All posts tagged: After Work cooking

Chicken Shawarma with PIO Corn-Fed Chicken from Otto Gourmet

*In collaboration with Otto Gourmet* Imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, smoky aroma of the Middle East. A hint of cumin, garlic, and lemon drifts through the air — suddenly you’re not standing by your oven anymore, you’re walking through the bustling streets of Beirut, Damascus, or Tehran. You hear the sizzle of marinated meat roasting on a vertical spit, see golden, glistening slices being shaved off, and smell that irresistible mix of spice and smoke. That’s exactly the experience you can recreate at home with my Chicken Shawarma with PIO Corn-Fed Chicken from Otto Gourmet. Tender, juicy, and richly seasoned — roasted to perfection until slightly smoky on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside. One bite and you’ll taste sunshine, spice, and Middle Eastern hospitality.

Khorak-e Anjir – Persian Chicken with Figs & Spinach

Imagine the autumn sun gently shining through your kitchen window while Khorak-e Anjir – Chicken with Figs & Spinach fills the air with a tempting aroma, turning your kitchen into a warm, cozy haven. On your stove, a dish simmers that combines sweet figs with tender chicken and fresh spinach, allowing all the flavors to slowly unfold. At the first bite, the natural sweetness of the figs blends perfectly with the savory chicken, while the spinach adds a light, fresh touch. You feel the harmony of flavor, tradition, and health, almost as if you are walking through the fragrant gardens and lively bazaars of Persia. Cooking chicken with figs is like a gift: the meat brings strength, figs bring joy, and spinach brings freshness—a wonderful combination that nourishes both body and soul.

Spaghetti al Limone with Shrimp

At the end of May, I set off with I Love Fruit & Veg from Europe to explore the enchanting Campania region in Italy. The sun sparkled on the sea, lemon trees filled the air with their fragrance, and my heart skipped a beat with every bite we tried – and believe me, we tried a lot. But one day in Sorrento truly stole the show. We wandered into L’Antica Trattoria in Sorrento, a charming, traditional spot brimming with homemade warmth. There, I discovered Tagliolini al Limone e Gamberi – lemon tagliolini with prawns – and instantly fell in love. The fresh citrus, silky sauce, tender prawns, and that unmistakable aroma that screams “summer by the sea” made me know one thing: I had to recreate this at home. Back in Germany, I experimented tirelessly – switching pasta types, trying gluten-free options, adjusting ingredients – until I perfected my gluten-free version. The only thing I skipped was the creamy spinach. My family was delighted anyway, and now this dish has become a regular in our …

Kaka Kadu Halvai – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes

Are you searching for something unique to serve at breakfast or brunch? This recipe is for you! Kaka Kadu Halvai – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes – are low carb, light, fluffy, healthy and gluten-free. Whether you share them with friends or enjoy them just for yourself, these golden pancakes bring a touch of Persia right to your table.

Shirazi Salad – Authentic Persian Recipe with 3 Dressing Options

*Sponsored post featuring the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener* Craving something fresh and light? Then my Shirazi Salad – Authentic Persian Recipe with 3 dressing options is just what you need. This traditional Iranian salad wins you over with its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and a flavor that instantly reminds you of warm summer days. But let’s be honest: have you ever tried dicing tomatoes with a dull knife? Instead of neat little cubes, you end up with squashed pieces and tomato juice all over your cutting board. It doesn’t just ruin the look of your salad – it changes the taste, too. Here’s the secret: the magic is in the details. The finer and more evenly you chop, the more beautifully the salad comes together. Since I started using my Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener*, this has completely changed. My knife glides effortlessly through cucumbers, tomatoes hold their perfect shape, and even onions are easy to chop without tears. Cooking feels almost like meditation – and the salad not only looks stunning, it tastes so …

Mast-o Musir – Persian Shallot Yogurt Dip

What could be better than a refreshing Persian dip to serve alongside your BBQ favorites? Let me introduce you to my creamy Mast-o Musir – Persian Shallot Yoghurt Dip. If you love tzatziki or garlic dips but hate that strong garlic breath afterwards, Mast-o Musir will be your new best friend. It’s mild, nutty, delicately garlicky, and beautifully aromatic – without overpowering your palate. In Iran, this dip is traditionally served with kabab fresh from the grill, but honestly, I could happily enjoy it with just warm Nan-e Barbari, Persian flatbread. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …

Mirza Ghasemi – Easy Persian Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Appetizer

Today I’m taking you to the lush Caspian Sea coast of Gilan, home of Mirza Ghasemi – the famous Persian smoky eggplant Appetizer. This vegetarian appetizer is silky, garlicky, and full of flavor, melting on your tongue with every bite. If you’re a fan of Baba Ghanoush, you will absolutely adore Mirza Ghasemi – Easy Persian Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Appetizer too, because grilled eggplants take center stage here as well. A must-try for every lover of Persian cuisine! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti

Makaroni is one of the most beloved pasta dishes in Persian cuisine. In Iran, Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti is actually the word we use for all pasta, whether it’s spaghetti or macaroni noodles. My favorite version is made with spaghetti, and of course the crispy golden Tahdig – that famous crunchy crust we Persians love. The best part? When it’s ready, this pasta doesn’t just sit on a plate. It comes to the table like a warm spaghetti cake, and we slice and serve it just like a pie. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Sure, Italians might shake their heads when they see how we cook spaghetti. Instead of a quick boil and toss, we prepare it as slowly and carefully as a rice cake. But if you’re curious and ready for a new flavor experience, you’re going to love this! Watch my Preparation Video on Instagram

Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran

Come with me on a little journey into the world of Persian street food! Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran – is a true spring and summer favorite. We love it so much that we even dry the beans, so we can enjoy them in autumn and winter too. Honestly, every Persian is crazy about this snack – even kids can’t resist. If you like edamame, you’ll definitely fall for Baghali Pokhte. The fun part is how you eat it: you squeeze the bean out of its tough outer skin to get to the soft, tender center. Then you pop it into your mouth and enjoy the nutty, creamy goodness. Simple but so satisfying. For flavor, we season Baghali Pokhte with Golpar (Persian hogweed spice), a little salt, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. That’s all it takes to turn these beans into an irresistible, healthy snack. Curious about Golpar? I’ve written about it before – you’ll usually only find it in Persian grocery shops. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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