All posts tagged: starter

Shirazi Salad – Authentic Persian Recipe with 3 Dressing Options

*Sponsored post featuring the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener* Craving something fresh and light? Then my Shirazi Salad – Authentic Persian Recipe with 3 dressing options is just what you need. This traditional Iranian salad wins you over with its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and a flavor that instantly reminds you of warm summer days. But let’s be honest: have you ever tried dicing tomatoes with a dull knife? Instead of neat little cubes, you end up with squashed pieces and tomato juice all over your cutting board. It doesn’t just ruin the look of your salad – it changes the taste, too. Here’s the secret: the magic is in the details. The finer and more evenly you chop, the more beautifully the salad comes together. Since I started using my Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener*, this has completely changed. My knife glides effortlessly through cucumbers, tomatoes hold their perfect shape, and even onions are easy to chop without tears. Cooking feels almost like meditation – and the salad not only looks stunning, it tastes so …

Mast-o Musir – Persian Shallot Yogurt Dip

What could be better than a refreshing Persian dip to serve alongside your BBQ favorites? Let me introduce you to my creamy Mast-o Musir – Persian Shallot Yoghurt Dip. If you love tzatziki or garlic dips but hate that strong garlic breath afterwards, Mast-o Musir will be your new best friend. It’s mild, nutty, delicately garlicky, and beautifully aromatic – without overpowering your palate. In Iran, this dip is traditionally served with kabab fresh from the grill, but honestly, I could happily enjoy it with just warm Nan-e Barbari, Persian flatbread. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Mirza Ghasemi – Easy Persian Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Appetizer

Today I’m taking you to the lush Caspian Sea coast of Gilan, home of Mirza Ghasemi – the famous Persian smoky eggplant Appetizer. This vegetarian appetizer is silky, garlicky, and full of flavor, melting on your tongue with every bite. If you’re a fan of Baba Ghanoush, you will absolutely adore Mirza Ghasemi – Easy Persian Smoky Eggplant and Tomato Appetizer too, because grilled eggplants take center stage here as well. A must-try for every lover of Persian cuisine! 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

Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread

I love lentils! Do you love them as much as I do? If so, I have a super creamy recipe for you today. Adasi – Persian Lentil Spread is vegan and is full of rich flavors. To start with, this vegan spread uses green mountain lentils and always belongs on a mezze table. In Iran, people serve it as part of the Mazeh (mezze). The best thing is, spices like turmeric, garlic, allspice, cumin, and coriander fill your kitchen with warmth and fragrance. Plus, orange and lime juice add a fresh, fruity touch. You can simply spread it on lavash bread , and enjoy every bite. If you prefer, dip veggie sticks or chips into it for a quick snack. When you store it in a jar with a lid, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Just remember to take it out about 15 minutes before eating so it reaches room temperature and the flavors truly shine. Give it a try today and taste the difference! Watch my preparation video …

Salad-e Olivieh – Russian Potato Salad with a Persian Twist

Salad-e Olivieh (سالاد الیویه), our Persian take on the old Russian classic, is the kind of dish that is showed up at every Nowruz (Persian New Year), picnic, Sizdah Bedar (the 13th day of the New Year), every birthday, and last-minute dinner when guests drop by. Creamy, comforting, and familiar, it’s made with soft potatoes, cooked chicken, tender peas, carrots, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and those sharp, crunchy persian pickles that made your mouth water before the first bite. Served cold as Mazeh, as a sandwich filler, wrapped in fresh lavash bread or spooned onto a plate as a side dish to Kotlet, Salad-e Olivieh – Russian Potato Salad with a Persian Twist is a little taste of home — something moms packed into school lunches with love, or that sat waiting in the fridge like a quiet promise of comfort after a long day. Somehow, it always tasted like someone cared.

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! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

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! Watch my preparation video on Instagram!

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

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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