All posts tagged: starter

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?

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!

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!

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 …

Persian Cold Yogurt Soup - Abdoogh Khiar

Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar

The last summer days are here, and it’s so hot outside that I can’t even think about cooking. In Iran, we’ve got the perfect solution for days like this – Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar, a delicious Persian cold yogurt soup. If you ask me, it’s hands down my favorite summer food and a refreshing way to cool down. Abdoogh Khiar is a real summer classic in Iran, and the best part? It’s super easy to make! We usually have all the ingredients at home. All you need are fresh little cucumbers, shallots, Greek yogurt, walnuts, and raisins. The herbs are key for flavor, and everyone has their favorites. Some people like to throw in small radishes, but I’m all about the chives, basil, and mint combo. That’s where the magic happens for me! And to top it off? Garnish it with rose petals—it’s fancy but still super easy. Perfect for those days when it’s too hot to care, but you still want to eat something delicious! Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Torshi Torobche - Quick Pickled Radishes ترشی تربچه

Torshi Torobche – Quick Pickled Radishes ترشی تربچه

Hey Darling! Just a quick reminder about pickled radishes. They’re not just crunchy and refreshing; they’re also perfect for pickling. Torshi Torobche – Quick Pickled Radishes (ترشی تربچه) is a popular side dish in Persian cuisine. The pickled radishes add a spicy note to any dish and are super easy to prepare. I’m excited to share my favorite pickled radish recipe with you today. This simple recipe will add a fresh twist to your kitchen. It combines the natural spiciness of the radishes and the tanginess of the vinegar brew for a unique flavor you won’t forget. Give it a try and be inspired by this Persian classic! Enjoy the process and your delicious creation! watch my preparation video on Instagarm 

Creamy Wild Garlic Hummus with Crispy Flatbread Sticks

Creamy Wild Garlic Hummus with Crispy Flatbread Sticks

It’s wild garlic season, and today, I’ve got a simple recipe for you! I whipped up a Creamy Wild Garlic Hummus with Crispy Flatbread Sticks. If you’re not familiar with hummus, it’s a Middle Eastern dip made primarily from chickpeas. Now, onto my version! I’ve infused it with wild garlic, giving it a beautiful green hue and a deliciously subtle spiciness and garlic flavor. Wild garlic is like a fancier, milder cousin of regular garlic, so it’s perfect if you’re not a fan of the strong garlic smell. Watch my preparation video on Instagram