All posts tagged: Gluten Free

Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafers with Cocoa

If you love the satisfying crack of crispy wafers, the warm aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, and soft chocolate that melts on your tongue, topped with pistachios and coconut, then Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafer Slices with Cocoa is just for you. The best part? You don’t even need to heat up your oven – just a simple pan will do. Today, I even have a gluten-free version for you, just as aromatic and irresistible as the original. It’s like a little short trip to the Orient – right in your kitchen. And honestly, who could resist crispy wafers with a delicate, melting filling? This recipe opens door number 11 of Zoras Culinary Advent Calendar. And the best part: there are plenty of fantastic prizes waiting to make your Advent even sweeter!

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.

Easy Airfryer Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is my ultimate fall favorite. It’s healthy, versatile, and turns any meal into a cozy, feel-good dish. Even better: Easy Airfryer Pumpkin Puree. It’s quick, energy-efficient, and requires almost no effort. You just halve the pumpkin, skip the tedious seed removal, and pop it in the Airfryer. The skin stays on—no peeling needed. The result? Buttery-soft, flavorful pumpkin you can scoop out and blend into creamy puree. Perfect as a base for soups, desserts, cakes, or my favorite Kaka Kadu – Persian pumpkin pancakes where the puree is the real star. Watch my preparation reel on Instagram

Koofteh Tabrizi – Persian stuffed Meatballs for Mehregan

Prepare Koofteh Tabrizi – Persian stuffed Meatballs for Mehregan, the joyful Persian autumn and harvest festival. This traditional dish hails from Tabriz, a historic city in northwest Iran, and it delights with its fruity, tangy, and savory flavors. Unlike German potato dumplings (Klöße), which serve as a side dish, Koofteh Tabrizi takes center stage as a main course. I made my version with rice, ground beef, yellow split peas, saffron, tarragon, spring onions, turmeric, and sumac in a fragrant, simmering broth. Some meatballs I stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, while others I filled with dried Mirabelle plums (Aloo Bukhara), walnuts, and barberries. Families often personalize their Koofteh with different spices, nuts, herbs, and dried fruits. Sometimes, they even cook one giant meatball and share it among everyone at the table! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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

Piaz Torshi – Persian Pickled Red Onions

When we visited Merano in South Tyrol, I discovered a street vendor selling beautiful braids of Cipolla Rossa di Tropea – sweet, mild red onions from Italy. Of course, I had to bring one home. Now the onion braid hangs in my kitchen, and whenever I need one, I simply twist a bulb off. The vendor told me the onion braid also protects the home from illness and bad energy – a charming tradition. The moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to make Piaz Torshi – Persian Pickled Red Onions. These onions are a staple in Persian cuisine, and they pair wonderfully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and even sandwiches. If you can’t find Cipolla Rossa di Tropea, don’t worry. Regular red onions work just as well for this recipe. Making Piaz Torshi is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of spices and simple ingredients, you can bring a taste of Persia into your kitchen. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your fridge – ready to transform …

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

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