All posts tagged: Picnic

Koofteh Rizeh – Lamb Meatballs with Mint in Tomato Sauce کوفته ریزه

Koofteh Rizeh – Lamb Meatballs with Mint in Tomato Sauce کوفته ریزه

Koofteh Rizeh – Lamb meatballs with mint in Tomato Sauce کوفته ریزه is also called Gheymeh Rizeh (قیمه ریزه), Kale Ghondjishki (کله گنجشکی) or Ghermez Rizeh (قرمز ریزه ). It is a traditional and popular dish from the marvelous city of Isfahan. These simple meatballs are prepared without any use of breadcrumbs, bread, or egg, and instead, chickpea flour is used. The meatballs are mixed with minced lamb, onions, turmeric, dried, and finely grated mint. Then the meatballs simmer in a spicy sauce made with tomato paste, onions, turmeric, and dried mint. Persian Sangak or Taftoon bread is commonly served with meatballs to soak up the tomato sauce. Serve with a bit of torshi (pickled vegetables) and everybody is satisfied. A filling dish that can be prepared quickly.

Bread Salad with Fresh Herbs

Bread salad with fresh herbs

What the Italian his Panzanella, is to me my bread salad with fresh herbs. The taste of crusty toasted Arabic bread and freshly chopped herbs, such as mint, flat-leaf parsley, basil, and tarragon, is incredibly crunchy and refreshing. Fruity pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and tangy feta tickle your palate. A slightly tart dressing of pomegranate pulp, olive oil, golpar, sumac, salt, and pepper tops this salad off. The bread salad tastes fresh, and savory, and is also filling and super healthy. Love serving it on hot summer days as a cooling and light meal. It’s also great as a mazeh (mezze) or as a side dish with rice and meat dishes. If you’re looking for a delicious and quick summer recipe, my Bread Salad with Fresh Herbs is the perfect choice for you.

Vegan Juweled Rice Salad

Vegan Jeweled Rice Salad

Are you looking for a tasty side dish for a special occasion? How about a bright and fragrant Vegan jeweled rice salad? This rice salad is based on the warm Persian jeweled rice. It’s the perfect summer dish that can easily be prepared in advance. It’s just perfect for a picnic as well as for a special feast or party. The colorful bright jewels in the salad are made of emerald (pistachios), ruby (barberries and pomegranate seeds), gold (saffron rice and carrots), and pearls (almonds). Fragrant saffron and warm spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon add that special touch to my rice salad and will impress your guests. My Jeweled Rice Salad is a feast for the senses and transports you directly to the orient.

Sibzamini Tokhm-e Morgh - Baked Potato and Egg سیب زمینی و تخم مرغ

Sibzamini Tokhm-e Morgh – Baked Potato and Egg سیب زمینی و تخم مرغ

Sibzamini Tokhm-e Morgh – Baked potato and Egg Wrap سیب زمینی و تخم مرغ is typical street food from Urmia of northern Iran. It is also popular in Azerbaijan (Iran) and Tabriz, where it is called Yeralma Yumurta (یرالما یومورتا), which means wrapped with potato and egg. This wrap is found on any corner of the streets in Iran, as the ingredients are simple and very common. It is an all-time favorite for its taste and popularity. A feature of this dish is that the potatoes and sometimes the bread (Sangak) are prepared on small river stones. It can also be prepared with Lavash or Barbari Bread. In Iran, we call Street Food Ghazay-e Khiabani غذای خیابانی.

Kabab-e Sabzidjat - vegan kebabs کباب سبزیجات

Kabab-e Sabzidjat – vegan kebabs کباب سبزیجات

Fortunately, the temperatures have dropped a bit and you can fire up the grill again. Is there anything better than a BBQ with family or friends? Meanwhile many people eat vegetarian or vegan, therefore you should also prepare something with vegetables. If you are looking for the perfect recipe for delicious, colorful veggie skewers for your next BBQ party, then I’ ve got a perfect recipe for you – Kabab-e Sabzidjat – Vegan Kebab کباب سبزیجات. We love these vegan skewers as they’re not only tasty and colorful, but are also healthy. More yet, the preparation is as easy as pie. Give a try with hummus or harissa hummus, it matches perfectly.

Samosa Bandari - سمبوسه بندری

Samosa Bandari – سمبوسه بندری

Samosa Bandari – سمبوسه بندری is very popular street food from Abadan, a city in southern Iran. We call it Sambooseh Bandari or Sambooseh Irani. Since it is a very popular snack or fast food for in-between meals, you can buy it, along with Sosis Bandari, Falafal, and Burgers everywhere in Persia. The great thing about Tehran is that you can get really good food in small and unimpressive snack bars. In my youth, we liked to go to a fast food restaurant either before or after the cinema and have crunchy samosas with a spicy sauce. My samosa version is vegan and is filled with potatoes, herbs, and spices. Recooking is highly recommended!