All posts tagged: RECIPES

Rhoihessian Cooking Duel - Variations of black salsify á la Carl Grünewald

Rhoihessian Cooking duel- Variations of black salsify á la Carl Grünewald

*Ad in cooperation with Rheinhessenwein e.V. and Gourmet Connection* I was so excited as the invitation of Rheinhessenwein and Gourmet Connection for the “Rhoihessian Cooking duel” arrived. Last year I was already invited and unfortunately could not participate. I´m so grateful that I was asked again this year. As the day of the Cooking contest got closer, I became more and more excited. I have never participated in such a cooking battle and this contest will be even filmed. Am I up to it at all, do I manage to cook the dish of a chef without any recipe and even stay within the given time of 90 minutes?

Apple Mint Jelly

Today I welcome autumn with a dream in green. My delicious apple mint jelly gives pleasure to the palate and eyes at the same time. Quite fancy with mint, which also provides some freshness. This tastes very fine, and also looks great. In my green apple mint jelly, the finely chopped mint leaves are a great eye-catcher. One half I dyed with green food coloring* and the other half I left natural. The jelly is great as a fruity spread for breakfast. Filled in pretty glasses, the Apple Mint Jelly is also a fancy gift idea. In addition, a great souvenir for friends, parties, or brunch. You can use apple mint jelly as a spread, for baking, or as an ingredient in desserts or compotes. It also tastes delicious as a side dish to cheese platters!

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.

Cake Yakhchali - Fridge Cake کیک یخچالی

Cake Yakhchali – Fridge Cake کیک یخچالی

Did you know that the Queen’s favorite cake was chocolate biscuit? In fact, there is also a Persian version of the chocolate biscuit cake: Cake Yakhchali – fridge cake کیک یخچالی. In memory of “her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth”, I made her favorite Chocolate Biscuit Cake. May her soul rest in peace. We will miss you queen Elizabeth. My laziest-ever chocolate no-bake cake doesn’t need an oven, instead make room in the fridge! This no-bake cake has soft butter cookies inside and is covered with a smooth chocolate cream. The fridge takes care of the rest! Cake Yakhchali – Fridge Cake کیک یخچالی is the Persian answer to the German kalter Hund (German No-Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake). With a couple of slight differences, first, the Persian version is not so hard and firm, but quite fluffy and soft. Besides, I didn’t layer the cookies from the bottom to the top, but placed them vertically, in other words upright in the baking pan. If you don’t like exact layering, you can simply crush the butter cookies and …

Morabay-e Anjir – Fig Jam مربای انجیر

Morabay-e Anjir – Fig Jam مربای انجیر

Between July and November is fig season and I got some very nice examples from our neighbor. I don’t know why I have not yet planted my own fig tree in the garden, but it’s definitely time to do. Morabay-e Anjir – fig jam مربای انجیر is made from fresh whole figs and is infused with cardamom, vanilla and saffron. Believe me, the spicy and oriental sweet fragrance is a true joy for your senses. In daily life, quince, carrot, rose or cherry jam are more popular in Persia. Honey-sweet fig jam, on the other hand, is served with bread, butter or clotted cream more on special occasions for breakfast. A sweet delight for real gourmets.

Khoresht-e Albaloo - One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو

Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو

When it comes to sour cherries, you probably think of fruitcakes, pies, desserts or jams. But sour cherries can be used in many different ways and also fit in savory main dishes, as in my today’s recipe Khoresht-e Albaloo – One-Pan Chicken with Sour Cherries خورشت آلبالو . The spicy flavor of the chicken harmonizes perfectly with the sour-sweet flavor of the sour cherries and is seasoned with just a few ingredients, such as saffron and lemon juice. This dish is a traditional Persian dish, which is also very popular with meatballs besides chicken. Do you also want a palate explosion, then be sure to try this dish!

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.

Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی

Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی

The Persian Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی is very different from the Halva you know from Turkish or Arabic stores. This recipe is an old and classic version made from wheat flour and oil or butter. Saffron is responsible for a beautiful color and at the same time revitalizes the soul. Sugar adds sweetness, rose water a light floral aroma and warming cardamom a light tangy citrus note. It is an uncomplicated yet spectacular dessert that is also very popular eaten with Nan-e Barbari for breakfast. Halva means “sweet” and dates back to 7th century Persia. If you prepare it with oil like I did in this recipe, you even have a delicious vegan dessert. Let it melt in your mouth!

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.

Baklava Cheesecake

Baklava Cheesecake

Baklava and cheesecake fans check out, today I have a combination of these two classic desserts in one for you. A lighter version of the sweet and sticky oriental baklava, as well as the refreshing American cheesecake. In short, the best of both! Baklava Cheesecake is a delicious fusion between the East and the West. My family is thrilled with this both creamy and crispy cheesecake. The bottom and outside of the cheesecake are made of a crispy Filo pastry filled with crunchy caramelized nuts, cinnamon, and sugar. On top is a creamy light cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla pudding powder. With vanilla and lemon zest, it has a hint of vanilla lemony flavor. The crowning touch is that it is garnished with roughly chopped pistachios and finely chopped rose petals. The recipe is also very simple and in any case, attracts all eyes to it. Watch my preparation video on Instagram