Persian Rice Spice translates to, ‘advieh berenj.’ This advieh is a blend of five warm spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and dried rose petals. This spice blend adds a unique depth of flavor to the steamed white rice to create the Aromatic Rice that I serve with my Khoresh gheymeh, Loobia Polo ba havij, Kalam Polo, Adas…
This is Pistachio and Apricot jam cookie, or as we call in Iran, “Shirini Morabaii,” which translates to jam cookies! These are butter cookies that are lightly scented with rosewater and vanilla; filled with sweet tart apricot jam and sprinkled with chopped pistachios. This shirini is as delicate as it looks; you will want to…
This Quick Crusty Bread is everything that you would want in a homemade bread! The golden brown crust is delicious and crispy, and the crumbs are light and airy. Best of all, there is no kneading, and no need for a mixer! Four simple ingredients are briefly combined and left alone over the counter top…
German Pancake, also known as ‘Dutch Baby,’ is a puffed up pancake that is crispy on the outside, soft and dreamy inside; a real treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a late afternoon teatime dessert, or as us Iranians call it, “asrooneh.” My memory of this pancake goes back to many years ago when I…
Strawberry Cranberry Holiday Jam is made with two of my favorite berries that are available fresh at this time of year. This jam is delightfully simple to make, and it’s also one of the best of its kind that I’ve tasted! You might also like to know that there is no need to add packaged pectin powder…
In a perfect world the people from different cultures would come together in harmony, to enrich and spice up the quality of life on this planet of ours. Turkey and Cranberry Polo, ‘rice’ is my way of bringing together two cultural dishes, with origins thousands of miles apart. This is a delightful dish with exquisite flavors…
The spicy pumpkin seeds are delicious and crunchy and one of the best snacks for these cold fall nights, over warm conversations; ask any Iranian! Yes, roasted seeds and nuts are a favorite among Iranians, and there is an enormous selection of both in Iran. Among some of the most popular ‘ajil’ (mixed nuts and seeds)…
Turmeric milk, also known as the “golden milk,” is like a warming ray of sunshine that is soothing and relaxing anytime of the day or night; the perfect ‘me time’ drink! I make mine with 1% milk, but also love it with coconut or almond milk. Ground turmeric, chopped fresh ginger root, cinnamon bark, and…
Olive Oil Dip with Fresh Herbs is easy to make and it’s one of the best starters for many meals, but it certainly is a must before indulging in an Italian meal! Whenever we go to our favorite Italian restaurant, I can’t wait to dip chunks of their warm crusty Italian bread in a bowl…
Guacamole is a favorite around our house. I never need a special occasion to whip up a batch just about anytime of year, so basically finding good looking avocados is reason enough; but tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo so I feel this is the perfect time to share a new, and slightly different Guacamole recipe with…
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Fall is the pomegranate season, and I feel it is the perfect time to share my Fesenjan, or Fesenjoon recipe (chicken stew with walnut and pomegranate sauce). Beautiful red ripe pomegranates are available in most supermarkets. This jeweled fruit is the wonder of nature and makes you think about the intricate design that nestles precious gems that…
Kabob Koobideh (کباب کوبیده) is made with ground lamb or beef or a combination of the two. This is one of the most popular kabobs you can find on the streets of Iran. This Kabob is usually grilled over hot coals and is served in fancy restaurants and clubs, as well as in the little shacks…
Barbari, Noon Barbari, or Nan Barbari, is a popular traditional Persian flat bread with a crisp crust and light airy texture. Noon, or nan, means bread in Farsi. This bread is best when eaten hot right out of the oven and it is the most favored bread for breakfast (sobhaneh). Some of the special delicacies enjoyed with…