Modern Persian Food

How about a fun and unique twist to holiday baking?  Bita and Beata share recipes, inspiration and short-cuts to create delicious and easy Persian-ish desserts to add new flavors to your holiday treats.   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes Co-host Beata Nazem Kelley blog: BeatsEats – Persian Girl Desperately Addicted to Food! Co-host Bita Arabian blog: Oven Hug - He...

Learn more about the #CookForIran global movement of dinners, restaurants, and chefs. Beata and Bita are joined by Layla Yarjani in an insightful conversation about an opportunity to help spread awareness about the situation and people in current events in Iran.   For more information check the website: Cook for Iran   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes Co-host Beat...

Beata and Bita are eager to share about Yalda (also known as Shab-e Yalda), the longest darkest night of the year, which happens on the Winter Solstice. They want to inspire you to celebrate Yalda, in whatever form you can, this year.    Listen to get ideas of incorporating elements from this ancient festival to your holiday gatherings, end-of-year events, or on the actual night of Yalda.   In the...

What makes a Persian steakhouse different than a regular Persian restaurant or chelo kababi.  Join Bita, Beata and Fera Hashemi as they explore the nuances of a modern approach to eating out Persian style with a twist.  It's all in the in-house aged meats, the quality of the meat, the presentation and special Persian hospitality.  The chef is Fera's husband who is in the kitchen making his version...

Have you had Haleem, known by some as Persian porridge? If not, definitely give this episode a listen. Bita & Beata break down traditional and modern recipes of a classic, rich and delicious Persian food made with primarily wheat and meat. Much more delicious than it sounds, it's creamy and luscious and super comforting. Also spelled Halim.     Don't have time to boil, strain, simmer, and mash?  N...

What does it mean to have a Persian Thanksgiving?  Join Beata & Bita in a fun and festive conversation sharing how each co-host feels thankful and blessed this Thanksgiving season. The co-hosts share creative strategies for bringing in Persian culture and cuisine and blending it into western Thanksgiving meals. As a bonus, learn how to cook a turkey! Tackle the fear, if the Beats can do it, you ca...

Join us, Bita and Beata, for a candid conversation as we share our thoughts and feelings around the uprising revolution in Iran and the worldwide demonstrations supporting women and human rights.    We reflect about growing up in the U.S. as an Iranian American, what that was like, and how finding confidence in self-identity helped shape who we are and what we do now.   We've been inspired by a re...

Have you tried Persimmons?  It's one of the Beats most beloved fruit.  Who do you think loves it more?  Join us as we explore the two types of persimmons including fun ways to gobble them up.   Now for a listener quiz: Which are you going to try first?  Hachiya or Fuyu? Time for a quiz - which is good for baking?  Which version can be eaten like an apple without further ripening? Will you be addin...

  Ready to get a sugar rush? Join the Beats as they break down 5 original, Persian-inspired candies and treats and how to make them!   Unique twist on Halloween Candy and Treats Sohan | Persian Brittle (made in a modern way with Saltine crackers, would work in mini version with oyster crackers too) Chocolate-covered Pretzel rods garnished with pistachios and zereshk (also try with dried, candied o...

The Beats are joined by special guest, Candice Walker of the Proportional Plate.  Together they break down and define the ancient Persian philosophy of Warm vs Cold Foods (in the Persian language "garm" vs "sard" foods).  Through Candice's world travels she found commonality and crossovers with Ayurveda and ancient Chinese herbal medicine.    Listen to this intriguing conversation and learn how ou...

In light of the Zan, Zendegi, Azadi movement (Women, Life, Freedom) we are not broadcasting new content this week. Instead, we are "re-beating" an earlier episode about Khoresh (original episode #8).   Co-hosts Bita and Beata talk about their favorite Persian stews which are served with rice - what's in them, how to prepare them, short-cuts (Beats Cheats) and favorites.    What is Persian Stew (kh...

One Beat loves rose, the other is not so sure but willing to try. Which camp will you join? The fragrance of rose can be associated with mood lifting qualities. It also adds classic flavors to desserts, drinks, and even savory foods. Bring more joy to your life and add some culinary rose to your cooking!   This week's "Ask the Beats" uncovers Beata and Bita's favorite non-Persian dishes to make du...

Upgrade your party dip with creamy and nutritious Persian Borani (also spelled Boorani). It's a cooked vegetable and yogurt dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. Beata and Bita share the most common versions of Borani, plus their go-to recipes so you can make some tonight!   This week's "Ask the Beats" covers favorite ingredients to cook with.   Episodes referenced: Ep...

