All posts tagged: RECIPES

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!

Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts

Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts

I’ve mentioned before how much I love shopping at our Farmers’ Market in Darmstadt*! It’s my go-to place for fresh, seasonal, and local products, which I love to share with you in all sorts of recipes on my blog. So, imagine my excitement when I spotted red and yellow heirloom beets! I knew it was finally time to show you my favorite recipe—Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts. Candy striped beet and Feta? They’re a dream team! Not only do they make my carpaccio look colorful and gorgeous, but they also taste absolutely delicious. The beet is nice and crunchy, the feta is soft and salty, and the walnuts add a perfect nutty flavor. My favorite dressing ties it all together—it’s made with red onion, juice from 2 bitter oranges, good olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. It’s the perfect finishing touch for this carpaccio! Now, I can’t always find bitter oranges at the market, so I get them from my trusted greengrocer. Depending on the season, I switch up the dressing with …

Sosis Bandari - Persian Style Currywurst

Sosis Bandari – Persian Style Currywurst

Sosis Bandari is a Persian fast food favorite that everyone loves—young and old! It’s basically a Persian-style curry sausage, often found in snack bars, but trust me, homemade is where the magic happens. The trick to great Sosis Bandari – Persian Style Currywurst? It needs to be spicy! Hot Chilli Frankfurter beef sausage is perfect for this since it’s already got some kick. If you can’t find it, Turkish sucuk works too. The sauce? Oh, it’s creamy, thick, and bursting with flavor, thanks to tomato paste, turmeric, and paprika. Some folks add diced potatoes, but the classic version skips them. Best part? It’s cheap, easy, and super quick to whip up!

Persian Cold Yogurt Soup - Abdoogh Khiar

Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar

The last summer days are here, and it’s so hot outside that I can’t even think about cooking. In Iran, we’ve got the perfect solution for days like this – Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar, a delicious Persian cold yogurt soup. If you ask me, it’s hands down my favorite summer food and a refreshing way to cool down. Abdoogh Khiar is a real summer classic in Iran, and the best part? It’s super easy to make! We usually have all the ingredients at home. All you need are fresh little cucumbers, shallots, Greek yogurt, walnuts, and raisins. The herbs are key for flavor, and everyone has their favorites. Some people like to throw in small radishes, but I’m all about the chives, basil, and mint combo. That’s where the magic happens for me! And to top it off? Garnish it with rose petals—it’s fancy but still super easy. Perfect for those days when it’s too hot to care, but you still want to eat something delicious!

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

Nan-e Sabzi Mashhadi - Persian Herb Flatbread

Nan-e Sabzi Mashhadi – Persian Herb Flatbread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked, steaming flatbread. If you’re looking for something special, I highly recommend trying Nan-e Sabzi Mashhadi—a Persian herb flatbread from Mashhad. This flatbread is made with fresh herbs, including spring onions and flat-leaf parsley, and seasoned with turmeric for an extra kick of flavor. The result is a flatbread with a slightly crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy inside. I used the Birkmann burger bun baking tray to get the perfect texture. It helps make the herb flatbread extra crispy, making it ideal for sharing on any occasion! Watch my preparation video on Instagram 

Koofteh Kermanshahi - Persian stuffed meatballs

Koofteh Kermanshahi – Persian stuffed meatballs

I’m excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of Persian cuisine, as most of the time! The menu features Koofteh Kermanshahi – Persian stuffed meatballs – along with a giveaway for high-quality kitchen gadgets. Koofteh Kermanshahi is a traditional dish from the Kermanshah region in western Iran, renowned for its unique flavors and rich culinary heritage. The meatballs are filled with dried apricots, walnuts, and raisins, and then simmered in a delectable sauce made with pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, and rice, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that delights the senses.

Gozleme with Spinach and Feta Cheese

Gozleme with Spinach and Feta Cheese

Picture yourself in a lively Turkish market, surrounded by the irresistible aromas of freshly baked goodies. The chefs are bustling around their sizzling pots, and the air is filled with the delicious scent of warm bread and fragrant herbs. That’s exactly how it smells in my kitchen, and soon in yours too, maybe! Today, I’m excited to share with you the recipe for gözleme with spinach and feta, a delightful Turkish street food. It’s a simple yet mouthwatering specialty from Anatolian cuisine. The thin, crispy dough is packed with tender spinach and creamy feta cheese. The first bite is an absolute treat: the creamy feta blends beautifully with the flavorful spinach, and the light crispiness of the crust creates the perfect balance. Enjoy! watch my preparation video on Instagram