All posts filed under: FOOD

Easy Air Fryer Protein Rolls – No Flour Needed!

Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned in the kitchen. For this year’s World Bread Day, I had my heart set on baking traditional Persian Nan-e Sangak. I spent an entire Sunday in the kitchen, trying to get it right. But in the end, the bread just didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. Does that sound familiar? You put in so much time and effort, try different things, and somehow, nothing seems to work! But giving up wasn’t an option! So, I changed my plans and made these easy flourless protein rolls in the air fryer instead. They need just a handful of simple ingredients, take only a few minutes to prepare, and are ready in about 20 minutes of cooking time. Cottage cheese, oats, and egg add a protein boost, while crunchy seeds and kernels give these little rolls extra flavour and texture. It turns out that the simplest recipes can bring the most joy. And these easy air fryer protein rolls have definitely earned a place in my kitchen! What I …

Shoor-e Makhloot – Persian Mixed Fermented Vegetables

At the local market, I picked up fresh vegetables in the most beautiful colours. In Iran, late summer and early autumn are the perfect time to start pickling and fermenting vegetables for the colder months ahead. We make all kinds of delicious preserves, from crunchy Shoor-e Makhloot – Persian Mixed Fermented Vegetables to tangy Torshi Liteh – Persian Pickled Vegetables. For me, there is something truly special about preserving the colourful treasures of summer and looking forward to the cosy days ahead. My family has cherished this tradition for generations. Pickled and fermented vegetables are an essential part of Persian cuisine, and they always remind me of home. I love how the flavours of garlic, fresh chillies and crunchy vegetables blend together during fermentation, creating a wonderfully savoury and tangy taste. Today, I’m sharing my easy Shoor-e Makhloot recipe with you. This traditional Persian fermented vegetable pickle makes a delicious side dish and brings a little taste of Persian food culture into your home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. …

Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt Soup with Chickpeas and Meatballs

Today, I’m making a steaming bowl of Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt soup with chickpeas and meatballs. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of delicious flavors! This comforting Persian soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly autumn or winter days. In Iran, we love preparing and enjoying this hearty soup during the colder months. Yogurt is a staple in Persian cuisine, and we enjoy it in all kinds of delicious ways. In summer, we turn to a refreshing cold Persian yogurt soup called Abdoogh Khiar. It’s light, cooling, and perfect for hot days. Want to make this Persian yogurt soup vegetarian? Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the meatballs. If you like, you can replace them with tofu instead. Both options make a delicious vegetarian version of this traditional Persian soup! Whether you’re looking for a comforting autumn, winter meal or exploring authentic Persian cuisine, Ash-e Mast brings together fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, tender chickpeas, and savory meatballs in one delicious bowl. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Morabay-e Beh – Traditional Persian Quince Jam

A Persian breakfast without Morabay-e Beh – Traditional Persian Quince Jam, is unthinkable! Imagine spreading a spoonful of golden-red quince jam over warm bread. It tastes sweet, fruity, and slightly caramelised, with delicate hints of rosewater and cinnamon. One bite, and you will understand why this traditional Persian preserve holds such a special place on the Iranian breakfast table. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make it. Fresh quinces, sugar, water, lemon juice, rosewater, and a touch of cinnamon are all it takes to create this fragrant homemade jam. I cook the quinces with their skins on because the skin contains natural pectin, which helps the jam thicken without added jam sugar. As the fruit slowly simmers, it transforms from pale yellow to a beautiful ruby-red colour and fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. I wish you could smell it right now! Watch my preparation on Instagram!

Middle Eastern–Inspired Carrot, Pumpkin & Apricot Soup

Do you love fresh, fruity flavors in your soup? Then you’ll love my Middle Eastern-Inspired Carrot, Pumpkin & Apricot Soup. This creamy muscat pumpkin soup combines sweet carrots, pumpkin, and apricots with warm Middle Eastern spices. The apricots add a subtle fruity note and a lovely freshness to the soup. They also provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients, making them a great addition to your autumn recipes. For the perfect finishing touch, I top the soup with turkey strips seasoned with my homemade Ras el Hanout spice mix and cooked in sesame oil. The fragrant spice blend adds even more warmth and depth to this flavorful soup. You only need 300 g (about 10.5 oz) of pumpkin purée for this recipe. You can freeze the remaining purée or use it to make my Kaka Kadu – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

