All posts tagged: Persian Traditions

Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds : Sweet and Sour

Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds : Sweet and Sour

Don’t call it Oktoberfest, go to the “Wies’n!” The time of year when laughter fills the air, beer flows freely, and the sweet scent of roasted almonds drifts through the lively crowds. This celebration of Bavarian culture is more than just a festival – it’s a feast for all senses. From the clinking of beer steins to the cheerful oompah music, everything feels larger than life. And of course, what’s D’Wies’n without a treat? This year, indulge in something a little different with my Oktoberfest Special – Two Kinds of Candied Almonds: Sweet and Sour. Whether you crave something sugary or a tangy twist, these candied almonds bring a delightful balance to all the festivities. So, grab a pretzel, raise your glass, and enjoy the flavors of Oktoberfest! O’ Zapft is! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Sharbat-e Panirak - Blue Mallow Flower Drink شربت گل پنیرک

Sharbat-e Panirak – Blue Mallow Flower Drink شربت گل پنیرک

There’s truly something special about being welcomed with a chilled glass of Sharbat-e Panirak – Blue Mallow Flower Drink شربت گل پنیرک  on a hot summer day in Tehran, right? It’s like a hug in a glass, but way more refreshing! This Blue Mallow Drink (شربت پنیرک) is such a treat—fruity, slightly sweet, and super refreshing. Honestly, is there a better way to cool off? Sharbat comes in so many delicious versions, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But today, I’ve got a magical one for you: my Sharbat-e Panirak recipe. It’s super simple and oh-so-delicious. I served the sharbat with colorful candy sticks*. They’re not just cute; they add an extra pop of sweetness as they dissolve. This drink is like a mini summer party in your mouth—refreshing, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a hot day. Try it out, and trust me, you’ll be sippin’ happy all summer long! 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 …

Salad-e Panir o Hendevaneh - Persian Watermelon and Feta Salad

Salad-e Panir o Hendevaneh – Persian Watermelon and Feta Salad

Looking for a hit for your garden party? Try making Salad-e Panir o Hendevaneh—Persian watermelon salad with feta. This refreshing dish combines ice-cold, juicy watermelon with fresh cucumber, mint, spring onions, and salty feta cheese. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare in just five minutes, making it the perfect choice for a hot day. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Omelette Godje Faranghi – Persian Omelet املت گوجه فرنگی

Omelette Godje Faranghi – Persian Omelet املت گوجه فرنگی

Today I am serving a savory breakfast – a classic, trendy Persian dish called Omelette Godje Faranghi – Persian Omelet املت گوجه فرنگی. In Persia, omelet means a dish with eggs, but it’s quite different from the omelets you may know from Germany, France, or Italy. To prepare persian omelet we use scrambled eggs with fried tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. We serve it with hot Persian tea, fresh herbs, sir torshi (pickled garlic), fresh traditional Nan-e Lavash, Nan-e Barbari, Nan-e Taftoon, or Nan-e Sangak. Omelet is also often enjoyed with simple steamed rice. So, roll up your sleeves, switch on the stove, and heat the pan to make a delicious breakfast. Enjoy your meal! watch my preparation video on Instagram

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

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

Cake Yazdi - Cardamom Rose Water Muffins کیک یزدی

Cake Yazdi – Cardamom Rose Water Muffins کیک یزدی

Nowrooz is coming and I have a simple, quick, and foolproof recipe to share with you, without any fancy decorations or embellishments. This recipe is for Cake Yazdi – Cardamom Rosewater Muffins کیک یزدی, which is perfect for baking beginners. Although these muffins are made from simple ingredients, they have a unique and special taste. They are fluffy and delicious due to the yogurt and oil in the batter, and have a delicate aroma of cardamom and rosewater. You can garnish them with chopped pistachios and rose petals, but traditionally in Persia, they are sprinkled with sesame seeds. You can choose whichever you prefer. They are best enjoyed with a hot brewed Persian tea (Chai). I hope you enjoy making and eating them! Watch my preparation video on Instagram