All posts tagged: Quick Recipes

Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti

Makaroni is one of the most beloved pasta dishes in Persian cuisine. In Iran, Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti is actually the word we use for all pasta, whether it’s spaghetti or macaroni noodles. My favorite version is made with spaghetti, and of course the crispy golden Tahdig – that famous crunchy crust we Persians love. The best part? When it’s ready, this pasta doesn’t just sit on a plate. It comes to the table like a warm spaghetti cake, and we slice and serve it just like a pie. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Sure, Italians might shake their heads when they see how we cook spaghetti. Instead of a quick boil and toss, we prepare it as slowly and carefully as a rice cake. But if you’re curious and ready for a new flavor experience, you’re going to love this!

Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran

Come with me on a little journey into the world of Persian street food! Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran – is a true spring and summer favorite. We love it so much that we even dry the beans, so we can enjoy them in autumn and winter too. Honestly, every Persian is crazy about this snack – even kids can’t resist. If you like edamame, you’ll definitely fall for Baghali Pokhte. The fun part is how you eat it: you squeeze the bean out of its tough outer skin to get to the soft, tender center. Then you pop it into your mouth and enjoy the nutty, creamy goodness. Simple but so satisfying. For flavor, we season Baghali Pokhte with Golpar (Persian hogweed spice), a little salt, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. That’s all it takes to turn these beans into an irresistible, healthy snack. Curious about Golpar? I’ve written about it before – you’ll usually only find it in Persian grocery shops.

Khiar Shoor -Crunchy Homemade Pickles

There’s something special about a crunchy homemade pickle, and nothing beats making them yourself. Every Friday, I stroll through my fave market at the Orangerie and pick up small, fresh cucumbers that are perfect for pickling. Back in my kitchen, I turn them into Khiar Shoor – Crunchy Homemade Pickles that stay crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. Once they’re ready, the pickles last about one to two weeks in the fridge. If the brine turns a bit cloudy, don’t worry – that’s perfectly normal and actually part of the charm of this traditional method. It’s how you know the natural fermentation is working just as it should.

Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam

In every Persian home, Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam carries sweet childhood memories. I still remember waking up to the smell of freshly baked Nan-e Barbari, hearing the gentle clink of tea glasses, and seeing this deep ruby-red jam glistening in a small glass bowl on the breakfast table. My grandmother would always say that a good Morabay-e Albaloo should have whole cherries floating in a thick syrup, like little jewels. She believed serving this jam to guests was a sign of love and care, and to this day, every spoonful reminds me of her warm kitchen, her floral apron, and the simple joy of gathering with family to start the day with something sweet.

Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread

I love lentils! Do you love them as much as I do? If so, I have a super creamy recipe for you today. Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread is vegan and is full of rich flavors. To start with, this vegan spread uses green mountain lentils and always belongs on a mezze table. In Iran, people serve it as part of the Mazeh (mezze). The best thing is, spices like turmeric, garlic, allspice, cumin, and coriander fill your kitchen with warmth and fragrance. Plus, orange and lime juice add a fresh, fruity touch. You can simply spread it on lavash bread , and enjoy every bite. If you prefer, dip veggie sticks or chips into it for a quick snack. When you store it in a jar with a lid, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Just remember to take it out about 15 minutes before eating so it reaches room temperature and the flavors truly shine. Give it a try today and taste the difference!

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.

Kotlet – Persian Meat and Potato Patties

Let me introduce you to one of the most loved comfort foods from Persian kitchens: Kotlet – Persian Meat and Potato Patties, or as some say, Kotelett. These are delicious, golden-brown patties made from a simple but flavorful mix of ground meat, potatoes, onions, eggs, and spices. They’re wonderfully aromatic, with a perfect contrast in texture – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Kotlets are quick to make and taste just as good cold as they do warm, which makes them perfect for everything from quick dinners to picnics or even lunchboxes. In our family, we love to enjoy them in different ways. Sometimes we serve them as a main dish, other times as a side to Salad-e Olivieh – a creamy Persian chicken and potato salad. But my absolute favorite? Wrapped in soft Lavash bread or tucked into a crusty baguette with a few simple toppings: fresh herbs, crunchy onions or scallions, juicy tomatoes, salty pickles, and a spoonful of creamy yogurt. It’s a flavor-packed sandwich that brings back so many childhood …

Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day

Let’s continue with my date omelet and date spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day. In the first part of this series, I showed you how to make tasty Ajil Granola, flatbread wraps with feta and herbs, and sour fruits for breakfast. Today, I’ll show you how to make the perfect Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day (Gheysavah). A date omelet might sound strange – sweet mixed with salty and savory? But yes, it really tastes awesome! This mix of flavors is very common in Persian cuisine. The goal is always to find a nice balance. At the end, you can add a little cinnamon on top. If you like, add some date syrup too – it tastes so delicious. At the end of this post, I also share a beautiful and great-smelling gift idea. Watch my preparation Reel on Instagram

Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day

Are you looking of a special idea for Mother’s Day? Let your mom sleep in. While she rests, prepare a beautiful Persian breakfast. Surprise her by bringing it to her in bed. Use a silver tray and fill it with tasty Persian food. Make Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day with date syrup. Cook a sweet date omelette. Roll fresh herbs into wraps – this is called Sabzi Khordan. Add a piece of honeycomb with rose cream. Make a smooth date spread. Brew hot Persian tea with cardamom and rose petals. Finish the tray with a bright bouquet of roses. The flowers will bring color and joy to her morning. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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

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