All posts tagged: Persian Traditions

Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

*Advertisement for Gegenbauer’s sweet raspberry vinegar* Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda. The longest night of the year, Shab-e Yalda, is almost here. It’s a time for warmth, family, and delicious food. For us Persians, Yalda is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment to gather, share stories, and welcome the light after the darkness. What better way to capture that feeling than with a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful salad? This beetroot salad with pomegranate and feta is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the tangy freshness of pomegranate seeds, and the creamy feta create the perfect balance. Whether you’re celebrating Yalda or just want something special for your table, this salad is sure to impress. It is quick to prepare and makes everyone happy, whether as a side dish or a light main course.

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?

Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار

Brrr, it’s so cold outside! Are you in the mood for a warm, savory soup? Thick soups and stews are perfect for cozying up in the winter and keeping your belly satisfied. One awesome choice is Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار. Pomegranates add a fantastic flavor to this dish and pack it with vitamins too. My version of Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار is with fresh herbs, and tastes fruity, sweet, and tangy. I make it using pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, split yellow peas, rice, and fresh herbs like spinach, parsley, coriander, and mint, along with some tasty spices and soft meatballs. Using pomegranate juice instead of water makes the soup really rich and scrumptious. Finish with hot mint oil, more herbs, and pomegranate seeds – making it a real standout among Persian soups and stews. This is definitely a must-try if you’re into unique, comforting meals!

Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan

On Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year, Khoresht-e Fesenjan steals the show. In Iran, this night is all about celebrating with family and friends, and you can’t have a proper gathering without this delicious stew. While it’s usually made with meat, I’m sharing my Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan, which I’ve been making for my kids during Christmas for ages. They absolutely love the mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s super simple to whip up, but you’ll need to be patient because it seriously gets better the longer you let it simmer on low heat. So, why not give it a try? You might just end up with a new favorite dish that becomes a cherished tradition in your home too. Enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of this Persian treat!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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