Today, 28 November 2010, is the first Sunday in Advent. This is when Christians start the annual wait for the “coming” of Christ celebrated on Christmas Day. Children all over will have their Advent Calendars at the ready and will begin opening the doors on 1 December. For me, Advent is when I start thinking about Christmas, a good 2-3 months behind Mr Tesco.
In Iran too, the 1 December, marks the beginning if the “Little Fast” carried out by some of the sizeable yet minority population of Christians for the 25 days leading up to Christmas Day known as “Little Feast”. Christians in Iran include Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians who are mostly Armenian-Iranians and have their own religious rituals. Although Iran is predominantly an Islamic nation, there are also some Moslems who celebrate Christmas as a non-religious festival. Christmas trees and decorations are bought, turkeys ordered and sometimes gifts are exchanged in the same way as we do here in the UK.
During the 25 day “Little Fast” which is meant to purify body and mind, Orthodox Christians follow a diet free of meat and dairy products only breaking their fast when Communion is received early on Christmas morning. To break their fast, the traditional dish of Harissa is eaten. This meal is also the national dish of Armenia, and like many recipes handed down from generation to generation, there will be regional variations. I have managed to find a recipe for the chicken and barley stew which sounds just the sort of meal perfect during the current big freeze!
- 1 whole chicken
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups whole wheat kernels, rinsed and drained
- 2 tsp. salt, or to taste
- cumin
- paprika
- butter
Poppyposts 
I’ll try this recipe, for sure – just without the butter.
Do let me know what it’s like- it sounds like good cycle-training food as well. “Good” carbs and low-fat protein. Just the job for you!