All posts tagged: starter

Soup-e Shir - Savory Creamy Milk Soup

Soup-e Shir – Savory Creamy Milk Soup

Do you ever get that feeling? It’s a freezing winter night, and everything outside looks grey and gloomy. You want something to warm you up from the inside out. My Soup-e Shir—Savory Creamy Milk Soup—totally fits the bill! It’s super easy to make and tastes creamy and delicious. If you’re looking to make a soup that’s fresh, healthy, and really yummy, this is it. Your family will love it, especially the kids who usually turn their noses up at mushrooms. This post is my participation in Zorra Kochtopf.me blog event: Baby, it’s cold outside! Time for something warm and comforting from the kitchen!

Blinis with Caviar and Champagne

Blinis with Caviar and Champagne

Is there anything better than waiting for midnight with caviar*, blinis*, and champagne*? The blinis have a light nutty flavor as they are made with buckwheat flour. On top, you can add a spoon of cool sour cream, a scoop of caviar, and a sprig of fresh dill. If you want, you can also add a quail’s egg and some finely chopped shallots. You have more blinis than caviar, no problem! Top some with wild salmon* and salmon roe* instead. Pair it with a glass of champagne* to bring out the flavors, or enjoy it with ice-cold vodka*. For the best taste, take a sip of vodka or champagne first to cleanse your palate, just like the gourmets do. Turn on some music, relax, and get ready to welcome the New Year in style!

Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda

*Advertisement for Gegenbauer’s sweet raspberry vinegar* Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate and Feta for Shab-e Yalda. The longest night of the year, Shab-e Yalda, is almost here. It’s a time for warmth, family, and delicious food. For us Persians, Yalda is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment to gather, share stories, and welcome the light after the darkness. What better way to capture that feeling than with a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful salad? This beetroot salad with pomegranate and feta is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s colorful, healthy, and so easy to make. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, the tangy freshness of pomegranate seeds, and the creamy feta create the perfect balance. Whether you’re celebrating Yalda or just want something special for your table, this salad is sure to impress. It is quick to prepare and makes everyone happy, whether as a side dish or a light main course. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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? Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Baked Feta with Figs and Caramelized Walnuts

Baked Feta with Figs and Caramelized Walnuts

Picture this: it’s cold outside, and the air has that sweet smell of snow. You’re all snuggled up in a cozy blanket, munching on some Baked Feta with Figs and Caramelized Walnuts. Doesn’t that sound amazing? On those chilly winter days, the creamy melted fetacheese brings the ultimate comfort and warmth. This recipe is just right for those moments when you need a little pick-me-up. The baked feta is bursting with flavor, and the sweet figs combined with crunchy caramelized walnuts make it a treat for your taste buds. Plus, it looks fantastic too! The fresh herbs and tangy dressing pull everything together perfectly. Let’s dive in and fire up the oven to whip up this delicious feel-good dish! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار

Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار

Brrr, it’s so cold outside! Are you in the mood for a warm, savory soup? Thick soups and stews are perfect for cozying up in the winter and keeping your belly satisfied. One awesome choice is Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار. Pomegranates add a fantastic flavor to this dish and pack it with vitamins too.  My  version of Ash-e Anar ba Koofteh Ghelgheli – Thick Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs and Mint Oil آش انار is with fresh herbs, and tastes fruity, sweet, and tangy. I make it using pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, split yellow peas, rice, and fresh herbs like spinach, parsley, coriander, and mint, along with some tasty spices and soft meatballs. Using pomegranate juice instead of water makes the soup really rich and scrumptious. Finish with hot mint oil, more herbs, and pomegranate seeds – making it a real standout among Persian soups and stews. This is definitely a must-try if you’re into unique, comforting meals! Watch my preparatio video on Instagram 

Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup

Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup

This Soup-e-Pesteh – Persian Pistachio Soup سوپ پسته is super easy to make and is loaded with healthy fats and proteins. It’s perfect for nourishing your body and giving your soul a little comfort. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, this soup really stands out. It’s a fantastic starter for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner and works great as a late-night dish for your New Year’s buffet. So if you’re looking to add something festive and healthy to your holiday spread, this pistachio soup is just the thing!

Eshkeneh – Persian Onion and Egg Drop Soup

Eshkeneh – Persian Onion and Egg Drop Soup

There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup, when the weather gets cold, and the days become shorter. You want to try an easy peasy home made cheap fat-burner soup? Let me introduce you to Eshkeneh – Persian Onion and Egg Drop Soup that is both flavorful and nourishing. This simple yet satisfying dish is sure to become your new favorite comfort food! So, the next time you’re craving something savory and delicious, try this Persian classic. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a truly satisfying meal! Watch my preparation video on Instagram 

Pirashki Ghoosht- Easy Airfryer Persian Piroshki

Pirashki Ghoosht- Easy Airfryer Persian Piroshki

Looking for a snack that’s perfect for parties or cozy family nights and gets eaten in a flash? Say hello to my Pirashki Ghoosht- Easy Airfryer Persian Piroshki. These crispy, golden-brown buns, originally known as Pirozhki from Russia or Poland, have found a special place in Persian cuisine and are all time favorites. Today, I’ve got a delicious recipe for you with a filling of ground meat, bell peppers, mushrooms, and pizza cheese. The perfect spice mix includes turmeric, thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes – just the right amount of kick! But the real game-changer? A sweet brush of grape syrup and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, taking these buns to the next level! So, fire up that Airfryer* and enjoy these fluffy, golden Pirashki that are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face! watch my preparation video on Instagram

Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts

Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts

I’ve mentioned before how much I love shopping at our Farmers’ Market in Darmstadt*! It’s my go-to place for fresh, seasonal, and local products, which I love to share with you in all sorts of recipes on my blog. So, imagine my excitement when I spotted red and yellow heirloom beets! I knew it was finally time to show you my favorite recipe—Heirloom Beet Carpaccio with Feta and Walnuts. Candy striped beet and Feta? They’re a dream team! Not only do they make my carpaccio look colorful and gorgeous, but they also taste absolutely delicious. The beet is nice and crunchy, the feta is soft and salty, and the walnuts add a perfect nutty flavor. My favorite dressing ties it all together—it’s made with red onion, juice from 2 bitter oranges, good olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. It’s the perfect finishing touch for this carpaccio! Now, I can’t always find bitter oranges at the market, so I get them from my trusted greengrocer. Depending on the season, I switch up the dressing with …