Shami – Herb and meat patties

Shami is often referred to as a meat patty, though realistically it is more about herbs and ground walnuts than it is about the meat. Throughout Iran, you will find a multitude of Shami varieties using different types of meat, often with added chickpeas, yellow split peas, or red lentils. This version from the Caspian…

Cotlet – Meat and potato patties

Cotlet is a meat patty that in my humble (albeit Persian) opinion ranks quite a few notches above the good old hamburger.  Many cultures have their own version of meat patties and this is the Persian one. Ground meat of your choice, typically beef or lamb, is mixed with boiled potatoes, eggs, grated onions, the…

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. In the North of Iran, there is the green Shami, in which the beef patty is packed with fresh herbs and creamy walnuts….