All posts tagged: starter

Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte

Looking for the ultimate fresh, vegan finger food for your next party, buffet, or brunch? Then you absolutely need to try my Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte, deliciously seasoned, plant-based Turkish red lentil patties! I love bringing these to family gatherings and special occasions. Because of their beautiful, vibrant presentation, they are always a massive hit—and they easily win over even the meat-lovers in the room! Trust me, they are simply “kofte-licious” and vanish within minutes. Guests literally crowd around the platter and just can’t keep their hands off them. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this healthy vegan crowd-pleaser is also the perfect addition to your summer picnic basket or a quick weekday snack. Want to impress your family and friends this Easter? Serve up this fresh, crisp, and vibrant Mediterranean delicacy!

Panir Hendevaneh – Persian Watermelon and Feta Skewers

Looking for a light, colorful, and refreshing appetizer that comes together in minutes? These Persian Watermelon Feta Skewers, known as Panir Hendevaneh, are the perfect summer snack for barbecues, picnics, garden parties, or family gatherings. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta cheese, and crisp cucumber is simple but incredibly delicious. Finished with a fresh mint leaf, these bite-sized skewers are cooling, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting friends to watch football, enjoying a sunny afternoon in the garden, or preparing an easy appetizer for your next cookout, these Persian-inspired skewers are guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Piyaz – Giant White Bean Salad | سالاد لوبیا سفید

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and protein-packed salad, you have to try Piyaz. This traditional Turkish white bean salad is also a beloved dish in many Persian homes, where it’s known as Salad-e Loobia Sefid (سالاد لوبیا سفید). Although many people associate Piyaz with Turkey, this simple yet flavorful bean salad has been enjoyed across the region for generations. One of the most famous versions is Antalya Usulü Piyaz, a specialty from the Turkish city of Antalya. What makes it so special is its rich, tangy dressing that coats every single bean with incredible flavor. Traditionally, the beans are almost completely covered in the dressing. In my version, I use a little less dressing to let the fresh vegetables and creamy white beans shine while still keeping the authentic taste. Piyaz is everything you want in a salad—fresh, satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. It works perfectly as a mezze, a side dish for köfte, grilled meats, or kebabs, or as a light vegetarian lunch or dinner. Thanks to the white beans, …

Easiest Barbari Bread Ever! (Quick Air Fryer Method)

Let’s be honest: we all love the scent of freshly baked bread, right? But in the real world, who actually has the time to pamper dough for hours or watch it “meditate” on the kitchen counter? That’s exactly why I’m sharing The World’s Easiest Barbari Bread Ever (Quick Air Fryer Method) with you today. It’s the ultimate fix for anyone craving those bold Middle Eastern flavors but possessing the patience of a fruit fly! If you’ve been following me, you know I’m usually a huge fan of slow food. I already have a recipe for traditional Nan-e Barbari here on the blog that uses overnight fermentation and just a tiny pinch of yeast. It’s a total dream for foodies! But let’s be real: when that craving for Persian flatbread hits you RIGHT NOW, an overnight proofing method just isn’t going to cut it. Sometimes, you just need the “express route” to carb heaven. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Noon-e Khame-i – Rose and Pistachio Persian Cream Puffs

When Norooz arrives, our tea table is never complete without a platter of Noon-e Khame-i – Rose and Pistachio Persian Cream Puffs. These beautiful Persian cream puffs are made with a delicate choux pastry—light, airy, and baked with love. What makes my version special is the pastry itself. While many recipes rely on milk for the dough, I’ve found that a milk-free choux pastry results in an incredibly crisp and light shell that lets the flavors of the filling truly shine. Each puff is stuffed with freshly whipped sweet cream, infused with fragrant rosewater and crunchy chopped pistachios for a taste that is wonderfully creamy and floral. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of bright green pistachios, they are the ultimate celebration treat. Bonus for busy bakers: You can even freeze the unbaked dough! Just let it thaw at room temperature before popping them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste anytime. From a dreamy Valentine’s Day dessert to a sophisticated Mother’s Day brunch, these Persian cream puffs are made for …

Kashk-e Bademjan – Persian Eggplant Dip

Kashk-e Bademjan – Persian Eggplant Dip – is one of those dishes that stops you mid-bite. It begins with slow-roasted eggplants cooked until they turn into a soft, smoky puree. Into that silky base melt caramelised onions and garlic, a hint of turmeric and saffron, the warm crunch of walnuts, and, most importantly, kashk, the tangy fermented yogurt that gives this classic its signature flavour. Finished with piaz dagh – a crispy topping of onions, garlic and dried mint – every spoonful tastes creamy, smoky, sweet, tangy, aromatic and deeply comforting. This is the kind of dip you scoop with warm lavash bread and suddenly realise you’ve eaten half the plate. If you like Baba Ghanoush, you will absolutely love Kashk-e Bademjan. This mezze tastes best with Persian Lavash or Barbari bread, but pita or flatbread also work well. Served warm, it’s simply delicious. Watch my prep reel on Instagram

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

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