Who doesn’t love spreading a healthy dose of homemade jam on toasted and buttered crusty bread? For some, there may be something strange about jam that’s made without fruit, but I would encourage anyone to try this brightly orange-colored and flavorful carrot jam. Making jam is an age-old tradition in Iran (and the rest of…
Torsh Tareh – Tangy fresh herb stew with poached eggs
I seem to be on a roll of doing back-to-back northern Iranian dishes! All over Iran, many stews feature fresh herbs in the place of other vegetables to accompany either animal or plant-based proteins. While each stew has its own unique combinations and ratios, they all have one thing in common: Iranians’ celebration and love…
Psychology of Iranian Cuisine
Register and join the free event HERE PSYCHOLOGY OF IRANIAN CUISINE, by Armita Hosseini & Omid Roustaei In collaboration with Farhang Foundation Food as with most cultures plays a significant role in Iranian culture. It is not only a daily ritual and practice of preparing traditional food but also a means to preserve our culture through its cuisine. Iranian food also holds a significant…
Anar Bij – Meatballs in pomegranate and herb sauce
Anar Bij is a hearty and flavor-packed dish from Gilan province in the Caspian Sea region of Iran. Delicate meatballs are gently cooked in a creamy walnut sauce that is then flavored with fresh herbs and pomegranate molasses. Tart flavors, aromatics, and a hint of sweetness combine to make this dish another poster child of…
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…
Dolmeh Barg Mo – Stuffed grape leaves
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 (Greek) You are…
Kuku Gerdu – Walnut and herb frittata
You say frittata: I say Kuku; you say (Spanish) tortilla: I say K . . . and we are saying the same thing – almost! It is actually a stretch to call this dish a frittata or a tortilla, but I don’t know a better comparison. Kuku is an Iranian egg-based dish that combines vegetables,…
Kabob Koobideh – Grilled skewered Kebab
However you spell or pronounce them, Kebabs, Kebobs, or Kababs are meat dishes that take pride of place alongside other dishes in Persian cuisine. They are typically small pieces of seasoned whole or ground beef, lamb, chicken, or seafood that are generally skewered and grilled. Mention “Ka-bob” (the Farsi pronunciation) to an Iranian, and it…
Hope, Respect, and Honor: What It Looks Like to Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year
I’m thrilled to announce that I have joined The KITCHN team as a freelance contributor and my first 2 articles relating to Nowruz, the Persian New Year and a traditional Nowruz dish, Sabzi Polo are now posted.
Join me for Tea and Conversation: Persian Culinary Traditions for Nowruz
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 6 – 7 pm EST, 3 -4 pm Pacific Time Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the arrival of spring across large parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. Feasts that accompany Nowruz are central to the celebration. Join Omid Roustaei, a Seattle-based Persian chef, to learn about special…