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…
Tag: walnuts
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…
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,…
Kashk-e Kadu – Butternut-squash-spread with whey and mint
Fall is my favorite season for a variety of reasons: the turning of the leaves, the bright and colorful fall foliage, my birthday, and the arrival of harvest time. Squashes, persimmons, quinces, and pomegranates top the list of seasonal favorites for me. I find the flavors of squashes quite appealing and when you think of…
Khoresh Fesenjoon – Chicken in pomegranate and walnut sauce
This is fesenjoon, another national culinary treasure of Iran. There aren’t many dishes that bring as much pleasure and joy as fesenjoon! It’s inherently a simple dish, showcasing a perfect blend of straightforward yet flavorful ingredients that are abundant in Iran, making it a celebration of natural resources. The dish begins with walnuts that are…
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 Morgh-e Torsh – Chicken in walnut and herbs sauce
This weekend with my mother, we spent a good few hours in the kitchen talking about the dishes we used to eat that were specific to the Caspian Sea region, and this was the first dish we prepared. Our bodies and minds have a tremendous capacity to store nostalgic memories from childhood; after nearly 40…