It feels more and more like autumn every day. And that means one thing: it’s finally pumpkin season again! I love cooking with pumpkin this time of year. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. So today, I’m sharing another one of my favorite pumpkin recipes with you: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus. This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Many people like to make pumpkin hummus with Hokkaido pumpkin. But I personally prefer butternut squash. I love its delicate, buttery flavor. To make the hummus extra flavorful, I roast the butternut squash and garlic in the oven. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. For the hummus, I also use nutty tahini and creamy chickpeas. A pinch of cinnamon gives it a warm, slightly Middle Eastern touch. And of course, I couldn’t stop there! I top the hummus with crispy garlic slices and a generous drizzle of good olive oil. The result is a wonderfully creamy, savory, and flavorful hummus. It’s perfect with falafel, …

Shish Andaz Bademjan – Vegan Eggplants in Walnut Pomegranate Sauce

When the aroma of roasted walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses fills the house, I am instantly transported back to the shores of the Caspian Sea back to Gilan, the lush, green, rain-kissed province of northern Iran where I spent my summer holidays. I can still see myself standing barefoot on the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze on my face, while the waves gently crashed in the background and clay pots simmered softly in the kitchen. For me, that unique combination of fresh herbs, rich roasted walnuts, and sour pomegranate is the true taste of Gilan. Shish Andaz-e Bademjan (شش انداز بادنجان) – vegan eggplants in a creamy walnut and pomegranate sauce is one of my absolute favorite dishes from this special region. Tender, pan-fried eggplants are gently braised in a velvety walnut sauce balanced with tangy pomegranate molasses. The result is a deeply aromatic, sweet-and-sour, naturally plant-based eggplant stew that captures the soul of Northern Iranian cuisine. If you love Persian food and are already familiar with recipes like vegan Fesenjan or classic Fesenjan …

Morgh-e Sokhari – Persian Fried Chicken

There are sounds that instantly trigger your appetite: the promising sizzle of hot oil and that distinct crunch as a golden-brown crust gives way. With your very first bite, the extra-crispy coating shatters between your teeth to reveal juicy, tender, steaming-hot chicken underneath. That magic right there is exactly why I adore Morgh-e Sokhari (مرغ سوخاری)—Persian-Style Fried Chicken. For me, Sokhari is pure comfort food wrapped in nostalgia. It brings back fond memories of easygoing family dinners and vibrant evenings shared with friends in Iran’s lively Sokhari joints. The contrast between that intensely seasoned, crackling crust and the tender meat makes Morgh-e Sokhari an absolute crowd-pleaser that gathers everyone around the table. Skip the fast-food drive-thru line and bring this unbeatable crunch straight to your kitchen—fresh, flavor-packed, and made with love. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!)

Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite summer dishes with you: a Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!), fresh mint, and crisp onions. To bring out all those amazing flavors, I dress it with high-quality olive oil, rich pomegranate balsam, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Flor de Sal, and a pinch of lemon pepper. When it comes to tomatoes, I love them all! Big, small, or bursting with flavor, whether they are bright red, golden yellow, deep purple, or vibrant orange. But heirloom tomatoes hold a truly special place in my heart. For this recipe, I brought together every variety I could find. Some I grew from seeds myself, and others I picked up at the local farmer’s market. Right now, tomatoes are at their absolute peak season. They’re juicy, naturally sweet, and have just the right touch of refreshing acidity. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Doogh – A traditional Persian drink made from homemade yogurt

Yogurt, mint, Damask rose petals, water, a pinch of salt, and voila, you’ve got Doogh! Deliciously refreshing, this traditional Persian yogurt drink shares a soul with Turkish Ayran and Indian Lassi, but brings a delicate floral twist all its own. As one of Iran’s most popular traditional drinks, it has a cool, tangy taste and pairs perfectly with many savory meals. Made with homemade yogurt, Doogh (also spelled Dugh or Abdug) is a healthy, gut-friendly beverage often thought of as the ultimate summer cooler. But in Iran, there’s no off-season, it’s enjoyed year-round. Some people prepare it with sparkling water for a fizzy kick, while others prefer fresh spring water for a smooth finish. Both versions are delicious, allowing every family to craft their recipe to match their own taste.

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