It's almost fall and the Beats have apples top of mind!  Bita & Beata explore the role of apples in Persian culture, some of the symbolic meanings behind the representation of apples in traditional sofrehs (table settings) and occasions, and of course how apples are used in Persian cuisine.   This week's "Ask the Beats" takes a peek into what Bita & Beata make for dinner that's not actually Persia...

Special guest actor/comedian Payam Banifaz joins Beata and Bita on the podcast to talk about Persian food, favorite LA restaurants, and building community within the Iranian-American community. Payam confides he was a picky eater growing up, and shares the dish he dislikes the most!   Find Payam on Instagram at: Payam Banifaz (@pbani)     Restaurants Referenced: Sadaf in Encino Raffi's in Glendale...

Beata and Bita have fun talking about beets in this week's podcast episode. They uncover their favorite beet recipes, cooking techniques, and nostalgia with beet street food in Iran.    The "Ask the Beats" dives into the question: "When did you first start cooking Persian Food?"   Episodes referenced: Episode 55: Persian Nuts Episode 32: Maz Jobrani on Persian Food   All Modern Persian Food podcas...

Bita and Beata celebrate the 100th episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast by sharing their top most memorable moments since first launching the show in 2020. The co-hosts give a sneak peek of a stellar guest line up, modern recipes to come, as well as offer new ways to listen and learn including YouTube and live broadcast shows for more listener engagement. Stay tuned for 100 more!   Episodes...

Bita and Beata get energized drinking and talking about coffee, coffee houses, and types of coffee in Persian culture and cuisine. Learn how to make strong Turkish coffee or easy stir in instant "nescafe" coffee and get your boost for the day! The duo reminisce about getting their "faal" read from coffee grounds and what their daily coffee rituals are.   The "Ask the Beats" is from Elika from Orga...

Bita and Beata are chatting about suitcases full of soghati! Giving and receiving soghati souvenir gifts are part of Persian culture and often include golden saffron, savory nuts, delicate sweets, and other Persian specialties and extravagances! Hear about their stories growing up and what this cultural gift giving tradition looks like.    The "Ask the Beats" this week is about popular Persian dis...

Get ready to get hungry! Beata and Bita are covering what and how to order in a Persian restaurant. From delicious appetizers, savory kababs, and khoresh stews to mixed rice dishes and addictive desserts, the Beats help you navigate the extensive menu at your local Persian eatery.    This week's Ask the Beats is from a listener in Iran about trying new ingredients.    All Modern Persian Food podca...

The Beats are breaking down a simple, classic Persian salad recipe, Salad Shirazi! Bright, light, crispy, crunchy! The salad staples include tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a simple citrus dressing. Play with the ratios to suit your taste!   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes Co-host Beata Nazem Kelley blog: BeatsEats – Persian Girl Desperately Addicted to Food!...

Oh anar, Persian for pomegranate, how we love you!  A classic, iconic Persian fruit that is both beautiful and sensual, prevalent in dishes both sweet and savory.  We hope you enjoy listening to the last of our summer Re-Beats series!    Original episode: Episode 53: Pomegranates | Anar   Additional episodes referenced: Episode 16: Khoresh Fesenjoon | Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew Episode 31...

Breaking bread together is so lovely. That's why the Beats are happy to bring back Persian Breads, the 3rd in a 4 part series of repeating or as they like to call it, the "Summer Re-Beats".  Be sure to share your favorite "loghmeh" or perfect bite of something wrapped in bread with us!   Original episode: Episode 49: Persian Breads Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite pod...

Are you ready to spice things up?  Persian spices are subtle and sophisticated.  Elevate your dishes with saffron, turmeric, cinnamon and more.  The beats are "re-beating" a fan favorite episode - one of the very first broadcasts. Hold on to your seats, and take a listen to Aromatic Spices!  This is the 2nd in a 4 part series of re-broadcasting listener favorite episodes over the summer.  We hope...

What's for dessert?  If you are looking for something new, aromatic, and unique, look no further - the Beats have you covered.  This is a re-broadcast of a fan favorite MPF episode we decided to bring back for your summer listening pleasure.  It's the first of a 4-part series we are calling "Summer Re-Beats".  We hope you think it's as sweet as zoolbia bahmieh!   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian F...