All posts tagged: SPRING

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 …

Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti

Makaroni is one of the most beloved pasta dishes in Persian cuisine. In Iran, Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti is actually the word we use for all pasta, whether it’s spaghetti or macaroni noodles. My favorite version is made with spaghetti, and of course the crispy golden Tahdig – that famous crunchy crust we Persians love. The best part? When it’s ready, this pasta doesn’t just sit on a plate. It comes to the table like a warm spaghetti cake, and we slice and serve it just like a pie. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Sure, Italians might shake their heads when they see how we cook spaghetti. Instead of a quick boil and toss, we prepare it as slowly and carefully as a rice cake. But if you’re curious and ready for a new flavor experience, you’re going to love this! Watch my Preparation Video on Instagram

Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran

Come with me on a little journey into the world of Persian street food! Baghali Pokhte – Healthy Street Food from Iran – is a true spring and summer favorite. We love it so much that we even dry the beans, so we can enjoy them in autumn and winter too. Honestly, every Persian is crazy about this snack – even kids can’t resist. If you like edamame, you’ll definitely fall for Baghali Pokhte. The fun part is how you eat it: you squeeze the bean out of its tough outer skin to get to the soft, tender center. Then you pop it into your mouth and enjoy the nutty, creamy goodness. Simple but so satisfying. For flavor, we season Baghali Pokhte with Golpar (Persian hogweed spice), a little salt, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. That’s all it takes to turn these beans into an irresistible, healthy snack. Curious about Golpar? I’ve written about it before – you’ll usually only find it in Persian grocery shops. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day

Let’s continue with my date omelet and date spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day. In the first part of this series, I showed you how to make tasty Ajil Granola, flatbread wraps with feta and herbs, and sour fruits for breakfast. Today, I’ll show you how to make the perfect Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day (Gheysavah). A date omelet might sound strange – sweet mixed with salty and savory? But yes, it really tastes awesome! This mix of flavors is very common in Persian cuisine. The goal is always to find a nice balance. At the end, you can add a little cinnamon on top. If you like, add some date syrup too – it tastes so delicious. At the end of this post, I also share a beautiful and great-smelling gift idea. Watch my preparation Reel on Instagram

Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day

Are you looking of a special idea for Mother’s Day? Let your mom sleep in. While she rests, prepare a beautiful Persian breakfast. Surprise her by bringing it to her in bed. Use a silver tray and fill it with tasty Persian food. Make Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day with date syrup. Cook a sweet date omelette. Roll fresh herbs into wraps – this is called Sabzi Khordan. Add a piece of honeycomb with rose cream. Make a smooth date spread. Brew hot Persian tea with cardamom and rose petals. Finish the tray with a bright bouquet of roses. The flowers will bring color and joy to her morning. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken is a beloved dish in Iran and beyond, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. First, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, onions, saffron, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip this step is as it infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and makes it tender. Next, grill the chicken either on a BBQ, in the oven, or in an Airfryer. The marinade not only keeps it juicy but also adds a slightly sweet and tangy taste that makes it irresistible. For this recipe, you’ll be using the oven-grilled method. Make sure to drain the chicken well before grilling and grill it without the marinade to get the perfect texture. To complete your meal, serve the kabab with wild rice and barberries, grilled tomatoes, and a refreshing Salad Shirazi. In Iran, you’ll find two types of Joojeh Kabab—one with the bone and one without. For this version, you’ll use boneless chicken breast, which absorbs the marinade beautifully …

Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink – Persian Mint Lemonade with Grated Cucumber

Happy Sizdah Bedar! Sizdah Bedar, the 13th day of the Persian New Year, wouldn’t be the same without a glass of chilled Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink – Persian Mint Lemonade with Grated Cucumber. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a taste of tradition, family, and the joy of celebrating together. Sekanjabin Cucumber Drink is the perfect way to cool down and refresh on a warm day. This Persian lemonade is made with mint syrup, water, a splash of lemon juice, and grated cucumber. What makes Persian mint syrup so special is the combination of white vinegar and nana mint. In Persian, nana means mint. The vinegar adds a unique sweet and sour touch that we Persians absolutely love. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Persia Meets Asia: Tuna Tataki with Sabzi Polo

*Ad – due to Brand mention* The first rays of spring sunshine stream through the window, the scent of fresh herbs fills the air, and on the plate, two worlds come together—Persian tradition meets Asian elegance. That’s exactly what you can expect from my dish: Persia Meets Asia – Tuna Tataki with Sabzi Polo. Crispy sesame crust meets melt-in-your-mouth tuna, a splash of fresh lime adds a zesty kick, and the exotic flavor of Limoo Amani brings a deep, unique twist. And then there’s the fragrant herb rice—pure magic for your senses! This dish is more than just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a tribute to my love for both Persian and Asian cuisine. A Nowruz feast with a modern twist! Watch my preparation video on Instagram!

Haft Sin Impressions 2025 هفت سین ۱۴۰۴

The year 2025 is all about “Mocha Mousse”, Pantone’s Color of the Year, and the Chinese Year of the Snake. These two elements influence not only fashion and design but also culture and spirituality. In this post, we will explore the meaning of Mocha Mousse, dive into the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, and celebrate the Persian New Year, Nowrooz, with my Haft Sin impressions for 2025 هفت سین ۱۴۰۴. Watch my Video on Instagram!

Gourmet Lunch with Star Chef Toni Mörwald at the Rheingau Gourmet & Wine Festival

*Press Trip – Rheingau Gourmet & Wine Festival 2025* I love Austrian food – hearty, sweet, and made with passion. It reminds me of Persian cuisine, where dishes also take hours to cook. Both cultures love sweet desserts. That’s why I’m so excited to enjoy Austrian cuisine with Michelin-star chef Toni Mörwald at the Rheingau Gourmet & Wine Festival. Austria is one of my favorite food countries in Europe, and I can’t wait to explore its flavors this year. So, grab a glass of wine, sit back, and join me on this special gourmet lunch with Toni Mörwald! Watch my video on Instagram

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