All posts tagged: Christmas

Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan

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! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Rose Cookies – Three Cookies from one Dough

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

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

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 …

Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds : Sweet and Sour

Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds : Sweet and Sour

Don’t call it Oktoberfest, go to the “Wies’n!” The time of year when laughter fills the air, beer flows freely, and the sweet scent of roasted almonds drifts through the lively crowds. This celebration of Bavarian culture is more than just a festival – it’s a feast for all senses. From the clinking of beer steins to the cheerful oompah music, everything feels larger than life. And of course, what’s D’Wies’n without a treat? This year, indulge in something a little different with my Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds: Sweet and Sour. Whether you crave something sugary or a tangy twist, these candied almonds bring a delightful balance to all the festivities. So, grab a pretzel, raise your glass, and enjoy the flavors of Oktoberfest! O’ Zapft is! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Koofteh Kermanshahi - Persian stuffed meatballs

Koofteh Kermanshahi – Persian stuffed meatballs

I’m excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of Persian cuisine, as most of the time! The menu features Koofteh Kermanshahi – Persian stuffed meatballs – along with a giveaway for high-quality kitchen gadgets. Koofteh Kermanshahi is a traditional dish from the Kermanshah region in western Iran, renowned for its unique flavors and rich culinary heritage. The meatballs are filled with dried apricots, walnuts, and raisins, and then simmered in a delectable sauce made with pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, and rice, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that delights the senses.

Cake Sib - Persian Apple Cake with Pistachios کیک سیب

Cake Sib – Persian Apple Cake with Pistachios کیک سیب

I hope you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the beginning of the New Year. Today, I have for you a simple apple cake based to my grandmother’s old recipe – Cake Sib – Persian apple cake with pistachios کیک سیب. At this time of year, cakes with apples taste extra delicious. Since I used cinnamon and other winter spices, it is also perfect for the Christmas and winter season. But we also love to eat it all year round. Bake the cake, and your home will be filled with the scent of 1001 nights.

Salad-e Anar ba Morgh- Pomegranate Chicken Salad سالاد انار و مرغ

Salad-e Anar ba Morgh- Pomegranate Chicken Salad سالاد انار و مرغ

If you want to prepare a unique chicken salad to delight your taste buds, I recommend my Salad-e Anar ba Morgh – Chicken Pomegranate Salad (سالاد انار و مرغ). Here, the flavors of the world come together. The bright red pearls give the salad a sweet and sour note and a nice crunch. The chicken, eggs, pickled cucumber, and cilantro are a treat to the taste buds. I chose cilantro for this recipe, but if you don’t like it, you can use parsley or mint instead. The recipe is easy and quick to prepare, perfect for Shab-e Yalda, a festive menu, or New Year’s Eve. You can find more typical dishes for Shab-e Yalda here. We like to serve it as an appetizer, which we call Mazeh (Mezze).

Shirini Pofaki Gerdoee - Gluten-Free Walnut Cookies - شیرینی پفکی گردویی

Shirini Pofaki Gerdoee – Gluten-Free Walnut Cookies – شیرینی پفکی گردویی

Shirini Pofaki Gerdoee – gluten-free walnut cookies – شیرینی پفکی گردویی is also known as Pich Anghoshti and is a specialty from the city of Tabriz. These gluten- and lactose-free cookies are popular due to their simple and quick preparation. The dough is also butter- and oil-free. Shape them into small hoops and garnish with a half walnut. The gluten-free walnut cookies are crispy and hollow, with some walnut pieces. The aromas melt together, creating a fragrant bouquet that reminds you of oriental gardens. The roasted walnuts, cardamom, and vanilla give these cookies an irresistible character.

Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – Stuffed Pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی

Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – Stuffed Pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی

Pumpkin always tastes good in autumn and winter, especially when it’s filled and comes out of the oven. Why not give this stuffed nut pumpkin in a Persian version a try. Today, I prepared Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – stuffed pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی with flavorful oriental ingredients. The nutmeg pumpkin is filled with savory ground lamb, aromatic rice, crunchy yellow split peas, golden saffron, fresh herbs, and oriental spices. The stuffed pumpkin is topped with sweet and sour pomegranate syrup for a tangy touch. Bake it in the oven until the nutmeg pumpkin is soft and tender, allowing the flavors in the filling to blend. This savory recipe is perfect for Shabe Yalda or your Christmas dinner. Comfort Food at its Best!