All posts filed under: YALDA

Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

*Advertisement for Gegenbauer’s sweet raspberry vinegar* 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?

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!

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!

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!

4 Easy Ways to Remove Pomegranate Seeds

You ever have that moment with a pomegranate? You’re just holding it, admiring that deep red, shiny skin and picturing those juicy, ruby-red seeds inside. Then reality hits: how do you get those seeds out without making a huge mess in the kitchen? No worries—I’ve got some awesome tips to make de-seeding pomegranates super easy and totally mess-free!

Rose Cookies – Three Cookies from one Dough

Advent is just around the corner and you haven’t had the chance to bake any cookies yet. If the thought of preparing multiple doughs feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. I understand, and am here to help! I have a delightful recipe that will make your baking experience easier: Rose Cookies—Three Cookies from One Dough. Just picture how beautiful these cookies are! You can create pistachio rose cookies with a hint of lemon zest, beautifully topped with a lemon-cherry glaze and delicate rose petals arranged in a paisley design. Or if you prefer something with a warm spice, try the pistachio rose cookies infused with cardamom, finished off with a delicious cinnamon-coriander chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of pistachios. And for an extra special touch, don’t miss out on the rose cookies with a rose-raspberry glaze, elegantly topped with soft rose petals. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors during this special season! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Pomegranate Bundt Cake

Happy National Bundt Cake Day! Today, we’re celebrating something truly special – the Bundt cake, which many of us hold dear. This delightful cake not only brings back fond memories but also offers us a wonderful opportunity to explore new flavors together. Picture this: a fluffy, moist Bundt cake, filled with bright, juicy pomegranate seeds and juice. Doesn’t that sound incredible? The Pomegranate Bundt Cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also incredibly simple to make! You might feel a twinge of hesitation before cutting into something so beautiful, but trust me, it’s completely worth it. Enjoy that first bite! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Khoresht-e Beh Aloo – Quince, Prune and Beef Stew

Imagine it’s a rainy day outside, with the autumn wind playfully whistling around the houses. But inside the kitchen, it’s a whole different story—cozy and warm! In your pot, a delicious Khoresht-e Beh Aloo – Quince, Prune and Beef Stew —is gently simmering away. The mouthwatering aroma wafts through the air, so inviting that anyone passing by can’t help but peek in! As the stew cooks, the beef turns tender, and the sweet quinces soak up all those amazing flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon on the quinces adds a lovely warmth, while the golden plums bring a delightful tartness. Oh, and let’s not forget the pomegranate paste—it gives the dish an irresistible sweet-and-sour twist! The scent that fills the room is simply heavenly: the warm notes of quinces and cinnamon blend with the gentle sweetness of saffron and grape syrup. It’s truly a masterpiece of Persian cuisine, bringing together sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way. This stew is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, making you feel right at home. Watch …

Salad-e Panir o Hendevaneh – Persian Watermelon and Feta Salad

Looking for a hit for your garden party? Try making Salad-e Panir o Hendevaneh—Persian watermelon salad with feta. This refreshing dish combines ice-cold, juicy watermelon with fresh cucumber, mint, spring onions, and salty feta cheese. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare in just five minutes, making it the perfect choice for a hot day. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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