When we were invited to my uncle’s Mehmooni (a visit or celebration), I knew what was on the menu the moment I walked in. The kitchen smelled of onions, butter and mushrooms, and someone always called out: “We’re having Beef Estroganof, Persian Beef Stroganoff!” Yes, Estroganof (استروگانف). We Persians love to add an “e” to the front of many words. It simply belongs to the pronunciation. So Stroganoff became Estroganof in our family, and a Russian dish became a piece of Persian food culture. Mehmooni means so much more than “a celebration”. It is hospitality at its warmest. We plan for days, chop and simmer, so that no guest ever leaves the table hungry. This dish suits any occasion when you want to make people happy. It feels festive, it’s simple and quick to make, and you can prepare it ahead.