish. Lamb infused with the aromas of melted butter, onions, and spices becomes soft and juicy, while the pumpkin adds a sweet note that perfectly balances the taste. Baked tomatoes add a slight acidity, enriching the dish with fresh hints. Pastynar is perfect for a cozy family dinner, warming both body and soul, and pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or fragrant flatbreads. It is not just food — it is part of Armenian culinary history that carries the warmth of home.
1
Fry the onion and pumpkin until golden brown.
- Onion: 50 g
- Pumpkin: 500 g
2
Cut the lamb meat into small cubes, fry in melted butter, cover with hot water, close the pot, and simmer on low heat.
- Lamb: 300 g
- Clarified butter (ghee): 40 g
3
After 10-15 minutes, add finely chopped fried onion, salt, pepper, and place fried pumpkin slices and halved tomatoes on the meat.
- Onion: 50 g
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Pumpkin: 500 g
- Tomatoes: 100 g
4
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and simmer the dish until ready for about 30-40 minutes.
5
Serve hot.
