All posts tagged: Main Dish

Persian-Style Borscht Soup

Persian-Style Borscht Soup

Persian-style Borscht soup is a delicious, savory stew that traveled from Ukraine to Persia, where it found a special place in Persian cuisine. In Iran, families often serve this colourful soup as a starter at autumn and winter celebrations, alongside other comforting favourites like Soup-e Djo (Persian Barley Soup). I especially love a warm bowl of Soup-e Borscht on chilly days. With its vibrant colour, rich flavour and hearty ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food when the weather turns cold. Not only does it warm you from the inside out, but it also keeps you feeling full and satisfied. As soon as fresh beetroot appears at the market, I can’t wait to make this delicious Persian Borscht recipe. The earthy sweetness of the beetroot pairs beautifully with the wholesome vegetables, while creating a colourful and flavourful soup. Best of all, it tastes just as wonderful as it looks! Besides being comforting and full of flavour, this nourishing beetroot soup also provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. In addition, it’s a lovely addition to a balanced …

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

Shish Andaz Bademjan – Vegan Eggplants in Walnut Pomegranate Sauce

Shish Andaz Bademjan – Vegan Eggplants in Walnut Pomegranate Sauce

When the aroma of roasted walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses fills the house, I am instantly transported back to the shores of the Caspian Sea back to Gilan, the lush, green, rain-kissed province of northern Iran where I spent my summer holidays. I can still see myself standing barefoot on the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze on my face, while the waves gently crashed in the background and clay pots simmered softly in the kitchen. For me, that unique combination of fresh herbs, rich roasted walnuts, and sour pomegranate is the true taste of Gilan. Shish Andaz-e Bademjan (شش انداز بادنجان) – vegan eggplants in a creamy walnut and pomegranate sauce is one of my absolute favorite dishes from this special region. Tender, pan-fried eggplants are gently braised in a velvety walnut sauce balanced with tangy pomegranate molasses. The result is a deeply aromatic, sweet-and-sour, naturally plant-based eggplant stew that captures the soul of Northern Iranian cuisine. If you love Persian food and are already familiar with recipes like vegan Fesenjan or classic Fesenjan …

Morgh-e Sokhari – Persian Fried Chicken

Morgh-e Sokhari – Persian Fried Chicken

There are sounds that instantly trigger your appetite: the promising sizzle of hot oil and that distinct crunch as a golden-brown crust gives way. With your very first bite, the extra-crispy coating shatters between your teeth to reveal juicy, tender, steaming-hot chicken underneath. That magic right there is exactly why I adore Morgh-e Sokhari (مرغ سوخاری)—Persian-Style Fried Chicken. For me, Sokhari is pure comfort food wrapped in nostalgia. It brings back fond memories of easygoing family dinners and vibrant evenings shared with friends in Iran’s lively Sokhari joints. The contrast between that intensely seasoned, crackling crust and the tender meat makes Morgh-e Sokhari an absolute crowd-pleaser that gathers everyone around the table. Skip the fast-food drive-thru line and bring this unbeatable crunch straight to your kitchen—fresh, flavor-packed, and made with love. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread

Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread

The moment warm olive oil hits fresh tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, your whole kitchen fills with that irresistible Mediterranean aroma. And honestly? Pure summer bliss starts the very second you hear that satisfying first crunch. Beneath that golden, crispy crust lies a mountain of sweet, juicy vegetables, and it is total perfection. Let me introduce you to Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread! What I love most about this recipe is how delightfully foolproof it is. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or hours of waiting around for yeast to rise. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have it prepped and popping into the oven. So, grab a baking sheet and let’s make your new favorite summer bite together today! Watch my preparation on Instagram

Crispy Middle Eastern Eggplant Schnitzel

Crispy Middle Eastern Eggplant Schnitzel

Imagine this: a golden-brown, ultra-crispy crust that cracks perfectly with your very first bite. And inside? A melt-in-your-mouth, creamy eggplant core bursting with the warm, aromatic flavors of my Homemade Ras el Hanout Spice Mix. Forget everything you’ve ever heard about soggy or bitter eggplant. These crispy Middle Eastern eggplant schnitzels are a total game-changer for your dinner plate—whether you follow a full-time plant-based diet or simply want to try something exciting and delicious! Watch my preparation on Instagram

Piyaz – Giant White Bean Salad | سالاد لوبیا سفید

Piyaz – Giant White Bean Salad | سالاد لوبیا سفید

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and protein-packed salad, you have to try Piyaz. This traditional Turkish white bean salad is also a beloved dish in many Persian homes, where it’s known as Salad-e Loobia Sefid (سالاد لوبیا سفید). Although many people associate Piyaz with Turkey, this simple yet flavorful bean salad has been enjoyed across the region for generations. One of the most famous versions is Antalya Usulü Piyaz, a specialty from the Turkish city of Antalya. What makes it so special is its rich, tangy dressing that coats every single bean with incredible flavor. Traditionally, the beans are almost completely covered in the dressing. In my version, I use a little less dressing to let the fresh vegetables and creamy white beans shine while still keeping the authentic taste. Piyaz is everything you want in a salad—fresh, satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. It works perfectly as a mezze, a side dish for köfte, grilled meats, or kebabs, or as a light vegetarian lunch or dinner. Thanks to the white beans, …

Cake Morgh – Sandwich Cake with Chicken Spread for Your World Cup Party

Cake Morgh – Sandwich Cake with Chicken Spread for Your World Cup Party

Looking for a unique and delicious recipe for your World Cup party, game day gathering, birthday celebration, or summer picnic? This Persian Chicken Sandwich Cake, known as Cake Morgh, is a beautiful make-ahead party dish that is guaranteed to impress your guests. Popular throughout Iran, Cake Morgh is a savory sandwich cake made with layers of soft bread, creamy chicken filling, fresh vegetables, and a decorative topping. It is traditionally served at family celebrations, birthdays, garden parties, and special occasions, where it often becomes the centerpiece of the table. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Easy Falafel Wrap with Creamy Homemade Tahini Sauce

Easy Falafel Wrap with Creamy Homemade Tahini Sauce

Imagine biting into a warm, freshly toasted flatbread. Inside, golden falafel—crispy on the outside, tender and fragrant on the inside—meets a rich, creamy homemade tahini sauce. Add a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad, a bright pop of red sumac, and aromatic Middle Eastern spices. This isn’t just a quick lunch or dinner. It is a journey for your senses, bringing the vibrant flavors of street food markets straight to your kitchen. Best of all? This healthy falafel wrap recipe is 100% vegan, naturally dairy-free, and easily gluten-free. It is budget-friendly, incredibly simple to make, and tastes a million times better than anything store-bought because you control exactly what goes into it.

Meygoo Polo Bandari – Shrimp Rice with Fresh Herbs میگو پلو

Meygoo Polo Bandari – Shrimp Rice with Fresh Herbs میگو پلو brings together all the flavors of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Khuzestan in the south of Persia. In Farsi, Meygoo means shrimp and Polo means rice – so quite simply, it’s shrimp with rice. The cuisine of southern Iran, along the Persian Gulf, is colorful, diverse, and influenced by many cultures. Traders and travelers from India, Africa, and Arabia all came to this region and left their unique cultural footprints behind. Meygoo Polo, also known as Havari Polo, is a true classic of southern Persian cooking and, for me, one of the most delicious rice dishes in Iran. Firm, juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and warm oriental spices are layered between fragrant basmati rice – creating a dish that is both comforting and full of exotic flavors. Watch my preparation on Instagram