All posts tagged: SAFFRON

Sholeh Zard – Persian Saffron Rice Pudding

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?

Gerdoo Polo – Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron

Gerdoo Polo – Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron

Do you want an amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen? Gerdoo Polo, also known as Walnut Rice with Barberries, Raisins and Saffron, is the dish you need. It blends the cozy flavors of cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom just right. The walnuts add a rich nuttiness that really shines in Persian cuisine. Coming from the charming city of Shahr-e Kord, this dish is perfect as a side for meats or veggies. Plus, it makes a fantastic vegetarian main course, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or to impress guests at a festive gathering!

Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan

Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan

On Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year, Khoresht-e Fesenjan steals the show. In Iran, this night is all about celebrating with family and friends, and you can’t have a proper gathering without this delicious stew. While it’s usually made with meat, I’m sharing my Vegan Khoresht-e Fesenjan, which I’ve been making for my kids during Christmas for ages. They absolutely love the mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s super simple to whip up, but you’ll need to be patient because it seriously gets better the longer you let it simmer on low heat. So, why not give it a try? You might just end up with a new favorite dish that becomes a cherished tradition in your home too. Enjoy the rich and diverse flavors of this Persian treat!

Khoresht-e Beh Aloo – Quince, Prune and Beef Stew

Khoresht-e Beh Aloo – Quince, Prune and Beef Stew

Imagine it’s a rainy day outside, with the autumn wind playfully whistling around the houses. But inside the kitchen, it’s a whole different story—cozy and warm! In your pot, a delicious Khoresht-e Beh Aloo – Quince, Prune and Beef Stew —is gently simmering away. The mouthwatering aroma wafts through the air, so inviting that anyone passing by can’t help but peek in! As the stew cooks, the beef turns tender, and the sweet quinces soak up all those amazing flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon on the quinces adds a lovely warmth, while the golden plums bring a delightful tartness. Oh, and let’s not forget the pomegranate paste—it gives the dish an irresistible sweet-and-sour twist! The scent that fills the room is simply heavenly: the warm notes of quinces and cinnamon blend with the gentle sweetness of saffron and grape syrup. It’s truly a masterpiece of Persian cuisine, bringing together sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way. This stew is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, making you feel right at home. Watch …

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 

Smashed Burger with Saffron Aioli (Middle Eastern Style)

Smashed Burger with Saffron Aioli (Middle Eastern Style)

Happy Saffron Day, foodie friends! Today, we’re celebrating the most deluxe of spices – saffron! And what better way to show our love for this golden treasure than with a delicious smashed burger? Yes, indeed! The smashed burger with saffron aioli (Middle Eastern Style) is here to take your taste buds on a magic carpet ride through the Arabian Nights! My smashed burger with saffron aioli (Middle Eastern Style) is the ultimate in luxury burgers! The combo of tender entrecote and juicy rack of lamb creates a burst of flavor that will astonish not only the butcher, but each and every one of you tucking into this gourmet tower. Don’t miss out on this tantalizing experience and let’s celebrate saffron in all its golden glory!

Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat لوبیا پلو

Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat لوبیا پلو

Welcome to another culinary adventure! Today, let’s delve into the world of Persian cuisine with a beloved traditional dish: Loobia Polo – Persian Rice with Green Beans and Ground Meat (لوبیا پلو). This savory and flavorful dish combines fragrant spices, juicy ground meat, aromatic tomatoes, and crunchy green beans into a delightful meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or for special occasions. With its simple preparation and harmonious blend of ingredients, Loobia Polo is sure to enchant your taste buds. Enjoy your meal and have fun cooking! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Khoresht-e Rivas – Persian Rhubarb Stew in a Mint-Parsley Sauce

Khoresht-e Rivas – Persian Rhubarb Stew in a Mint-Parsley Sauce

Are you familiar with rhubarb? It is often used in sweet dishes like cakes, compotes, or juice. However, today I have a savory version of rhubarb to share with you. Do you enjoy the fruity-sour taste of rhubarb? If so, consider trying Khoresht-e Rivas, an aromatic Persian stew made with juicy beef and sweet-sour rhubarb in a spicy fresh mint-parsley sauce (خورشت ریواس) enhanced with saffron and pomegranate molasses. You can serve it with saffron crispy rice or Persian flatbread. This Khoresht-e Rivas – Persian Rhubarb Stew in a Mint-Parsley Sauce is a culinary delight that is quick and easy to prepare, although you should wait about an hour until the meat is tender and cooked through. The wait is worth it, and you will be rewarded with a special treat. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche - Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans

PERSIAN LAMB SHANKS FOR EASTER OR NOWRUZ Celebrate Easter with a delicious oriental dish: Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans. This dish consists of slow cooked lamb shanks infused with Advieh Khoresti spices, served alongside fragrant dill rice and fava beans. The blend of coriander, aniseed, dried rose petals, saffron, nutmeg, pepper, and cumin (Advieh Khoreshti) creates a festive flavor perfect for Easter or Nowruz. While not excessively laborious, this dish does require patience as the lamb shanks simmer for at least 2-3 hours until they are tender and almost falling off the bone. To ensure availability, please order lamb shanks in advance from your butcher. This slow braising process guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Take advantage of the simmering time to prepare your starter and dessert for a complete and satisfying Easter feast. Watch preparationsvideo on Instagram

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ

Reshteh Polo ba Morgh – رشته پلو با مرغ is a traditional and popular Persian rice dish from the cities of Tehran, Mashhad, and Kermanshah. The dish immediately takes me back to my grandmother’s house, when the whole family gathered for the Norooz festival at her home, where we lived together for many years. It is an aromatic composition of rice, roasted noodles, caramelized onions, raisins, and dates, refined with aromatic spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon, and topped with rose petals and pistachio sticks. The brown noodles in the batter provide a crunchy Tahdig. Top it with a slowly braised saffron chicken fillet or without chicken for a filling vegetarian dish. Reshteh polo has warm properties. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram