Norooz, the Persian New Year, marks the Spring Equinox and feels like a deep, collective exhale for the soul. It is a season of shedding the old and welcoming the new with open hearts. A sentiment that resonates more deeply than ever for Iranians this year. Even when the world feels heavy, we hold onto our traditions. They are our anchor. Through my 15 favorite Norooz recipes, I’m inviting you into our home to experience the flavors and hope of the Persian New Year.
What if you could enjoy all the flavors of The Viral Turkish Pasta Recipe aka Yalancı Mantı, without spending hours folding tiny dumplings? This viral Turkish pasta with ground beef, garlic yogurt, and paprika butter delivers exactly that. It’s rich, creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. No complicated techniques. No special skills. Just bold, authentic flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to see why Lazy Manti (Yalancı Mantı), also known as Turkish pasta with yogurt and paprika butter, has taken social media by storm. This shortcut version keeps everything we love about classic manti — the savory meat, the creamy yogurt, and the aromatic butter — but swaps handmade dumplings for pasta. The result? Pure comfort food made for real life. Watch my prep video on Instagram
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.
There are mornings when I deeply miss sitting somewhere along the Black Sea coast of Turkey, watching the waves, breathing in the salty air, and enjoying a warm, comforting breakfast. When traveling isn’t possible, food becomes my way back. And Kuymak, also known as Mıhlama or Muhlama, brings that feeling straight into my kitchen. This traditional Easy Kuymak Recipe – Turkish Cheese Fondue for Breakfast is rich, simple, and deeply comforting. Melted butter, cornmeal, water, and stretchy Turkish cheese come together to create something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So put the kettle on, slice some good bread, and let’s get started.
It’s about time I finally introduce you to our all-time favorite dish. The one that shows up again and again in our kitchen, no matter the season, the mood, or the contents of the fridge. Easy Vegan Sheet Pan Persian-Style is simple at heart — just vegetables roasted in the oven — but don’t let that fool you. This is the kind of food that fills the kitchen with warm aromas, draws people in without trying, and somehow always tastes like comfort. In Persian, we call it Khorak-e Sabzijat dar Fer (خوراک سبزیجات در فر) — oven-roasted vegetables. Nothing fancy in name, yet everything about it feels thoughtful, generous, and full of love. It’s the dish we make when we want something nourishing but light, when we don’t feel like standing in the kitchen forever, and when we crave those deep, oriental flavors that make simple ingredients shine. One pan, a hot oven, and a little Persian magic — that’s all it takes.
There are cuisines that taste good, and then there are cuisines that feel like a warm hug. Persian cuisine clearly belongs to the second category. It is sensual, aromatic, deeply rooted in tradition, and full of delicate details that make every dish something truly special. Saffron, pomegranate, dried limes, fresh herbs, and slow-simmered stews tell stories of family, hospitality, and time. This blog post is a small culinary journey through 10 Popular Persian Recipes from Iran You Must Try. These are meals that regularly appear on Iranian family tables and are also deeply loved around the world. Perfect for anyone eager to try something new and fall in love with a different food culture.
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.
The first bite of Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice with Dates & Raisins – sparks magic in your kitchen. Steamy rice hugs tender lentils, sweet dates and juicy raisins pop with flavor, and caramelized onions fill the air with the warm, soulful aroma of Persian spices. I love it the vegan way, and in this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make it—but you can also top it with fried eggs, meatballs, ground beef, or chicken if you like. This sweet-and-savory dish comforts your soul, delights your taste buds, and wraps chilly fall or winter evenings in pure joy. Persians, known for their rich culinary heritage, prepared Adas Polo with rice, fruits, and meat as far back as the 13th century. Even today in Iran, it brings people together and fills both plate and heart with pure happiness. Watch my prep video on Instagram
Kashk-e Bademjan – Persian Eggplant Dip – is one of those dishes that stops you mid-bite. It begins with slow-roasted eggplants cooked until they turn into a soft, smoky puree. Into that silky base melt caramelised onions and garlic, a hint of turmeric and saffron, the warm crunch of walnuts, and, most importantly, kashk, the tangy fermented yogurt that gives this classic its signature flavour. Finished with piaz dagh – a crispy topping of onions, garlic and dried mint – every spoonful tastes creamy, smoky, sweet, tangy, aromatic and deeply comforting. This is the kind of dip you scoop with warm lavash bread and suddenly realise you’ve eaten half the plate. If you like Baba Ghanoush, you will absolutely love Kashk-e Bademjan. This mezze tastes best with Persian Lavash or Barbari bread, but pita or flatbread also work well. Served warm, it’s simply delicious. Watch my prep reel on Instagram
*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. Watch my prepvideo on Instagram
