S4 Ep 35: The History Of Lahmajun With Guest Artoun Nazareth

In this episode of Sprung On Food, I had the pleasure of bringing on actor and comedian Artoun Nazareth, who expressed his deep-rooted love for lahmajun. Artoun's story with this dish starts in his childhood kitchen, where Armenian traditions filled his home with delightful aromas.

Artoun shared how he grew up with Armenian foods, thanks to his mom and grandma. While most kids longed for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Artoun cherished lahmajun, which he affectionately called Armenian pizza. It was a staple in his freezer, ready to be enjoyed at any moment with a splash of lemon or fresh cucumbers on a summer’s day.

Discovering Lahmajun’s Origins

Lahmajun’s journey is as rich and colorful as its flavors, spanning thousands of years back to ancient Mesopotamian culinary practices. I imagine those ancient Babylonians with their inventive recipes of minced meat and spices on flatbreads. These early versions sowed the seeds for the lahmajun Artoun and I celebrate today. Over time, through trade routes and cultural exchanges across the Middle East, it evolved with an awe-inspiring blend of Turkish, Armenian, and Levantine influences.

Together, Artoun and I explored this culinary evolution, highlighting the dish's transformation from ancient times through its modern-day adaptations.

Cultural Significance and Resilience

For Artoun, and indeed for many Diaspora Armenians, lahmajun weaves stories of survival and cultural identity. After the Armenian genocide, recipe preservation became an act of cultural resilience, a comforting reminder of home.

Yet, it’s not only within Armenian communities that lahmajun leaves its mark. In modern Turkey, the dish thrives as a staple in restaurants and street vendors alike. Despite debated origins, lahmajun stands as a shared cultural masterpiece, evoking a rich tapestry of historic exchanges and influences.

Crafting a Culinary Masterpiece

The art of making lahmajun goes beyond simple cooking instructions; it's a craftsmanship passed down through generations. Artoun spoke about the process, starting with the dough—soft and elastic, sometimes thin as a tortilla—and the topping, a harmonious mix of ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, onions, and a special blend of spices. Despite its simplicity, this dish reflects the changing cultural influences that continue to shape it.

Modern Connection and Pop Culture

Lahmajun hasn't just remained within traditional homes; it’s stepped into pop culture. I recall when Kim Kardashian celebrated her Armenian roots, calling lahmajun “our Armenian pizza” in an Instagram post. Her embrace spotlighted the dish, encouraging broader audiences to explore its complex flavors.

On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, lahmajun is celebrated in thousands of posts, a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.

Though its recipe may vary from one home to another, the essence of lahmajun remains a bond among the communities that treasure it. As Artoun shares his love for lahmajun, I feel connected to a heritage rich with historic depth and promise for the future.

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