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Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

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Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda. The longest night of the year, Shab-e Yalda, is almost here. It’s a time for warmth, family, and delicious food. For us Persians, Yalda is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment to gather, share stories, and welcome the light after the darkness.

What better way to capture that feeling than with a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful salad? This beetroot salad with pomegranate and feta is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the tangy freshness of pomegranate seeds, and the creamy feta create the perfect balance. Whether you’re celebrating Yalda or just want something special for your table, this salad is sure to impress. It is quick to prepare and makes everyone happy, whether as a side dish or a light main course.

Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

Are you still on the hunt for the perfect dessert to top off your Christmas dinner? One that will wow your guests and is so simple to cook? If you’re looking for something special for your Christmas dinner, I’d highly recommend Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding. This Persian dessert will bring a magical atmosphere to your festive table with its golden yellow color and wonderful aroma. The name alone is poetic: sholeh means flame, zard means yellow – that means yellow flame. And that’s what it looks like when the bright saffron rice pudding is in a bowl. Can you see the flames dancing?

Baked Feta with Figs and Caramelized Walnuts

Picture this: it’s cold outside, and the air has that sweet smell of snow. You’re all snuggled up in a cozy blanket, munching on some Baked Feta with Figs and Caramelized Walnuts. Doesn’t that sound amazing? On those chilly winter days, the creamy melted fetacheese brings the ultimate comfort and warmth.

This recipe is just right for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up. The baked feta is bursting with flavor, and the sweet figs combined with crunchy caramelized walnuts make it a treat for your taste buds. Plus, it looks fantastic too! The fresh herbs and tangy dressing pull everything together perfectly. Let’s dive in and fire up the oven to whip up this delicious feel-good dish!

Festive Dubai Chocolate Dates

Imagine a cozy winter evening with a warm cup of tea, your favorite tunes playing in the background, and in front of you, a plate of shiny, festive dates packed with holiday spices and a satisfying crunch. These dates are filled with Kadayif, a Turkish shredded dough, creamy tahini, pistachio butter, and pistachio paste.

You can already smell the Gingerbread spices in the air as you grab your first date. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the vibrant markets of the Orient. That’s what makes Festive Dubai Dates so special – they combine sweetness, spice, and a touch of Middel East magic. They’re not just delicious but also add a warm, festive vibe that’s perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re entertaining friends or on the lookout for a unique gift, these dates will definitely wow everyone. So, why not spice up your holiday celebrations with a little taste of Dubai? Read More

Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار

Brrr, it’s so cold outside! Are you in the mood for a warm, savory soup? Thick soups and stews are perfect for cozying up in the winter and keeping your belly satisfied. One awesome choice is Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار.

Pomegranates add a fantastic flavor to this dish and pack it with vitamins too. My version of Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار is with fresh herbs, and tastes fruity, sweet, and tangy.

I make it using pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, split yellow peas, rice, and fresh herbs like spinach, parsley, coriander, and mint, along with some tasty spices and soft meatballs. Using pomegranate juice instead of water makes the soup really rich and scrumptious.

Finish with hot mint oil, more herbs, and pomegranate seeds – making it a real standout among Persian soups and stews. This is definitely a must-try if you’re into unique, comforting meals!

Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies

Today, I’m opening the fifth door of the Culinary Advent Calendar from 1x umrühren bitte, aka Kochtopf.me, and behind it is a sweet treat from Iran: Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies (شیرینی قزوین) or Nan-e Ghandi (نون قندی). These little cookies are so delicate they practically melt in your mouth, and they’re super easy to whip up.

You only need a handful of ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, shortening or coconut fat (the original is made with Ghee), and cardamom. It’s this simplicity that makes them special. Cardamom gives them a unique flavor, but if you’re not into that, they’re just as tasty with a splash of vanilla extract. The mix of cardamom scent and the gentle sweetness makes them stand out. The cool thing? You don’t have to let the dough rise, rest, or chill. So, give the recipe for these yummy Shirini Ghandi a try and see how they turn out! Read More

Gerdoo Polo – Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron

Do you want an amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen? Gerdoo Polo, also known as Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron, is the dish you need. It blends the cozy flavors of cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom just right. The walnuts add a rich nuttiness that really shines in Persian cuisine. Coming from the charming city of Shahr-e Kord, this dish is perfect as a side for meats or veggies. Plus, it makes a fantastic vegetarian main course, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or to impress guests at a festive gathering!

Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup

This Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup سوپ پسته is super easy to make and is loaded with healthy fats and proteins. It’s perfect for nourishing your body and giving your soul a little comfort. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, this soup really stands out. It’s a fantastic starter for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner and works great as a late-night dish for your New Year’s buffet. So if you’re looking to add something festive and healthy to your holiday spread, this pistachio soup is just the thing!

Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan

On Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year, Khoresht-e Fesenjan steals the show. In Iran, this night is all about celebrating with family and friends, and you can’t have a proper gathering without this delicious stew. While it’s usually made with meat, I’m sharing my Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan, which I’ve been making for my kids during Christmas for ages.

They absolutely love the mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s super simple to whip up, but you’ll need to be patient because it seriously gets better the longer you let it simmer on low heat. So, why not give it a try? You might just end up with a new favorite dish that becomes a cherished tradition in your home too. Enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of this Persian treat!

Persian Red Onion Salad with Sumac

You ever find those small side dishes that can really amp up a meal from “good” to “wow”? For me, it’s definitely Persian Red Onion Salad with Sumac! It’s fresh, tangy, and adds a cool Middle Eastern twist that can take any dish to the next level. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, so you’ll want to have it around all the time. Whether you use it as a topping, a side, or just a little flavor boost, it goes great with almost anything. Persian Red Onion Salad with Sumac, or what I like to call Sumac Onions, is a kitchen must-have!