All posts tagged: Rice Dishes

Ash-e Shoorba – Persian Herb Soup with Meatballs from Isfahan

It’s freezing outside, my throat is scratchy, and suddenly she’s right there in my mind: my grandmother in her kitchen, a big pot on the stove, a tea towel over her shoulder. “Sit down, Soosan joon, you’ll feel better soon,” she says. Then that smell of fresh herbs drifts through the whole house. That smell has never left me. Today I cook Ash-e Shoorba (شوربای اصفهان) in my own kitchen, with parsley, coriander (cilantro), dill and turmeric, and I’m instantly back in Isfahan. It’s the most beautiful city in the heart of Iran, and I spent many family holidays there. In this post, I’m sharing my family recipe for Persian herb soup with rice and tiny meatballs. It warms you from the inside out and is perfect for cold days. You’ll also find out why every family in Isfahan swears that theirs is the real Shoorba. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt Soup with Chickpeas and Meatballs

Today, I’m making a steaming bowl of Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt soup with chickpeas and meatballs. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of delicious flavors! This comforting Persian soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly autumn or winter days. In Iran, we love preparing and enjoying this hearty soup during the colder months. Yogurt is a staple in Persian cuisine, and we enjoy it in all kinds of delicious ways. In summer, we turn to a refreshing cold Persian yogurt soup called Abdoogh Khiar. It’s light, cooling, and perfect for hot days. Want to make this Persian yogurt soup vegetarian? Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the meatballs. If you like, you can replace them with tofu instead. Both options make a delicious vegetarian version of this traditional Persian soup! Whether you’re looking for a comforting autumn, winter meal or exploring authentic Persian cuisine, Ash-e Mast brings together fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, tender chickpeas, and savory meatballs in one delicious bowl. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Meygoo Polo Bandari – Shrimp Rice with Fresh Herbs میگو پلو

Meygoo Polo Bandari – Shrimp Rice with Fresh Herbs میگو پلو brings together all the flavors of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Khuzestan in the south of Persia. In Farsi, Meygoo means shrimp and Polo means rice – so quite simply, it’s shrimp with rice. The cuisine of southern Iran, along the Persian Gulf, is colorful, diverse, and influenced by many cultures. Traders and travelers from India, Africa, and Arabia all came to this region and left their unique cultural footprints behind. Meygoo Polo, also known as Havari Polo, is a true classic of southern Persian cooking and, for me, one of the most delicious rice dishes in Iran. Firm, juicy shrimp, fresh herbs, and warm oriental spices are layered between fragrant basmati rice – creating a dish that is both comforting and full of exotic flavors. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Tahchin-e Morgh – Persian Saffron Rice Cake with a Golden Tahdig Crust

Imagine cutting into a golden, crispy rice cake and discovering layers of tender, saffron-marinated chicken hidden inside. That’s Tahchin-e Morgh – Persian Saffron Rice Cake with a Golden Tahdig Crust, one of the most iconic dishes of Persian cuisine. It is more than just a meal, it’s a showstopper. This aromatic Persian saffron rice cake is famous for its beautiful golden look and hidden layers of tender, marinated chicken. The name itself tells a story: “Tah” means bottom, and “Chin” means to arrange. Together, Tahchin describes how the ingredients are carefully layered or “arranged on the bottom” of the pot to create a masterpiece. When flipped onto a plate, the rice cake reveals its crispy, golden exterior and soft, aromatic interior. It’s sliced like a cake, and every guest gets a piece of that irresistible crust. No wonder Tahchin-e Morgh is often served at weddings, celebrations, and festive gatherings. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

15 popular Norooz recipes

Norooz, the Persian New Year, marks the Spring Equinox and feels like a deep, collective exhale for the soul. It is a season of shedding the old and welcoming the new with open hearts. A sentiment that resonates more deeply than ever for Iranians this year. Even when the world feels heavy, we hold onto our traditions. They are our anchor. Through my 15 favorite Norooz recipes, I’m inviting you into our home to experience the flavors and hope of the Persian New Year.

Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice with Dates & Raisins

The first bite of Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice with Dates & Raisins – sparks magic in your kitchen. Steamy rice hugs tender lentils, sweet dates and juicy raisins pop with flavor, and caramelized onions fill the air with the warm, soulful aroma of Persian spices. I love it the vegan way, and in this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make it—but you can also top it with fried eggs, meatballs, ground beef, or chicken if you like. This sweet-and-savory dish comforts your soul, delights your taste buds, and wraps chilly fall or winter evenings in pure joy. Persians, known for their rich culinary heritage, prepared Adas Polo with rice, fruits, and meat as far back as the 13th century. Even today in Iran, it brings people together and fills both plate and heart with pure happiness. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Koofteh Tabrizi – Persian stuffed Meatballs for Mehregan

Prepare Koofteh Tabrizi – Persian stuffed Meatballs for Mehregan, the joyful Persian autumn and harvest festival. This traditional dish hails from Tabriz, a historic city in northwest Iran, and it delights with its fruity, tangy, and savory flavors. Unlike German potato dumplings (Klöße), which serve as a side dish, Koofteh Tabrizi takes center stage as a main course. I made my version with rice, ground beef, yellow split peas, saffron, tarragon, spring onions, turmeric, and sumac in a fragrant, simmering broth. Some meatballs I stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, while others I filled with dried Mirabelle plums (Aloo Bukhara), walnuts, and barberries. Families often personalize their Koofteh with different spices, nuts, herbs, and dried fruits. Sometimes, they even cook one giant meatball and share it among everyone at the table! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …

Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs

Sour cherry season is finally here and I have a recipe for Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs for you. I absolutely love these bright red gems with their tart, juicy flesh. Sadly, their season is short — usually just from July to August — and they’re already getting hard to find. The riper the cherries, the more nutrients they hold, so if you spot some at your local market, grab them! I found some fresh ones the other day and decided to make one of my all-time favorite Persian dishes: Albaloo Polo, which literally means “Sour Cherry Rice.” It’s a festive dish we typically serve at special occasions — a real eye-catcher on any celebration table.

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? Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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