All posts tagged: starter

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!

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!

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

Kotlet Shirazi – Vegan Potato Cakes کتلت شیرازی

Kotlet Shirazi – Vegan Potato Cakes کتلت شیرازی

The traditional dish Kotlet Shirazi – Vegan Potato Cakes کتلت شیرازی from the Iranian cuisine enchants the palate. It’s a simple, popular, and very flavorful Persian dish that is crispy outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with taste. This authentic, easy, quick delicacy originates from Shiraz in southern Iran. Some may also know Kotlet Shirazi by the name Kotlet Bazari. The traditional version I’m presenting today is vegan, meat and egg-free.

Causa Rellena Vegana with Mixed Leaf Salad

Causa Rellena Vegana with Mixed Leaf Salad

I have been on a fascinating journey through Peruvian cuisine and discovered Causa Rellena Vegana with Mixed Leaf Salad. This authentic Peruvian recipe was kindly given to me by our favorite Peruvian Restaurant, “Mi Peru” in Darmstadt. Causa is an authentic part of Peruvian cuisine that has its place in every household. Following the motto Veganuary, I’m trying to eat vegan as much as possible throughout the month, so I made Causa Rellena vegan with Mixed Leaf Salad. The vegan version is a cold layered starter made from spicy potatoes and a filling of avocado and quinoa. The filling can differ due to local and regional tastes. You can prepare it with tuna, chicken, seafood, or as vegetarian and vegan. Causa’s great secret is its adaptable flavor and flexibility to suit personal tastes.

Zeytoon Parvardeh - Persian marinated Olives

Zeytoon Parvardeh – Persian marinated Olives

Are you a social person? Do you enjoy sitting with friends at a well-set table and having a good time? Then I have the perfect recipe for you because good food tastes even better when shared with family and friends. Zeytoon Parvardeh – Persian marinated Olives is a delicious side dish made with green olives, pomegranate molasses, verjuice, walnuts, aromatic fresh herbs, and garlic. Along the Caspian Sea in the Gilan province in northern Persia, Zeytoon Parvardeh are served as mezze or, as we call it, Mazeh, accompanying the main dishes. Give it a try, and I promise you, these are the best-marinated olives you’ve ever tasted. The preparation is simple and quick, and the flavor is delicious. You can also prepare it with dried herbs in case you don’t have fresh herbs. If you like, you can garnish it with pomegranate seeds. In just a few minutes, you’ll create a fantastic Mezze that is also a perfect gift from your kitchen. Fill the marinated olives into a beautiful jar and present it as a …

Kuku Kadoo Sabz - Persian Zucchini Frittata

Kuku Kadoo Sabz – Persian Zucchini Frittata

Do you have too much zucchini in your garden and are looking for zucchini recipes? In that case, I have the perfect recipe for you today. My all-time favorite Mezze, as we say Mazeh is Kuku Kadoo Sabz- Persian Zucchini Frittata. I prepared Kuku Kadoo Sabz – Persian Zucchini Frittata for the blog event Mezze shared by Zora and me after the Adasi – Persian lentil spread. Oriental spices and fresh herbs are the “secret” ingredients, and the Kuku is quick to prepare and super healthy. In Iran, we bake Kuku with a lot of fat in a pan. I created a low-calorie and shape-friendly option and baked the kuku in a casserole dish in the oven. Kuku is low carb, vegetarian, and rich in protein. Watch Video on Instagram

Soup-e Esfenadj - Spinach Soup for Tirgan

Soup-e Esfenadj – Spinach Soup for Tirgan

Tirgan Mobarak! Happy Tirgan! Like all our Persian festivals, at Tirgan, there is a lot of dancing, singing, and reciting poems. It’s tradition to splash water on each other (Ab Pashi) on this day. We also eat certain foods, such as my Soup-e Esfenadj – Spinach Soup for Tirgan. The recipe is super simple! The soup includes fresh baby spinach, potatoes, onions, and oriental spices. It’s vegetarian, as I made it with vegetable stock, but you can also use chicken stock. Add a blob of Greek yogurt, fresh mint, and a few drops of good olive oil to garnish. This creamy, healthy, and delicious soup is on your table in no time.