Modern Persian Food

In Episode #16, co-hosts Bita and Beata talk about one of their favorite delicious Persian stews, Fesenjoon (also known as Fessenjoon, Fesenjan), how they enjoyed it growing up, and personal modern recipes and methods for preparing it today. What is Khoresh Fesenjoon? Khoresh means stew in Farsi, however it is more like a saucy dish served with rice Fesenjoon, is made with meat of choice (or veget...

In Episode #15, co-hosts Bita and Beata share thoughts on what they feel are essential ingredients and kitchen appliances/hardware to stock a Persian Pantry for basic recipes.   Ingredients White, long grain Basmati rice (refer to episode #3, 'Rice') Spices - saffron, turmeric, sumac, cumin, cardamom, rose petals, rose water, mint, salt, limoo omani (dried lime) Pomegranates - fresh and in molasse...

In Episode #14, co-hosts Bita and Beata share insights on how adding fresh ingredients and nutritious Persian dishes is a welcome addition to the New Year, especially in a time of feeling like many things have been taken away from us (i.e. the current global pandemic we are in).  Cheers to a better, brighter, healthier future ahead!   Fresh, whole ingredients in Persian food Fruit, vegetables, and...

In Episode #13, co-hosts Bita and Beata have a coffee date chat reflecting on the calendar year in review and touch on what to expect from the podcast looking into the future. How and when Bita and Beata met Instagram initial connect, then phone and email correspondence, and finally an in-person meet up in the Golden Gate Park in SF all at the start of the pandemic First connections made May 2020...

In Episode #12, co-hosts Bita and Beata explore 3 iconic Persian soups - Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle and Bean Soup, Ab Ghosht | Persian Meat Stew, and Soup eh Jo | Creamy Persian Barley Soup   Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle and Bean Soup What is it? Translation: ash means soup in Farsi;  reshteh means noodles in Farsi - a nutritious, filling, vegetarian, cleansing soup   Main ingredients:  beans, h...

In Episode #11, co-hosts Bita and Beata do a deep dive into the world of tahdig - the crispy, crunchy, golden toasted bottom of the rice pot.  They talk about the ingredients used, ways of presenting and serving it, plus their personal favorite versions.   3 Main types of Tahdig Plain rice tahdig - made by essentially cooking initially at a higher heat, or by cooking the rice longer.  Bita uses he...

In Episode #10, co-hosts Bita and Beata explore the cozy winter flavors of Persian cuisine including those of a cultural holiday called Shabeh Yalda (winter solstice)   Shabeh Yalda - when it is and how it's traditionally celebrated in Persian families The evening of the turn of the seasons, the winter solstice - this year falling on Dec. 21st 2020 Eat fruit and tea with elders on a special spread...

In Episode #9, co-hosts Bita and Beata talk about Persian tea (chai) as a cultural ceremony and discuss how to prepare it, occasions to drink it, and modern versions of having tea.   How to Make and Serve Persian Tea | Chai Traditional 2 kettle method - one with tea leaves, strong concentrated brew; one with hot water for diluting and keeping tea hot Pour the concentrated brewed tea in a clear gla...

In 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 and is it really a stew? More of a hearty sauce made with delicious braised meat, vegetables, herbs, nuts, beans, and/or legumes served over a mound of rice.   Khoresh Ghemeh | Persian Split...

Co-hosts Bita and Beata share how they incorporate Persian dishes into Persian-AmericanThanksgiving, fall fruits, and fall flavors. Favorite Fall Fruits - Pomegranate, persimmons, and quince   Pomegranate Deseeding strategies - by hand (traditional), underwater method Pomegranate trees Persimmons Varieties - Fuyu and Hachiya (heart-shaped) Eating - slicing or by spoon Decorating fall tables with b...

Shirini | Persian Sweets This episode is all about Persian sweets and desserts, called Shirini. Co-hosts Bita and Beata share insights on Persian cold desserts, creamy custards, extra sweet fried delights, light and aromatic pastries, common Persian candies, and what's in them and how they are often enjoyed.   Cold desserts: Persian ice cream (bastani) is a favorite and includes saffron, rose wate...

In Episode #5, co-hosts Bita Arabian and Beata Nazem Kelley talk about yogurt and the role it plays in Persian food and cooking.  They cover the impressive health benefits, popular uses, and their favorite recipes using yogurt.  Plain white yogurt is a healthy addition to your food Yogurt is a delicious accompaniment to rich stews and soups How to make and drink "Doogh" Persian yogurt drink Storie...

Welcome to episode 4 of the Modern Persian Food podcast! Co-hosts Bita and Beata talk about the different ways to use onions in Persian cooking and the health benefits related to this root vegetable. Health benefits of onions and other root vegetables Raw onions with fresh herbs and in salads Fried onions as basis for Persian stews and recipes or garnish on dishes Batch cooking "Piaz Daagh" Grated...

Welcome to the third episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast! Co-hosts Bita and Beata have a thorough conversation all around rice.  The duo touches on rice history, types of rice, cooking it, personal favorites, and of course tahdig! (note: Tahdig can also be spelled Tadig, or tadeeg) Use long-grain, white basmati rice to make Persian Rice Cooking/Preparing rice Plain white rice | Chelo - ofte...

Welcome to the second episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast! Co-hosts Bita and Beata provide some insight into one of the foundations of Persian cuisine - aromatic spices!   Turmeric and Saffron are the most common spices associated with Persian cuisine What they are, forms and versions, how to use them, and what foods they enhance The best way to store spices  How spices are sold in Iran and...

Welcome to the first episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast! Co-hosts Bita and Beata provide an introduction to Persian Food, what it is, and what their family favorites are. They discuss their backgrounds and give tips on what to order in a Persian restaurant.    Don't be intimated to incorporate Persian Food into your regular rotation Persian food is delicious, comforting, interesting, healt...