All posts tagged: Nowruz

Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

Are you still on the hunt for the perfect dessert to top off your Christmas dinner? One that will wow your guests and is so simple to cook? If you’re looking for something special for your Christmas dinner, I’d highly recommend Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding. This Persian dessert will bring a magical atmosphere to your festive table with its golden yellow color and wonderful aroma. The name alone is poetic: sholeh means flame, zard means yellow – that means yellow flame. And that’s what it looks like when the bright saffron rice pudding is in a bowl. Can you see the flames dancing?

Shirini Ghandi Qazvin - Simple Persian Sugar Cookies

Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies

Today, I’m opening the fifth door of the Culinary Advent Calendar from 1x umrühren bitte, aka Kochtopf.me, and behind it is a sweet treat from Iran: Shirini Ghandi Qazvin – Simple Persian Sugar Cookies (شیرینی قزوین) or Nan-e Ghandi (نون قندی). These little cookies are so delicate they practically melt in your mouth, and they’re super easy to whip up. You only need a handful of ingredients: flour, powdered sugar, shortening or coconut fat (the original is made with Ghee), and cardamom. It’s this simplicity that makes them special. Cardamom gives them a unique flavor, but if you’re not into that, they’re just as tasty with a splash of vanilla extract. The mix of cardamom scent and the gentle sweetness makes them stand out. The cool thing? You don’t have to let the dough rise, rest, or chill. So, give the recipe for these yummy Shirini Ghandi a try and see how they turn out!

Mahi Kabab ba Somagh – Sumac Roasted Fish

Mahi Kabab ba Somagh – Sumac Roasted Fish

Sometimes, a single scent or bite can awaken cherished memories. For me, it’s the irresistible aroma of Mahi Kabab ba Somagh – Sumac Roasted Fish that instantly transports me back to the shores of the Caspian Sea (Shomal). Our summer holidays were filled with long days by the water, often ending in cozy seaside huts. There, we enjoyed “Mahi-e Kababi” – freshly caught whole fish, grilled right before our eyes and served with crusty bread, sumac onions, and a squeeze of lemon. Today, I recreate that flavor in my kitchen – effortlessly and in no time. Using my contact grill, I can prepare Mahi Kabab ba Somagh – Sumac Roasted Fish – in just 10 minutes. Try it for yourself and bring the taste of the Caspian Sea to your plate! Watch my preparation Video on Instagram

Rose Cookies – Three Cookies from one Dough

Rose Cookies – Three Cookies from one Dough

Advent is just around the corner and you haven’t had the chance to bake any cookies yet. If the thought of preparing multiple doughs feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. I understand, and am here to help! I have a delightful recipe that will make your baking experience easier: Rose Cookies—Three Cookies from One Dough. Just picture how beautiful these cookies are! You can create pistachio rose cookies with a hint of lemon zest, beautifully topped with a lemon-cherry glaze and delicate rose petals arranged in a paisley design. Or if you prefer something with a warm spice, try the pistachio rose cookies infused with cardamom, finished off with a delicious cinnamon-coriander chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of pistachios. And for an extra special touch, don’t miss out on the rose cookies with a rose-raspberry glaze, elegantly topped with soft rose petals. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors during this special season! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Torsh-e Tareh - Vegetarian Herb Stew with Egg

Torsh-e Tareh – Vegetarian Herb Stew with Egg

Today, I’d like to take you on a little culinary adventure to the lush, green north of Iran. To a region called Gilan, where a real gem of a dish awaits: Torsh-e Tareh, a vegetarian herb stew with egg. This dish, lovingly known as Torshi Tareh, is bursting with flavors and healthy ingredients, making it a true standout in Persian cuisine. What really sets Torsh-e Tareh apart is its traditional preparation method in a special clay pot called a gamadj. This unique cooking method gives the stew its unmatched, rich taste. But don’t worry if you don’t have a gamadj at home—you can easily make this dish in a regular pot and still enjoy all the deliciousness it has to offer. If you’re in the mood for something healthy, aromatic, and authentically Persian, Torsh-e Tareh is definitely worth a try. This dish captures the heart and soul of Gilan and brings it right to your table, offering a taste of Iran that you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re already a fan of Persian cuisine or …

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche - Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans

PERSIAN LAMB SHANKS FOR EASTER OR NOWRUZ Celebrate Easter with a delicious oriental dish: Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans. This dish consists of slow cooked lamb shanks infused with Advieh Khoresti spices, served alongside fragrant dill rice and fava beans. The blend of coriander, aniseed, dried rose petals, saffron, nutmeg, pepper, and cumin (Advieh Khoreshti) creates a festive flavor perfect for Easter or Nowruz. While not excessively laborious, this dish does require patience as the lamb shanks simmer for at least 2-3 hours until they are tender and almost falling off the bone. To ensure availability, please order lamb shanks in advance from your butcher. This slow braising process guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Take advantage of the simmering time to prepare your starter and dessert for a complete and satisfying Easter feast. Watch preparationsvideo on Instagram

Ranginak – Persian Date Dessert رنگینک خرما

Ranginak – Persian Date Dessert رنگینک خرما

Ranginak – Persian Date Dessert رنگینک خرما  is a Persian date dessert that is also known as Ranginak-e Khorma or Halva-ye Khoshk. It is a sweet and delicious specialty from the southern region of Iran, particularly popular in the regions of Bushehr and the provinces of Fars, Kerman, Hormozgan, and Khuzestan where date palm plantations are abundant. As Dates play a significant role in the cuisine of these regions, whether for dishes, desserts, or sweets. To make Ranginak, Medjool dates and walnuts are used and coated with a fragrant mixture of flour, cardamom, butter, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil to achieve a delicate and lightly crispy outer layer. The dessert is then generously sprinkled with ground pistachios, which adds extra crunch and a beautiful green color to the dessert. Every bite of Ranginak is a flavor explosion. Sweet, sticky date meets crunchy nuts and aromatic spices, making it a heavenly treat! Watch my perparation video on Instagram 

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ is a traditional and popular Persian rice dish from the cities of Tehran, Mashhad, and Kermanshah. The dish immediately takes me back to my grandmother’s house, when the whole family gathered for the Norooz festival at her home, where we lived together for many years. It is an aromatic composition of rice, roasted noodles, caramelized onions, raisins, and dates, refined with aromatic spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon, and topped with rose petals and pistachio sticks. The brown noodles in the batter provide a crunchy Tahdig. Top it with a slowly braised saffron chicken fillet or without chicken for a filling vegetarian dish. Reshteh polo has warm properties. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram 

Breshtok-e Shokolati - Chocolate Halva بروشتک

Breshtok-e Shokolati – Chocolate Halva بروشتک

Happy Nowruz! Nowruzetoon Pirooz! Sending you lots of love and warm wishes for a beautiful Persian New Year. My Nowruz bakery is going ahead, and for our Persian New Year celebration, I made this no-bake gluten-free treat using a mixture of chocolate and halva. Have you ever heard of Breshtok-e Shokolati – Chocolate Halva بروشتک? If not, it’s about time, as this treat is a must-have for Nowruz, especially for all Esfehanis! My father was born near Isfahan, and my grandma loved to prepare this treat for Nowrooz. In Isfahan, Breshtok is made with chickpea flour and egg whites, topped with pistachios, and then cut into diamonds or rectangles. Nowadays, it comes in different shapes and flavors and is very easy to prepare at home, like my Breshtok-e Shokolati – Chocolate Halva بروشتک. Yes, you heard right – you can make this treat yourself and give your friends and family an extra surprise. Have fun and enjoy! Watch my preparation video on Instagram