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,…
Sohan Asali – Walnut brittle
To most Persians, Sohan Asali is a beloved and familiar sweet that is a prime example of Mehmoon-Navazi, a uniquely Persian style of over-the-top hospitality! To me, Sohan Asali is a reminder of the nearly forgotten years of 40 years ago when I lived in Iran and celebrated the Winter Solstice, called Shab-e Yalda in…
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 give you as much pleasure and joy of eating as fesenjoon! It’s inherently a simple dish, showcasing a perfect blend of simple and yet flavorful ingredients that are abundant in Iran, making it a celebration of natural resources. The dish starts…
Kuku Sabzi – Fresh herb and leek frittata
Welcome to the world of herbs! Herbs play a significant role in Persian cuisine, whether they are served fresh as an appetizer with bread and cheese or cooked into Kuku or Khoresh (Persian stews). Herbs are integrated into Persian dishes not only to brighten up the colors and bring a brilliant herbal taste, but also…
Koloucheh, Fuman style -Sweet pastries with creamy walnut and rosewater filling
This beauty is another of the Caspian Sea region’s contributions to Persian cuisine. Not only is this pastry unique to this region, but also the two provinces that border the Sea – Gilan, and Mazandaran – each have their own versions. Though a walnut paste is the most common filling, possible alternatives include dates, bananas,…
Zeitoon Parvardeh – Olive Tapenade with pomegranate
Zeitoon parvardeh is naturally packed with a ton of flavors, bringing together sweet, sour, salt, fat, and umami all into one dish! This tapenade, a traditional marinated olive spread finds its roots in the Caspian Sea region of Iran where you will frequently see it served at homes and restaurants. Given its origin, you will…
Qhotab – Walnut turnover pastry with cardamom and rose water
I have such fond memories of my mother making these tasty treats as a young child. Qhotab is traditionally deep-fried (though, I bake mine), creating a delicate and flaky textured crust with creamy and aromatic cardamom and rose water walnut paste on the inside. I can still recall the scent of the oil and the…