Chaimen is a unique spice blend that gives Armenian meats, vegetable dishes and casseroles their unmistakable flavor. It’s a simple mix to prepare and can be stored, tightly sealed, for months in your spice cupboard.

The basic dry mix consists of :

* 1 part Allspice
* 1 part Cayenne Pepper
* 1 part Fenugreek
* 1 part Cumin
* 2 parts Paprika
* 1 part cinnamon (optional)

When preparing Armenian meat dishes, the dry spice mix is added to crushed garlic cloves, parsley, and tomato paste and then thinned to the consistency of a thick cream, either with olive oil or plain yoghurt.

The mixture to then rubbed on lamb or chicken and allowed to marinate for at least an hour before grilling or roasting.

For vegetable dishes or casseroles, (often using eggplant or green beans), add the spice mix (to taste – but remember, it’s strongly flavored), along with chopped garlic, parsley and tomato paste and stew, covered, on top of the stove. Onions added to such dishes prior to the cooking process is also very traditional.