All posts tagged: SUMMER

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …

Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti

Makaroni is one of the most beloved pasta dishes in Persian cuisine. In Iran, Makaroni – Persian-Style Spaghetti is actually the word we use for all pasta, whether it’s spaghetti or macaroni noodles. My favorite version is made with spaghetti, and of course the crispy golden Tahdig – that famous crunchy crust we Persians love. The best part? When it’s ready, this pasta doesn’t just sit on a plate. It comes to the table like a warm spaghetti cake, and we slice and serve it just like a pie. It’s comforting, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Sure, Italians might shake their heads when they see how we cook spaghetti. Instead of a quick boil and toss, we prepare it as slowly and carefully as a rice cake. But if you’re curious and ready for a new flavor experience, you’re going to love this! 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

Khiar Shoor -Crunchy Homemade Pickles

There’s something special about a crunchy homemade pickle, and nothing beats making them yourself. Every Friday, I stroll through my fave market at the Orangerie and pick up small, fresh cucumbers that are perfect for pickling. Back in my kitchen, I turn them into Khiar Shoor – Crunchy Homemade Pickles that stay crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. Once they’re ready, the pickles last about one to two weeks in the fridge. If the brine turns a bit cloudy, don’t worry – that’s perfectly normal and actually part of the charm of this traditional method. It’s how you know the natural fermentation is working just as it should. watch my preparation video on Instagram

Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam

In every Persian home, Morabay-e Albaloo – Persian Sour Cherry Jam carries sweet childhood memories. I still remember waking up to the smell of freshly baked Nan-e Barbari, hearing the gentle clink of tea glasses, and seeing this deep ruby-red jam glistening in a small glass bowl on the breakfast table. My grandmother would always say that a good Morabay-e Albaloo should have whole cherries floating in a thick syrup, like little jewels. She believed serving this jam to guests was a sign of love and care, and to this day, every spoonful reminds me of her warm kitchen, her floral apron, and the simple joy of gathering with family to start the day with something sweet. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs

Sour cherry season is finally here and I have a recipe for Albaloo Polo – Colorful Sour Cherry Rice with Lamb Meatballs for you. I absolutely love these bright red gems with their tart, juicy flesh. Sadly, their season is short — usually just from July to August — and they’re already getting hard to find. The riper the cherries, the more nutrients they hold, so if you spot some at your local market, grab them! I found some fresh ones the other day and decided to make one of my all-time favorite Persian dishes: Albaloo Polo, which literally means “Sour Cherry Rice.” It’s a festive dish we typically serve at special occasions — a real eye-catcher on any celebration table.

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.

Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day

Let’s continue with my date omelet and date spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day. In the first part of this series, I showed you how to make tasty Ajil Granola, flatbread wraps with feta and herbs, and sour fruits for breakfast. Today, I’ll show you how to make the perfect Date Omelet and Date Spread – A Persian Breakfast for Mother’s Day (Gheysavah). A date omelet might sound strange – sweet mixed with salty and savory? But yes, it really tastes awesome! This mix of flavors is very common in Persian cuisine. The goal is always to find a nice balance. At the end, you can add a little cinnamon on top. If you like, add some date syrup too – it tastes so delicious. At the end of this post, I also share a beautiful and great-smelling gift idea. Watch my preparation Reel on Instagram

Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day

Are you looking of a special idea for Mother’s Day? Let your mom sleep in. While she rests, prepare a beautiful Persian breakfast. Surprise her by bringing it to her in bed. Use a silver tray and fill it with tasty Persian food. Make Ajil Granola – Persian breakfast for Mother’s Day with date syrup. Cook a sweet date omelette. Roll fresh herbs into wraps – this is called Sabzi Khordan. Add a piece of honeycomb with rose cream. Make a smooth date spread. Brew hot Persian tea with cardamom and rose petals. Finish the tray with a bright bouquet of roses. The flowers will bring color and joy to her morning. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken

Joojeh Kabab for Sizdah Bedar – Saffron and Lemon Chicken is a beloved dish in Iran and beyond, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. First, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, onions, saffron, salt, and pepper. Don’t skip this step is as it infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and makes it tender. Next, grill the chicken either on a BBQ, in the oven, or in an Airfryer. The marinade not only keeps it juicy but also adds a slightly sweet and tangy taste that makes it irresistible. For this recipe, you’ll be using the oven-grilled method. Make sure to drain the chicken well before grilling and grill it without the marinade to get the perfect texture. To complete your meal, serve the kabab with wild rice and barberries, grilled tomatoes, and a refreshing Salad Shirazi. In Iran, you’ll find two types of Joojeh Kabab—one with the bone and one without. For this version, you’ll use boneless chicken breast, which absorbs the marinade beautifully …

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