All posts tagged: Legumes

Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt Soup with Chickpeas and Meatballs

Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt Soup with Chickpeas and Meatballs

Today, I’m making a steaming bowl of Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt soup with chickpeas and meatballs. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of delicious flavors! This comforting Persian soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly autumn or winter days. In Iran, we love preparing and enjoying this hearty soup during the colder months. Yogurt is a staple in Persian cuisine, and we enjoy it in all kinds of delicious ways. In summer, we turn to a refreshing cold Persian yogurt soup called Abdoogh Khiar. It’s light, cooling, and perfect for hot days. Want to make this Persian yogurt soup vegetarian? Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the meatballs. If you like, you can replace them with tofu instead. Both options make a delicious vegetarian version of this traditional Persian soup! Whether you’re looking for a comforting autumn, winter meal or exploring authentic Persian cuisine, Ash-e Mast brings together fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, tender chickpeas, and savory meatballs in one delicious bowl. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

It feels more and more like autumn every day. And that means one thing: it’s finally pumpkin season again! I love cooking with pumpkin this time of year. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. So today, I’m sharing another one of my favorite pumpkin recipes with you: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus. This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Many people like to make pumpkin hummus with Hokkaido pumpkin. But I personally prefer butternut squash. I love its delicate, buttery flavor. To make the hummus extra flavorful, I roast the butternut squash and garlic in the oven. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. For the hummus, I also use nutty tahini and creamy chickpeas. A pinch of cinnamon gives it a warm, slightly Middle Eastern touch. And of course, I couldn’t stop there! I top the hummus with crispy garlic slices and a generous drizzle of good olive oil. The result is a wonderfully creamy, savory, and flavorful hummus. It’s perfect with falafel, …

Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte

Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte

Looking for the ultimate fresh, vegan finger food for your next party, buffet, or brunch? Then you absolutely need to try my Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte, deliciously seasoned, plant-based Turkish red lentil patties! I love bringing these to family gatherings and special occasions. Because of their beautiful, vibrant presentation, they are always a massive hit—and they easily win over even the meat-lovers in the room! Trust me, they are simply “kofte-licious” and vanish within minutes. Guests literally crowd around the platter and just can’t keep their hands off them. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this healthy vegan crowd-pleaser is also the perfect addition to your summer picnic basket or a quick weekday snack. Want to impress your family and friends this Easter? Serve up this fresh, crisp, and vibrant Mediterranean delicacy!

Khoresht-e Gheymeh – Persian Lamb Stew with Dried Limes and Split Peas

Khoresht-e Gheymeh – Persian Lamb Stew with Dried Limes and Split Peas

There are dishes that simply feed you, and then there are dishes that tell a story. Khoresht-e Gheymeh – Persian Lamb Stew with Dried Limes and Split Peas is one of those stories. This deeply aromatic Persian stew is made with tender lamb (or beef/veal), yellow split peas (called lapeh), tangy dried Persian limes (limoo amani), tomatoes, and warm spices in a silky sauce. And in Iran, there’s one non-negotiable rule: it must be topped with crispy French fries. Khoresht-e Gheymeh is more than a Persian lamb stew. It’s comfort food with history and hospitality served on a platter. If you’ve never cooked Persian food before, this is a beautiful place to begin. Slow down. Let it simmer. And when you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this stew has been cherished for generations. A Dish that warms the soul.

Adasi – Easy Persian Lentil Soup Recipe (Healthy & Vegan)

Adasi – Easy Persian Lentil Soup Recipe (Healthy & Vegan)

Looking for a healthy, filling, and flavorful vegan dish for veganuary? Meet Adasi – Easy Persian Lentil Soup Recipe (Healthy & Vegan) , the classic Persian lentil soup loved across Iran. Made with green lentils, potatoes, and warming spices, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. Some people call Adasi a stew, others call it a soup — in truth, it’s something in between: more liquid than a stew, yet heartier and more filling than a classic soup. Adasi is easy, nutritious, and budget-friendly. It’s a comforting Persian classic perfect for anyone looking for a healthy vegan soup. Once you try it, this flavor-packed Persian lentil stew will become your go-to meal for cozy days, meal prep, or anytime you want a soul-warming, hearty dish. Watch my preparation on Instagram!

Koofteh Tabrizi – Persian stuffed Meatballs for Mehregan

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

Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran

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

Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread

Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread

I love lentils! Do you love them as much as I do? If so, I have a super creamy recipe for you today. Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread is vegan and is full of rich flavors. To start with, this vegan spread uses green mountain lentils and always belongs on a mezze table. In Iran, people serve it as part of the Mazeh (mezze). The best thing is, spices like turmeric, garlic, allspice, cumin, and coriander fill your kitchen with warmth and fragrance. Plus, orange and lime juice add a fresh, fruity touch. You can simply spread it on lavash bread , and enjoy every bite. If you prefer, dip veggie sticks or chips into it for a quick snack. When you store it in a jar with a lid, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Just remember to take it out about 15 minutes before eating so it reaches room temperature and the flavors truly shine. Give it a try today and taste the difference! Watch my preparation video …

Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار

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! Watch my preparatio video on Instagram 

Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat لوبیا پلو

Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat لوبیا پلو

Welcome to another culinary adventure! Today, let’s delve into the world of Persian cuisine with a beloved traditional dish: Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat (لوبیا پلو). This savory and flavorful dish combines fragrant spices, juicy ground meat, aromatic tomatoes, and crunchy green beans into a delightful meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or for special occasions. With its simple preparation and harmonious blend of ingredients, Loobia Polo is sure to enchant your taste buds. Enjoy your meal and have fun cooking! Watch my preparation video on Instagram