All posts tagged: Sweets

Nan-e Nokhodchi – Vegan & Gluten-Free Chickpea Cookies

Eyde Azizan Mobarak! Happy Norooz! During the Persian New Year (Norooz), the air is filled with the scent of spring and the joy of Eyd Didani (visiting loved ones). If you’ve ever stepped into a Persian home during Norooz, you know that Nan-e Nokhodchi— Vegan & Gluten-Free Chickpea Cookies, those iconic, clover-shaped are the stars of the Haft-Sin table. In Iran, stopping by the local bakery to grab a fresh box of these treats for Did va Bazdid (visiting friends and family) is a cherished tradition. But there is something even more special about bringing a tray of homemade, melt-in-your-mouth Persian cookies to a celebration.

Saffron Bamieh and the Persian Engagement

An engagement is truly one of the most beautiful days in a person’s life. In Persia, this special milestone is inseparable from the aroma of Saffron Bamieh. If you aren’t familiar with them, think of a Persian take on the Mexican Churro, but with a luxurious twist. While the shape may be similar, we refine our dough with precious saffron before frying it to a golden crisp. The magic happens next: a fragrant syrup of rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and honey drenches the warm pastries. In our culture, Saffron Bamieh, Zoolbia and the Persian engagement go together “like a lid on a pot.” It is the ultimate “must-eat” for every ceremony, though you will also find it gracing the tables of Norooz (Persian New Year) and Ramadan, usually served alongside its famous partner, Zoolbia. Today, I want to take you by the hand and lead you through my story of tradition—a journey into the vibrant, colorful world of 1001 Nights.

Saffron Zoolbia زولبیا

Nowruz is just around the corner, and there is no better way to welcome the Persian New Year than with a touch of sweetness! This year, although Nowruz is overshadowed by recent events, we continue to uphold our traditions. We won’t let our spirit be taken from us. We carry on with our heritage, one golden spiral at a time. Saffron Zoolbia زولبیا is a beloved Persian sweet that holds a special place at the table during Nowruz, weddings and even at Ramadan. If you’ve ever tried the store-bought versions, you might find them a bit too heavy or sugary. My homemade Zoolbia recipe changes the game: Perfect Texture: Extra crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. Balanced Sweetness: Not as cloying as bakery versions, allowing the spices to shine. Floral Aromas: Every bite releases a sticky, golden syrup infused with saffron, cardamom, and rosewater. It’s a sticky, crunchy, and fragrant experience that brings the authentic taste of Persian tradition right into your kitchen. These golden, shimmering spirals are traditionally served alongside …

Pistachio Lemon Cake

Imagine this: the smell of fresh lemon in the kitchen, a soft golden cake cooling on the counter, and little green pistachio pieces everywhere. That’s exactly the kind of baking day this moist Pistachio Lemon Cake was made for. This is not a dry cake. Not even close. It’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist, with the perfect balance of nutty pistachios and fresh lemon. Every bite is bright, rich, and comforting at the same time. If you love pistachios, this easy pistachio lemon cake will quickly become one of your favorite recipes.

Khanfaroush – Persian Saffron & Cardamom Pancakes

When your kitchen smells of saffron, cardamom, and rose water, something special is happening. That’s the moment when my Khanfaroush – Persian Saffron & Cardamom Pancakes are not far away. These golden Persian pancakes are soft on the outside, moist on the inside, and full of warm oriental flavors. Made with a mix of rice flour and wheat flour, they bring a festive feeling straight to your brunch table. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Easter brunch, Pancake Day (February 17), Mother’s Day, a cozy birthday brunch, or Christmas brunch, pancakes simply belong on the table. But honestly? They taste like happiness on any Sunday.

Baslogh Anar – Pomegranate & Pistachio Jelly Confection

Cinnamon smells like Christmas. Rosewater carries you straight to the Middle East. And then there is pomegranate. Its deep ruby juice shines like liquid light. To me, it has always felt festive. Maybe because pomegranates symbolize luck and new beginnings in so many cultures. Or maybe because they always remind me of the longest night of the year: Shab-e Yalda. On Yalda Night, pomegranate takes center stage at our table. Fresh, juicy, symbolic – it’s everywhere and here I have a lot of Must-Eat recipes. And this year, my Baslogh Anar – Pomegranate & Pistachio Jelly Confection fits the occasion perfectly. Soft, jelly-like, gently sweet with a pleasant tang. Similar to Turkish Delight, but with a distinctly Persian soul and an extra touch of pomegranate magic. Here’s a little secret: With this recipe, I’m opening Door No. 15 of the Xmas Boom Advent Calendar. That’s where Christmas and Yalda meet. Candlelight, winter coziness, sweet treats – blended with oriental colors, stories, and traditions. Two festivals of light, warmth, and togetherness. Watch my prepvideo on Instagram

Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafers with Cocoa

If you love the satisfying crack of crispy wafers, the warm aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla, and soft chocolate that melts on your tongue, topped with pistachios and coconut, then Shirini Mikado – Halva Wafer Slices with Cocoa is just for you. The best part? You don’t even need to heat up your oven – just a simple pan will do. Today, I even have a gluten-free version for you, just as aromatic and irresistible as the original. It’s like a little short trip to the Orient – right in your kitchen. And honestly, who could resist crispy wafers with a delicate, melting filling? This recipe opens door number 11 of Zoras Culinary Advent Calendar. And the best part: there are plenty of fantastic prizes waiting to make your Advent even sweeter! Watch my prep video on Instagram

Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Today we’re celebrating a very special day: National Bundt Cake Day! I’m so excited to join Tina from Food & Co again this year. For this event, I baked a Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake with sour cream and whipping cream with a cream cheese frosting. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, you’re going to love this recipe. I promise: the smell of warm cinnamon, the soft and tender texture, and the creamy frosting make every bite feel like a little moment of happiness. I’ve baked this cake several times already, sometimes even in the middle of the night because the aroma is simply irresistible. Watch my Prep Reel on Instagram

Kaka Kadu Halvai – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes

Are you searching for something unique to serve at breakfast or brunch? This recipe is for you! Kaka Kadu Halvai – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes – are low carb, light, fluffy, healthy and gluten-free. Whether you share them with friends or enjoy them just for yourself, these golden pancakes bring a touch of Persia right to your table.

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

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