Topik Recipe : A Traditional Armenian Dish
Topik, or Topig, is a traditional Armenian appetizer or snack often served during ceremonies and weddings. Not only is it easy to make, but also you can prepare it ahead for your ceremonies, especially when you have no time to overheat food.
This appetizer is based on vegan ingredients and is a unique blend of flavors and textures made of chickpeas, onions, currants, and pine nuts. If you are interested in preparing this snack for your ceremony, you are in the right place. This post will tell you how to make Topik and its golden tips to ensure success.
How to make Topik dish?
Here's a comprehensive guide to what they are ingredients andhow to prepare Topik:
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chickpeas 1 large can
- 2 Boiled potatoes small
- 1 Onion large, finely chopped
- ½ cup Currants
- ½ cup Pine nuts
- 1 tsp Cumin, ground
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ¼ tsp Red and black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried mint
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup Tahini
Instructions
- Before preparing the Filling, soak the chickpeas overnight to soften.
- Peel and chop the onion, then take a pan and sauté the onions with oil on medium heat for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the currants, nuts, tahini, salt, and other spices into the pan and stir the ingredients until they mix well.
- The day after soaking chickpeas, take two pots and pour water into both of them; boil chickpeas and potatoes in separate pots until they are soft and easily mashed.
- After cooking them, mash the boiled chickpeas and potatoes in a large bowl to blend them. Add them to the pan. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. This will be your Filling.
- Knead potatoes and chickpeas well and add some water. If your hand becomes dry, make them wet to avoid sticking dough to your hand.
- Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it in your hand in a circle shape. Place a spoonful of the Filling in the center of the dough and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges to form a ball, or you can use twine to tie it up.
- Take a pot and pour water and salt; when the water reaches boiling, add Topik and cook them for 7 minutes.
- Bring out Topik from the pot when Topik floated on the surface, drain the Topik, and let them cool in the refrigerator before serving.
- When serving this appetizer, sprinkle cinnamon, currants,and pine nuts.
Notes
Here are some golden tips to ensure your Topik tastes perfect:
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight will make them easier to cook and mash. This is a crucial step to ensure the right texture for your Filling.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too dry, it will crack when you try to form the Topik. If it's too wet, it won't be easy to handle.
- Make sure to sauté the onions until they are golden brown. This will bring out their sweetness and add depth to the flavor of your Filling.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the Topik well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Boil the Topik until they float on the top. This is a good indication that they are cooked entirely.
- Let this appetizer cool before serving. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
- You can store these snacks for a week in the refrigerator and eat them whenever you want, which makes it ideal for hosting ceremonies.
Conclusion
Topik is a delicious snack or appetizer showcasing Armenian cuisine’s rich flavors. It is easy to make, but you should soak chickpeas overnight to soften the dough for the Topik shell.
Reading this post will help you make the tastiest dish that satisfies your taste buds. With these golden tips, you can become a master of cooking this dish and showcase your talent.
Have you ever eaten Topik at a ceremony or wedding? How does it taste? Please share your unique experience in the comment section.
