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,…
Category: Vegetarian
Kuku Seebzamini – Potato patties
This is kuku seebzamini, a traditional Persian potato patty that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I am cuckoo for kuku! Come to think of it, all Iranians are cuckoo for kuku! So what exactly is kuku that has gotten a whole nation and an entire race of people to fall…
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…
Khoresh Saak – Lemon herb sauce with carrots and fried eggs
Khoresh Saak is a perfect example of a simple and humble vegetarian dish from the Caspian Sea region. Large amounts of parsley, cilantro, mint, spinach, and green onions are finely chopped and patiently cooked to develop a rich herbal flavor. What makes this dish characteristically northern is the addition of a sour element; here, I…
Aash-e Jow – Barley, herbs and spinach stew with whey and mint sauce
Aash has always been front and center in Persian cuisine. This is a Persian term used to describe a thick style of soup that often combines a variety of beans, grains, sometimes noodles, herbs, spices, and meat. Aash-e Jow is a hearty Persian barley stew prepared by slowly cooking beans and grains with an abundance…