Who doesn’t love spreading a generous layer of homemade jam on warm, buttered, crusty bread? Some might find the idea of jam without fruit unusual, but I encourage everyone to try this vibrant orange and flavorful carrot jam, known as Moraba Havij in Persian. Making jam is an age-old tradition in Iran and around the…
Torsh Tareh – Tangy fresh herb stew with poached eggs
I seem to be on a roll, making back-to-back northern Iranian dishes! Across Iran, many stews feature fresh herbs in place of other vegetables to accompany either animal or plant-based proteins. While each stew has its own unique combinations and ratios, they all share one thing in common: Iranians’ celebration and love of herbs. This…
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, meatballs in pomegranate and herb sauceis 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…
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
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…
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,…
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…