All posts tagged: vegan

Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt Soup with Chickpeas and Meatballs

Today, I’m making a steaming bowl of Ash-e Mast – Persian Herb and Yogurt soup with chickpeas and meatballs. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of delicious flavors! This comforting Persian soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly autumn or winter days. In Iran, we love preparing and enjoying this hearty soup during the colder months. Yogurt is a staple in Persian cuisine, and we enjoy it in all kinds of delicious ways. In summer, we turn to a refreshing cold Persian yogurt soup called Abdoogh Khiar. It’s light, cooling, and perfect for hot days. Want to make this Persian yogurt soup vegetarian? Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the meatballs. If you like, you can replace them with tofu instead. Both options make a delicious vegetarian version of this traditional Persian soup! Whether you’re looking for a comforting autumn, winter meal or exploring authentic Persian cuisine, Ash-e Mast brings together fresh herbs, creamy yogurt, tender chickpeas, and savory meatballs in one delicious bowl.

Morabay-e Beh – Traditional Persian Quince Jam

A Persian breakfast without Morabay-e Beh – Traditional Persian Quince Jam, is unthinkable! Imagine spreading a spoonful of golden-red quince jam over warm bread. It tastes sweet, fruity, and slightly caramelised, with delicate hints of rosewater and cinnamon. One bite, and you will understand why this traditional Persian preserve holds such a special place on the Iranian breakfast table. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make it. Fresh quinces, sugar, water, lemon juice, rosewater, and a touch of cinnamon are all it takes to create this fragrant homemade jam. I cook the quinces with their skins on because the skin contains natural pectin, which helps the jam thicken without added jam sugar. As the fruit slowly simmers, it transforms from pale yellow to a beautiful ruby-red colour and fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. I wish you could smell it right now! Watch my preparation on Instagram!

Middle Eastern–Inspired Carrot, Pumpkin & Apricot Soup

Do you love fresh, fruity flavors in your soup? Then you’ll love my Middle Eastern-Inspired Carrot, Pumpkin & Apricot Soup. This creamy muscat pumpkin soup combines sweet carrots, pumpkin, and apricots with warm Middle Eastern spices. The apricots add a subtle fruity note and a lovely freshness to the soup. They also provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients, making them a great addition to your autumn recipes. For the perfect finishing touch, I top the soup with turkey strips seasoned with my homemade Ras el Hanout spice mix and cooked in sesame oil. The fragrant spice blend adds even more warmth and depth to this flavorful soup. You only need 300 g (about 10.5 oz) of pumpkin purée for this recipe. You can freeze the remaining purée or use it to make my Kaka Kadu – Persian Pumpkin Pancakes.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

It feels more and more like autumn every day. And that means one thing: it’s finally pumpkin season again! I love cooking with pumpkin this time of year. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. So today, I’m sharing another one of my favorite pumpkin recipes with you: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus. This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Many people like to make pumpkin hummus with Hokkaido pumpkin. But I personally prefer butternut squash. I love its delicate, buttery flavor. To make the hummus extra flavorful, I roast the butternut squash and garlic in the oven. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. For the hummus, I also use nutty tahini and creamy chickpeas. A pinch of cinnamon gives it a warm, slightly Middle Eastern touch. And of course, I couldn’t stop there! I top the hummus with crispy garlic slices and a generous drizzle of good olive oil. The result is a wonderfully creamy, savory, and flavorful hummus. It’s perfect with falafel, …

Shish Andaz Bademjan – Vegan Eggplants in Walnut Pomegranate Sauce

When the aroma of roasted walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses fills the house, I am instantly transported back to the shores of the Caspian Sea back to Gilan, the lush, green, rain-kissed province of northern Iran where I spent my summer holidays. I can still see myself standing barefoot on the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze on my face, while the waves gently crashed in the background and clay pots simmered softly in the kitchen. For me, that unique combination of fresh herbs, rich roasted walnuts, and sour pomegranate is the true taste of Gilan. Shish Andaz-e Bademjan (شش انداز بادنجان) – vegan eggplants in a creamy walnut and pomegranate sauce is one of my absolute favorite dishes from this special region. Tender, pan-fried eggplants are gently braised in a velvety walnut sauce balanced with tangy pomegranate molasses. The result is a deeply aromatic, sweet-and-sour, naturally plant-based eggplant stew that captures the soul of Northern Iranian cuisine. If you love Persian food and are already familiar with recipes like vegan Fesenjan or classic Fesenjan …

Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!)

Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite summer dishes with you: a Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!), fresh mint, and crisp onions. To bring out all those amazing flavors, I dress it with high-quality olive oil, rich pomegranate balsam, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Flor de Sal, and a pinch of lemon pepper. When it comes to tomatoes, I love them all! Big, small, or bursting with flavor, whether they are bright red, golden yellow, deep purple, or vibrant orange. But heirloom tomatoes hold a truly special place in my heart. For this recipe, I brought together every variety I could find. Some I grew from seeds myself, and others I picked up at the local farmer’s market. Right now, tomatoes are at their absolute peak season. They’re juicy, naturally sweet, and have just the right touch of refreshing acidity. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread

The moment warm olive oil hits fresh tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, your whole kitchen fills with that irresistible Mediterranean aroma. And honestly? Pure summer bliss starts the very second you hear that satisfying first crunch. Beneath that golden, crispy crust lies a mountain of sweet, juicy vegetables, and it is total perfection. Let me introduce you to Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread! What I love most about this recipe is how delightfully foolproof it is. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or hours of waiting around for yeast to rise. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have it prepped and popping into the oven. So, grab a baking sheet and let’s make your new favorite summer bite together today! Watch my preparation on Instagram

Lavashak-e Aloo – Persian Plum Fruit Leather

Are you looking for a healthy snack alternative? Lavashak-e Aloo – Persian Plum Fruit Leather is delicious, healthy, and easy to make at home. If you love sour and fruity flavors, you will love this recipe. My kids adore it, and my youngest is just as addicted to it as I am! Today, I will show you how to make two delicious versions: Apricot Lavashak and Plum Lavashak. Watch my preparation on Instagram

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!

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, …

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