Faloodeh – Lime and rosewater granita with rice noodles

There is no shortage of western-style desserts in Iran, ranging from classic French pastries to cookies, cakes, pies, and ice creams. At the same time, there is an assortment of local and regional desserts that have long been part of Persian cuisine. Many of them have specific associations with special holidays, celebrations, or seasons. Faloodeh…

Moraba Rivas – Rhubarb jam

It’s rhubarb season! Well, actually, the season is about to wrap up, and I am just a little behind in getting this posted! Here in the Pacific Northwest, rhubarb begins to show up in farmer’s markets and grocery stores in April and lasts until late June or early July. Unlike other seasonal vegetables that are…

Shirini Napoleoni – Napoleon pastries

Shirini Napoleoni, or Napoleon pastries, are popular dessertys in Iran that are closely related to the French Mille-feuilles. The French name translates to “a thousand leaves”, referencing the layers of flaky and buttery puff pastry. Traditionally, a mille-feuille is made of three layers of puff pastry, alternating with two layers of crème pâtissière. The top…

Paloudeh – Cantaloupe smoothie

There is simply no shortage of creative and pleasing beverage choices in Persian cuisine! In this refreshing drink, cantaloupe is instantaneously elevated with a splash of rosewater syrup and crushed ice, making an irresistible treat for hot summer days. Persian culture has a deeply-rooted and rich tradition (mehmoon navazi in Farsi) of offering various treats…