ARAM Sandwiches?
NY delis, and some trendy restaurants in major cities name food items after celebrities - The Humphrey Bogart sandwich, the Marilyn Monroe, etc.
But the ARAM sandwich? I came across this in one of my Armenian cookbooks. Traditionally, the Aram sandwich is made from Armenian cracker bread (lavosh) which is softened by wetting both sides with tap water, shaking off excess moisture, wrapping it in a damp towel, and placing it in a plastic bag for about 2 hours.
Once softened, the bread is spread with softened cream cheese, and layered with meat, cheese, lettuce - or any filling you like, then rolled into a wrap. The sandwich is then refrigerated for several hours, and cut into 1 - inch slices, giving it the “pinwheel effect”. This sandwich also goes by the name “Hye Roller”.
If softening the Armenian cracker bread sounds like a pain, don’t fret. There are soft, flexible lavosh varieties available in deli departments in most grocery stores. All you have to do, is select your favorite filling ingredients.
If anyone reading this knows who the “Aram” is behind the Aram sandwich, The Armenian Kitchen would like to hear from you. Thanks!
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I understand the word "ARAM" probably comes from an area of Syria called "TELL ARAM" in Syria. But that is unconfirmed.
ReplyDeleteAram in Persian means slow, lavash also is Persian bread: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavash
ReplyDeleteThanks for the above suggestions!
ReplyDeleteDear Armenian Kitchen, I was swirling my glass French Pinot Noir, when I thought of fond memories of my Kitchen upbringing that spanned 20years+. I later found my self on you page asking where the name Aram sandwich came from. The truth of this topic: When I was a young boy my 1st job was for an Armenian Gourmet restaurant and coffee shop in San Francisco California located on Chestnut st. The name of the Restaurant was the "CARAVANSARY" I was 15 years old when I first started there the date was 1973. The Chef of the Restaurant was Setrak Indijian and his Co.Owner was Khajag Sarkissian who between the two partners Khajag had the first son whom was named ARAM.. thus the sandwich name. Those days, I dont recall pliable Lavosh like they have these days, AKMAK bakery in (I believe) Fresno Calif. made the original Lavosh that was used for the ARAM sandwich. Anyway.. hopefully you can pass this truth on so that the world who has utilized this sandwich for generations shall know where the "Aram Sandwich came from. Sincerely, Vincent Venenciano.
ReplyDeleteDear Vincent,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your explanation of how the Aram sandwich got its name!
robyn@thearmeniankitchen.com