Modern Persian Food

Summer is picnic season, and we're sharing how to bring Persian flavors, traditions, and hospitality to your next outdoor gathering. Whether you're planning a casual afternoon at the park, a beach day with friends, or a family get-together, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a memorable Persian-inspired picnic experience.   We discuss everything from choosing the perfect picnic s...

Ever walked into a Persian restaurant or market and didn't know what to order or where to start? This episode is for you!   In the first half of the episode, Bita and Beata share some of their recent Persian restaurant adventures — including visits to beloved spots like Berenjak and Eyval — while reminiscing about favorite meals they've enjoyed together over the years. Each co-host reveals their m...

In this cozy episode of Modern Persian Food, Bita and Beata share the dishes they've been making on repeat—comforting, go-to recipes that keep them grounded and connected to home. They also do a fun on-air tasting of some current favorites, with real-time reactions and plenty of flavor inspiration along the way. Bita shares exciting news about a new project she's been working on, and Beata confess...

In today's episode, we're taking a step back from the noise of the world and reconnecting in the most familiar way we know how—through food. With everything feeling a bit heavy and unpredictable lately, we wanted to keep things simple and grounding. This episode is a casual kitchen catch-up, where we share what's been cooking in our homes, the flavors we're leaning into, and how food continues to...

As we welcome Nowruz this year, we do so with a heavy heart. And yet, even in difficult times, we feel called to honor and commemorate this ancient, beautiful tradition. Nowruz reminds us that light returns, spring follows winter, and renewal is always possible. For Episode 186 of the Modern Persian Food podcast, we are revisiting one of our most beloved and foundational episodes — Episode 126 — w...

Love, sweetness, and deep cultural symbolism take center stage in this Valentine's season episode of The Modern Persian Food Podcast. 💛 In Episode 185, Beata and Bita explore honey and figs—two ingredients that have long represented love, abundance, sensuality, and connection in Persian culture and beyond. As part of our ongoing February tradition, we reflect on how food helps us express affectio...

In episode #184 of Modern Persian Food, we explore two emerging trends that are reshaping home cooking: using AI to spark Persian recipe ideas and incorporating resistant starches for better gut health.   Bita Arabian shares how she's been turning to AI for quick menu inspiration—especially when trying to use up ingredients already in her fridge. From brainstorming Persian-inspired meals to reduci...

In this festive episode of Modern Persian Food, co-hosts Beata and Bita welcome listeners into the warm glow of Shab-e Yalda, the Persian Winter Solstice celebration. They kick things off by reminiscing about memorable Yalda moments from past episodes—stories filled with family traditions, cozy gatherings, and of course, food.   From there, the conversation explores the history and meaning of Yald...

In this vibrant episode of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, cohosts Beata and Bita dive into the dazzling world of Jeweled Persian Rice (Morassa Polo or Javaher Polo) — the show-stopping dish that shines at celebrations and feasts. They share the story and history behind this sweet, tangy, and aromatic rice, layered with colorful "jewels" like dried fruits, candied orange peel, pistachios, and car...

Do you love it, hate it, or just find it a little too weird? In this episode of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, we explore Doogh, the salty, tangy, and refreshing fermented yogurt drink that's a staple in Persian cuisine. Join us as we share: The origin story of Doogh and its role in Persian food culture How Persians traditionally drink Doogh and the best dishes to pair it with Special audio clip...

Podcast Show Notes Episode #180 – Summer Plates, Persian Roots This week, Bita and Beata catch up after a full summer of food, life, and cultural connection. From refreshing drinks to layered rice dishes, they share what's been inspiring them in the kitchen and beyond. 🍉 Beata's Summer Creations: Cooling melon-based drinks that make hot afternoons sweeter Goat cheese sabzi khordan wraps, perfect...

Get your skewers ready — it's time to fire up the grill! In this summer-inspired episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast, we're diving into one of the most beloved traditions in Persian cuisine: grilling! Whether you're working with a backyard BBQ or just your stovetop or air fryer, we're sharing all the secrets to achieving that authentic smoky flavor that makes Persian kabobs and grilled vege...

