All posts tagged: SAFFRON

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 

Mahi Zaferani - Sea Bream Fillet in Saffron ماهی زعفرانی

Mahi Zaferani – Sea Bream Fillet in Saffron ماهی زعفرانی

Are you craving fish? If so, try my Mahi Zaferani – Seabream Fillet in Saffron. On the Persian coast, fresh fish from the sea is grilled and served pure, with just a few herbs and bitter oranges to add flavor. I’ve taken it up a notch by preparing my tasty seabream fillets in a mouth-watering Saffron Sauce, as I’m a big saffron lover. The aromatic saffron sauce is made from saffron, lemon juice, and garlic, enhancing the fish’s flavor without overpowering it. This recipe is simple, delicious, and quick to prepare in a pan. Doesn’t it look delightful? I guarantee it tastes just as good as it looks! Watch my how to prepare Video on Instagram 

Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – Stuffed Pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی

Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – Stuffed Pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی

Pumpkin always tastes good in autumn and winter, especially when it’s filled and comes out of the oven. Why not give this stuffed nut pumpkin in a Persian version a try. Today, I prepared Dolmeh Kadu Halvai – stuffed pumpkin دلمه کدو حلوایی with flavorful oriental ingredients. The nutmeg pumpkin is filled with savory ground lamb, aromatic rice, crunchy yellow split peas, golden saffron, fresh herbs, and oriental spices. The stuffed pumpkin is topped with sweet and sour pomegranate syrup for a tangy touch. Bake it in the oven until the nutmeg pumpkin is soft and tender, allowing the flavors in the filling to blend. This savory recipe is perfect for Shabe Yalda or your Christmas dinner. Comfort Food at its Best!

Anar Polo ba Morgh – Pomegranate Rice with Chicken انار پلو با مرغ

Anar Polo ba Morgh – Pomegranate Rice with Chicken انار پلو با مرغ

Rice is a staple food in Persian cuisine that we prepare artfully. We have a long tradition of preparing rice, as seen in our various rice dishes. The preparation of rice sometimes has a festive character, so we prepare different rice dishes for specific celebrations. My dish today is one of them, which I prepared for the longest night of the year – Shab-e Yalda (شب یلدا). Anar Polo ba Morgh – Rice with chicken fillet and pomegranate انار پلو با مرغ is also called Nar Polo and is a delicious Persian dish that is prepared either with chicken or meat. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram

Kalam Polo Shirazi – Cabbage Rice with Meatballs

Kalam Polo Shirazi – Cabbage Rice with Meatballs

Lately, the weather has been dull, chilly, and rainy. Are you craving some comfort food that feels like a warm hug for both your body and soul, just like sun rays on a gloomy day? Kalam Polo Shirazi – Saffron Herb Rice with Pointed Cabbage and Meatballs, is a simple, tasty, and popular Persian rice dish. “Kalam” means cabbage, and “polo” is our beloved rice. You can make Kalam Polo with white cabbage or kohlrabi, but I enjoy the taste of pointed cabbage. I recently got a lovely pointed cabbage from the farmer’s market. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram