Autumn has been mild so far in Germany, but now it’s here and it s time to heat the oven again. Pumpkin is one of the healthy autumn favorites! But it doesn’t always have to be the Hokkaido pumpkin, so why not try the butternut squash? When the aroma of Hasselback butternut squash with feta, pistachio pesto, and pomegranate seeds spreads throughout the kitchen, an autumn feel-good feeling is sure in very quickly. Doesn’t it look colorful on the plate? I love the colors. It is also proven that the more colorful it looks on your plate, the healthier your food is. My recipe is really easy peasy, quick to prepare, low carb, vegetarian and perfect as an after-work dinner. Read More
Latest Posts
Chicken Liver in Pomegranate jus with Quince Rings Sweet Potato Puree and Dark Horse Wine
My today’s recipe chicken liver in pomegranate jus with quince rings sweet potato puree and Dark Horse Wine is a real delicacy and could be an old oriental dish from the house of the Sultan. My pan-fried chicken liver is crispy on the outside and juicy rosy on the inside. It has a creamy texture and tastes simply delicious when combined with sweet quince caramelized in quince juice and honey and a creamy sweet potato purée. The crispy baked sage and the strong sweet and sour pomegranate jus, give the dish a unique flavor explosion! A perfect match is a strong red wine and in this case, a dry Zinfandel from Dark Horse goes perfectly with it.
Rhoihessian Cooking duel- Variations of black salsify á la Carl Grünewald
*Ad in cooperation with Rheinhessenwein e.V. and Gourmet Connection*
I was so excited as the invitation of Rheinhessenwein and Gourmet Connection for the “Rhoihessian Cooking duel” arrived. Last year I was already invited and unfortunately could not participate. I´m so grateful that I was asked again this year. As the day of the Cooking contest got closer, I became more and more excited. I have never participated in such a cooking battle and this contest will be even filmed. Am I up to it at all, do I manage to cook the dish of a chef without any recipe and even stay within the given time of 90 minutes? Read More
Apple Mint Jelly
Today I welcome autumn with a dream in green. My delicious apple mint jelly gives pleasure to the palate and eyes at the same time. Quite fancy with mint, which also provides some freshness. This tastes very fine, and also looks great. In my green apple mint jelly, the finely chopped mint leaves are a great eye-catcher. One half I dyed with green food coloring* and the other half I left natural.
The jelly is great as a fruity spread for breakfast. Filled in pretty glasses, the Apple Mint Jelly is also a fancy gift idea. In addition, a great souvenir for friends, parties, or brunch. You can use apple mint jelly as a spread, for baking, or as an ingredient in desserts or compotes. It also tastes delicious as a side dish to cheese platters! Read More
Koofteh Rizeh – Lamb Meatballs with Mint in Tomato Sauce کوفته ریزه
Koofteh Rizeh – Lamb meatballs with mint in Tomato Sauce کوفته ریزه is also called Gheymeh Rizeh (قیمه ریزه), Kale Ghondjishki (کله گنجشکی) or Ghermez Rizeh (قرمز ریزه ). It is a traditional and popular dish from the marvelous city of Isfahan. These simple meatballs are prepared without any use of breadcrumbs, bread, or egg, and instead, chickpea flour is used. The meatballs are mixed with minced lamb, onions, turmeric, dried, and finely grated mint. Then the meatballs simmer in a spicy sauce made with tomato paste, onions, turmeric, and dried mint. Persian Sangak or Taftoon bread is commonly served with meatballs to soak up the tomato sauce. Serve with a bit of torshi (pickled vegetables) and everybody is satisfied. A filling dish that can be prepared quickly. Read More
Cake Yakhchali – Fridge Cake کیک یخچالی
Did you know that the Queen’s favorite cake was chocolate biscuit? In fact, there is also a Persian version of the chocolate biscuit cake: Cake Yakhchali – fridge cake کیک یخچالی. In memory of “her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth”, I made her favorite Chocolate Biscuit Cake. May her soul rest in peace. We will miss you queen Elizabeth. My laziest-ever chocolate no-bake cake doesn’t need an oven, instead make room in the fridge! This no-bake cake has soft butter cookies inside and is covered with a smooth chocolate cream. The fridge takes care of the rest! Cake Yakhchali – Fridge Cake کیک یخچالی is the Persian answer to the German kalter Hund (German No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake).
With a couple of slight differences, first, the Persian version is not so hard and firm, but quite fluffy and soft. Besides, I didn’t layer the cookies from the bottom to the top, but placed them vertically, in other words upright in the baking pan. If you don’t like exact layering, you can simply crush the butter cookies and add them to the cake. My Fridge Cake is very easy to prepare and the perfect cake for afternoon tea or a birthday. Read More
Morabay-e Anjir – Fig Jam مربای انجیر
Between July and November is fig season and I got some very nice examples from our neighbor. I don’t know why I have not yet planted my own fig tree in the garden, but it’s definitely time to do. Morabay-e Anjir – fig jam مربای انجیر is made from fresh whole figs and is infused with cardamom, vanilla and saffron. Believe me, the spicy and oriental sweet fragrance is a true joy for your senses. In daily life, quince, carrot, rose or cherry jam are more popular in Persia. Honey-sweet fig jam, on the other hand, is served with bread, butter or clotted cream more on special occasions for breakfast. A sweet delight for real gourmets. Read More
Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو
When it comes to sour cherries, you probably think of fruitcakes, pies, desserts or jams. But sour cherries can be used in many different ways and also fit in savory main dishes, as in my today’s recipe Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو . The spicy flavor of the chicken harmonizes perfectly with the sour-sweet flavor of the sour cherries and is seasoned with just a few ingredients, such as saffron and lemon juice. This dish is a traditional Persian dish, which is also very popular with meatballs besides chicken. Do you also want a palate explosion, then be sure to try this dish! Read More
Bread salad with fresh herbs
What the Italian his Panzanella, is to me my bread salad with fresh herbs. The taste of crusty toasted Arabic bread and freshly chopped herbs, such as mint, flat-leaf parsley, basil, and tarragon, is incredibly crunchy and refreshing. Fruity pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and tangy feta tickle your palate. A slightly tart dressing of pomegranate pulp, olive oil, golpar, sumac, salt, and pepper tops this salad off. The bread salad tastes fresh, and savory, and is also filling and super healthy. Love serving it on hot summer days as a cooling and light meal. It’s also great as a mazeh (mezze) or as a side dish with rice and meat dishes. If you’re looking for a delicious and quick summer recipe, my Bread Salad with Fresh Herbs is the perfect choice for you. Read More
Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی
The Persian Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی is very different from the Halva you know from Turkish or Arabic stores. This recipe is an old and classic version made from wheat flour and oil or butter. Saffron is responsible for a beautiful color and at the same time revitalizes the soul. Sugar adds sweetness, rose water a light floral aroma and warming cardamom a light tangy citrus note. It is an uncomplicated yet spectacular dessert that is also very popular eaten with Nan-e Barbari for breakfast. Halva means “sweet” and dates back to 7th century Persia. If you prepare it with oil like I did in this recipe, you even have a delicious vegan dessert. Let it melt in your mouth! Read More