All posts tagged: Nowruz

Baslogh Anar – Pomegranate & Pistachio Jelly Confection

Baslogh Anar – Pomegranate & Pistachio Jelly Confection

Cinnamon smells like Christmas. Rosewater carries you straight to the Middle East. And then there is pomegranate. Its deep ruby juice shines like liquid light. To me, it has always felt festive. Maybe because pomegranates symbolize luck and new beginnings in so many cultures. Or maybe because they always remind me of the longest night of the year: Shab-e Yalda. On Yalda Night, pomegranate takes center stage at our table. Fresh, juicy, symbolic – it’s everywhere and here I have a lot of Must-Eat recipes. And this year, my Baslogh Anar – Pomegranate & Pistachio Jelly Confection fits the occasion perfectly. Soft, jelly-like, gently sweet with a pleasant tang. Similar to Turkish Delight, but with a distinctly Persian soul and an extra touch of pomegranate magic. Here’s a little secret: With this recipe, I’m opening Door No. 15 of the Xmas Boom Advent Calendar. That’s where Christmas and Yalda meet. Candlelight, winter coziness, sweet treats – blended with oriental colors, stories, and traditions. Two festivals of light, warmth, and togetherness.

My Little Treasure Shop Online!

Imagine us taking a stroll together through my little treasure shop online – my Amazon-Shop. This is where I’ve gathered all the things that brighten my everyday life, make my kitchen more colorful, warm my heart, and hopefully make your life a little easier, cozier, and more delicious too. My shop is constantly growing, being refreshed, reorganized, and improved – like a creative project that’s always evolving. Come along on a little discovery tour through the lovingly curated categories, and maybe you’ll spot your new favorite find. 🎀

Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafers with Cocoa

Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafers with Cocoa

If you love the satisfying crack of crispy wafers, the warm aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, and soft chocolate that melts on your tongue, topped with pistachios and coconut, then Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafer Slices with Cocoa is just for you. The best part? You don’t even need to heat up your oven – just a simple pan will do. Today, I even have a gluten-free version for you, just as aromatic and irresistible as the original. It’s like a little short trip to the Orient – right in your kitchen. And honestly, who could resist crispy wafers with a delicate, melting filling? This recipe opens door number 11 of Zoras Culinary Advent Calendar. And the best part: there are plenty of fantastic prizes waiting to make your Advent even sweeter! Watch my prep video on Instagram

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …

Salad-e Olivieh – Russian Potato Salad with a Persian Twist

Salad-e Olivieh – Russian Potato Salad with a Persian Twist

Salad-e Olivieh (سالاد الیویه), our Persian take on the old Russian classic, is the kind of dish that is showed up at every Nowruz (Persian New Year), picnic, Sizdah Bedar (the 13th day of the New Year), every birthday, and last-minute dinner when guests drop by. Creamy, comforting, and familiar, it’s made with soft potatoes, cooked chicken, tender peas, carrots, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and those sharp, crunchy persian pickles that made your mouth water before the first bite. Served cold as Mazeh, as a sandwich filler, wrapped in fresh lavash bread or spooned onto a plate as a side dish to Kotlet, Salad-e Olivieh – Russian Potato Salad with a Persian Twist is a little taste of home — something moms packed into school lunches with love, or that sat waiting in the fridge like a quiet promise of comfort after a long day. Somehow, it always tasted like someone cared.

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken is a beloved dish in Iran and beyond, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. First, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, onions, saffron, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip this step is as it infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and makes it tender. Next, grill the chicken either on a BBQ, in the oven, or in an Airfryer. The marinade not only keeps it juicy but also adds a slightly sweet and tangy taste that makes it irresistible. For this recipe, you’ll be using the oven-grilled method. Make sure to drain the chicken well before grilling and grill it without the marinade to get the perfect texture. To complete your meal, serve the kabab with wild rice and barberries, grilled tomatoes, and a refreshing Salad Shirazi. In Iran, you’ll find two types of Joojeh Kabab—one with the bone and one without. For this version, you’ll use boneless chicken breast, which absorbs the marinade beautifully …

Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink – Persian Mint Lemonade with Grated Cucumber

Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink – Persian Mint Lemonade with Grated Cucumber

Happy Sizdah Bedar! Sizdah Bedar, the 13th day of the Persian New Year, wouldn’t be the same without a glass of chilled Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink – Persian Mint Lemonade with Grated Cucumber. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a taste of tradition, family, and the joy of celebrating together. Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink is the perfect way to cool down and refresh on a warm day. This Persian lemonade is made with mint syrup, water, a splash of lemon juice, and grated cucumber. What makes Persian mint syrup so special is the combination of white vinegar and nana mint. In Persian, nana means mint. The vinegar adds a unique sweet and sour touch that we Persians absolutely love. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Persia Meets Asia: Tuna Tataki with Sabzi Polo

Persia Meets Asia: Tuna Tataki with Sabzi Polo

*Ad – due to Brand mention* The first rays of spring sunshine stream through the window, the scent of fresh herbs fills the air, and on the plate, two worlds come together—Persian tradition meets Asian elegance. That’s exactly what you can expect from my dish: Persia Meets Asia – Tuna Tataki with Sabzi Polo. Crispy sesame crust meets melt-in-your-mouth tuna, a splash of fresh lime adds a zesty kick, and the exotic flavor of Limoo Amani brings a deep, unique twist. And then there’s the fragrant herb rice—pure magic for your senses! This dish is more than just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a tribute to my love for both Persian and Asian cuisine. A Nowruz feast with a modern twist! Watch my preparation video on Instagram!

Finest Tuna & pure Delight at FrischeParadies

Finest Tuna & pure Delight at FrischeParadies

*This post includes ad for FrischeParadies* The invitation to the gourmet weekend at FrischeParadies in Frankfurt, focused on Southeast Asian cuisine, is something I don’t hesitate to accept—I’m in! Especially looking forward to the Finest Tuna & pure Delight at FrischeParadies, presented in impressive freshness and quality. The experience begins the moment I arrive, greeted with a refreshing glass of ILYS de Loire Crémant mixed with Yuzu Sake. The crisp bubbles and the citrusy touch of yuzu create a perfect first impression. From that very first sip, I know this day will be special—filled with top-quality ingredients, exciting flavors, and many delicious surprises. I’m particularly looking forward to the incredible tuna, served at its freshest and best. With anticipation, I dive into a world of Southeast Asian delights, allowing the amazing dishes at FrischeParadies to inspire me. Watch my Video on Instagram!

Haft Sin Impressions 2025 هفت سین ۱۴۰۴

Haft Sin Impressions 2025 هفت سین ۱۴۰۴

The year 2025 is all about “Mocha Mousse”, Pantone’s Color of the Year, and the Chinese Year of the Snake. These two elements influence not only fashion and design but also culture and spirituality. In this post, we will explore the meaning of Mocha Mousse, dive into the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, and celebrate the Persian New Year, Nowrooz, with my Haft Sin impressions for 2025 هفت سین ۱۴۰۴. Watch my Video on Instagram!