Category: Appetizer
Dolmeh Barg Mo – Stuffed grape leaves
Dolmeh Barg Mo, stuffed grape leaves are a well-recognized and popular dish in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. Iranians, Turks, Syrians, Armenians, Lebanese, Greeks, and Iraqis have been making them since about the 17th century, albeit with many variations in the name, choice of ingredients, flavor profile, and presentation. Dolmeh (Farsi), Dolma (Turkish), Dolmades…
Kashk-e Kadu – Butternut-squash-spread with whey and mint
Fall is my favorite season for a variety of reasons: the turning of the leaves, the bright and colorful fall foliage, my birthday, and the arrival of harvest time. Kashk-e kadu, a butternut squash dish best represents this season! Squashes, persimmons, quinces, and pomegranates top the list of seasonal favorites for me. I find the…
Sekanjebin – Minty vinegar syrup
Sekanjebin, a refreshing minty vinegar syrup, showcases the Iranian tradition of turning simple, familiar ingredients into extraordinary flavors. With just four ingredients and around 30 minutes to prepare, this sweet-and-tart summer treat is surprisingly delightful and easy to make. The syrup is normally prepared ahead of time in large quantities and then stored in the…
Salad Olivieh – Chicken and potato salad
Salad Olivieh is a chicken and potato salad that has won most if not every Iranian’s heart! To mention Salad Olivieh to an Iranian is to watch an excited smiling face staring back at you and to hear tales of where and how they used to eat this salad. Most of us would have it…
Shami-e Lapeh -yellow split pea and beef patties
In the West, we have the burger with all its glorious variations. In Iran, we have the Shami with many regional influences. Shami resembles a donut, with a hole in its center. This is Shami-e Lapeh! In the North of Iran, there is the green Shami, in which the beef patty is packed with fresh…
Maast-o Khiar – Yogurt with dried mint, cucumber and raisins
Yogurt is no stranger to Persian cuisine and is, frankly, a mandatory side item on the table. Each region of Iran offers its own unique version of a yogurt dish to accompany a Persian meal. Maast-o khiar is one of them. In the north, by the Caspian Sea, the specialty is garlic and shallot yogurt,…
Mirza Ghasemi – Eggplant spread with eggs
When you think about it, just about every culture has its own version of an eggplant spread. Iran has no shortage of its own variety of eggplant dishes. As a matter of fact, it has been said that eggplants are the potatoes of Iran. This is Mirza Ghasemi, a smokey, delicate and umami filled eggplant…
Zeitoon Parvardeh – Olive Tapenade with pomegranate
Zeitoon Parvardeh tapenade is a flavor-packed gem, bringing together sweet, sour, salty, rich, and umami notes in every bite. This marinated olive spread comes from the lush Caspian Sea region of Iran, where it’s served at family tables and restaurants alike. It’s bold, tangy, and deeply aromatic. Traditionally, Zeitoon Parvardeh tapenade is prepared with a…