Savory Persian Galette

Eshkeneh – Fenugreek egg drop soup

Eshkeneh is a classic but unpretentious soup, with a short and easy-to-assemble list of ingredients, that can be prepared in about 30 minutes. While Eshkeneh is often referred to as Persian onion soup, and undoubtedly an onion is involved, I think the true star is fenugreek leaves, with their mighty strong scent and flavor profile….

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…

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,…

Mella Ghormeh – Eggplant with herbs and poached eggs

Mella Ghormeh is a signature dish from the Caspian Sea region of Iran that celebrates the region’s abundance of local produce while bringing depth of flavor to a simple dish. In many regions of Iran, there is a heavy reliance on a medley of spices. However, many Northern Iranian dishes rely on simpler, fresh, and…

Aash-e Mash – Mung beans and herbs soup

Here is another delicious addition to the long line of Aashes, the thick, hearty Persian soups. Like others in the series, this Aash features a generous mix of fresh herbs, Kashk, a tangy Persian whey sauce, crispy garlic, caramelized onions, and aromatic mint sauce. While mung beans are the main ingredient, the real star of…

Kadu Polo – Butternut squash rice

Kadu Polo is a delightful Fall-weather dish from the Caspian Sea region of Iran, where its regional name is Ka-ee Pelah. It is a true celebration of the local flavors and produce that make northern Iranian cuisine so incredibly fresh, tasty, and healthy. I am often surprised and delighted when simple dishes without a long…

Hali Ghuroo – Sour plum stew with poached eggs

With the arrival of spring, Iranians flock to their local markets and eagerly look forward to finding unripe sour plums (Gojeh Sabz), unripe almonds (Chaghaleh Badom), and unripe sour grapes (Ghooreh). I find Iranians’ love of sour and unripe fruits to be incredibly unique and endearing. Gojeh Sabz, or Persian green unripe plums, are a…

Soup-e Jow – Barley soup

Soup-e Jow is a delightfully simple and flavorful soup, though it isn’t widely known among Persian soups and Aashes. (Aash is a Persian word for a thick soup, like a cross between a soup and a stew.) The barley lends an earthy flavor and satisfying chew, while lemon juice adds a refreshing sourness. Carrots bring…