Beef Stroganoff and hotels serving the dish with rice, but not sour cream. Beef stroganoff preparation varies significantly not only based on geography and other factors, such as the cut of meat and seasonings selected. Meat for the dish can be cut in different ways and is sometimes diced, cubed, or cut into strips. Some variations include mushrooms and onions or other vegetables and varied seasonings such as sugar, salt, black pepper, and bottled marinades and rubs. In the version often prepared in the United States today in restaurants and hotels, it consists of strips of beef filet with a mushroom, onion,
Harissa (dish) on since ancient times. Stories differ as to the origins of the dish. According to Armenian lore, the patron saint of Armenia, Gregory the Illuminator, was offering a meal of love and charity to the poor. There weren't enough sheep to feed the crowds so wheat was added to the cooking pots. They noticed that the wheat was sticking to the bottom of the cauldrons. Saint Gregory advised, ""Harekh!" Stir it!" Thus, the name of the dish, "harissa", came from the saint's own words. "Harissa" has been offered as a charity meal ever since. The dish is traditionally served on