In this delicious episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Persian sweets, where every bite tells a story. Join us as we explore the artful balance of crispy, syrupy, soft, and chewy textures that make these desserts irresistible.   We journey through regional specialties, from the delicate kaak of Kermanshah to the fragrant sohan of Isfahan. We share some of our favorite flavors and memories...

In episode #177 of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, we take on the challenge of creating a delicious Persian-inspired four-course meal using only ingredients from Trader Joe's! Whether you're short on time or just looking for easy ways to incorporate Persian flavors into your cooking, we've got you covered. We share our favorite Trader Joe's hacks, shortcuts, and pantry staples that help bring the...

Get ready for the biggest holiday in the Persian culture by spring cleaning your kitchen, home, and mind! Persian New Year, also known also as Nowruz or Norooz, marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated around the world.    In this episode, we'll give you the tools to tackle "Khooneh Takoni" spring cleaning through your house and life, and prepare for a clean slate to start the new year off...

Join us for a fun conversation as we explore the stunning and symbolic Persian Love Cake. Learn how to make it using Bita's recipe from scratch, or Beata's shortcuts for an easy version. We customize with flavors of almond, cardamom, saffron and rosewater and include modern twists and tips to inspire you.    In the second half of the episode, we chat about Food as an expression of Love, especially...

Today in episode 174, we'll explore the essential kitchen tools and gadgets needed to cook delicious Persian food – and the surprising part is, you may already have most of them! Persian cuisine is full of rich flavors, diverse textures, and comforting dishes. We want to encourage you to embrace cooking Persian food in the new year: Get ready to be the chef in your own kitchen and try making some...

Join us for our annual Yalda Winter Solstice episode where we celebrate Shab Yalda, the longest and darkest night of the year!  In this episode, we feature members of our community to honor Persian traditions of poetry, storytelling, music, and of course food!   Stay up late with your family and friends, drinking tea, and eating ajeel trail mix, pomegranate soup, and watermelon! Send us your pics...

Join us for an exciting exploration of Persian-inspired pies perfect for Thanksgiving and fall. We kick off the episode by sharing our love for the big fall holiday, Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and family togetherness, and how we blend Persian and American traditions at our holiday tables. This year, we've introduced a new interactive format where each presents unique pie recipes we've devel...

  Embrace the changing of season by setting up a Sofreh Mehregan or trying out a new Persian recipe. Mehregan is the celebration of love, friendship, and a good harvest or bounty. Similar to other ancient Persian holidays, there is a dedicated sofreh setting for Mehregan. Typical items on the Mehregan sofreh include a mirror, candles, espand/esfand, wheat, grapes and other fall fruits, ajeel trail...

In this episode Beata and Bita catch up on their Persian-inspired summer activities and delve into the topic of fruit and fruit trees in Persian culture. Learn about the ways each of them embraces their culture and what it looks like in their family and community.    Check out the links below for topics and episodes mentioned in this podcast episode:   Beata on the game show: Chew on This: A Food...

From golden saffron to delicate sweet treats, there are no better gifts than souvenirs from Iran! With all the summertime travel wrapping up, listen as we uncover what the most seeked out items from Iran are and learn about our cultural traditions around gift giving.   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here !   Check us out on App...

Join us as we savor the iconic and refreshing Persian syrup called sekanjabin this summer. We cover off on how to make it with just a few simple ingredients at home, and explore both the classic and modern ways we enjoy it from dipping sauces to fun cocktails.   In the second half of the episode we uncover verjus in the Ask the Beats segment, sharing what it is and how it is incorporated into Pers...

We're diving into the archives and sharing one of our favorite episodes of the Modern Persian Food podcast - our interview with stand-up comedian and Food Network host Dan Ahdoot!    We explore some of the lesser-known Persian dishes and ingredients and what Dan refers lovingly to as "Persian Trucker Food". Dishes that hit the spot and stick to the ribs, like Dizi, Kaleh Pacheh, and Aash Sholeh Gh...

We're starting our day with a fresh and bountiful Persian spread including fruits, jams, breads, eggs, and much more! Either for breakfast or brunch, with a crowd or by yourself, we chat about our favorite Persian morning offerings and some of our modern additions to make it a memorable meal.    Beata loves big displays of eggs adorned with spinach or dates. In contrast, Bita loves diving into a c...