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 you are inspired to sprinkle some royal magic on everything. Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcas...
Jul 13, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 93
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 Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and tell a friend or write a review! Episode 34: Bastani | Pe...
Jul 06, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Join us as we delve into the ancient mid-summer rain festival called Tirgan. Tirgan is a non-secular Zorastrian festival full of opportunities to make wishes! Typically celebrated in the first few days of July, customs include splashing water, dancing, reciting poetry, and serving spinach soup and sholezard, as well as wearing rainbow-colored bracelets. Tune in for some modern ideas and ways to bring Tirgan into your summer fun and activities! Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast for a ...
Jun 29, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Beata and Bita welcome language specialist Leyla of Chai and Conversation to diverge from Persian language lessons and to explore, break down, and demystify the Persian cultural concept of "tarof", a form of politeness, etiquette, and respect as it relates to food, having guests, and eating in restaurants. They reflect on raising kids in the US, especially in blended/cross cultural families, and being flexible with some old traditions. In the 2nd half of the episode the trio discuss food as the ...
Jun 22, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Have you ever tried making a Persian-inspired charcuterie board? The Beats love building boards or platters mound high with a variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, fruits (fresh, dried, or jam), honeys, herbs, and sometimes dips. Get creative with your charcuterie board pickings to make the perfect sweet or savory bite! Remember, there's no right or wrong way to do it and enjoy the process and the company. In lieu of the Ask the Beats segment, the Beats ask you, the listener, what would you like to h...
Jun 15, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 89
The Beats welcome Mitra Golnazar of Gol Ice Cream to talk about Persian ice cream, what makes it so delicious, and how Gol's philosophy of sourcing quality and fresh ingredients is their secret weapon for creating gourmet bastani. Get ready to crave so many interesting and delicious flavors! Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast for a new episode every Wednesday! And tell a friend you think might be interested! References: Modern Persian Food Podcast Episode 34 Bastani | Persian Ice Crea...
Jun 08, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Today we're exploring modern versions of an old classic, Persian kotlet! Kotlet is a fan-favorite fried potato patty and we've covering off with tips and tricks for making a lighter, healthier version, including ingredient substitutions, and ways to serve it. Today's "Ask the Beats" comes from Bita's hubby, Bobby. He wants to know how do you keep the kotlet from falling apart and what makes it stick together? Tune in to hear what the Beats share about keeping it tight with kotlet. All Modern Per...
Jun 01, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Warning: be sure to eat something before listening to this episode all about Persian Kababs! Your mouth will be watering as we explore all of our personal favorites and beyond including joojeh kabab, koobideh, barg, chengeh, shishleek, fish, veggies, and more. These delicious, decadent kababs are chargrilled directly over a hot flame, can you smell it yet? The "Ask the Beats" in this episode comes from Beata's hubby, Paul who asks: What is the difference between a kabab and a burger? References:...
May 25, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 86
It's wedding season on the Modern Persian Food podcast! Bita and Beata bring back their first ever guest episode with wedding officiant and planner Nilou Nouri from Nilou Weddings as they talk about the role of food in Persian weddings and what makes Persian weddings unique. They explore modern takes on old traditions and some personal memories and stories of Beata and Bita's own weddings. Enjoy and let's celebrate love, culture, and partnerships! Resource links and recipes from this podcast epi...
May 18, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 85
The Beats break down the ins and outs of chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans (or nokhod in Farsi) in Persian food and beyond! Chickpeas are fabulous in soups & stews, salads, dips, and as snacks. Chickpea flour is used in an iconic cookie called Nokhodchi and is gluten free. The easiest way to work with garbanzo beans is to use the canned bean variety, although the duo go over how to cook them from scratch, and also some easy go-to recipes. Listen to how chickpeas when mixed into Ajeel tr...
May 11, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Ideas and inspirations for a sweet and savory Persian brunch to enjoy on Mother's day, hanging out with friends and family, or just indulging on your own! Beata and Bita build off their Persian Breakfast episode #27 with some new ways to bring on the weekend and have a leisurely brunch with some Persian flair and flavor. The "Ask the Beats" covers off on a fun brunch cocktail sure to get anyone closer to their "Gols"! Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player,...
May 04, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Today's episode is a true podcasting collab. Co-hosts Beata and Bita are joined by Mikey and Rinne who are the hosts of another podcast, called Mikey and Rinne Eat In. Mikey is a culinary innovation consultant and helps companies make all new delicious products nationwide. Bita and Mikey connected through an opportunity with Dinnerbell, a heat and eat food service company based out of Palo Alto, California. Bita and Beata, together with Mikey and Dinnerbell curated a limited time menu offering o...
Apr 27, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Make Tahdig Not War! A T-shirt, a movement, and so much more. In today's episode co-hosts Bita and Beata are joined by a creative expressionist, Parisa Parnian. Special guest Parisa puts passion and meaning behind everything she does. She is the inspiration behind #maketahdignotwar and the growing, peaceful Persian foodie community. We learn the story behind the origination of said shirt as well as the history around Parisa's spice blend, Perxican and her Mexican and Spanish inspired art. All Mo...
Apr 20, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Cohosts Beata and Bita reflect on spring time and how they have celebrated Easter, both growing up Persian in the US and also as an adult in their Iranian-American families. They share their favorite Easter and springtime foods and recipes which include: Deviled eggs Steamed fava beans Baghali Polo | Layered Persian dill rice with fava beans Lamb including braised lamb shanks maycheh and lamb chops All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes Co-host Beata Nazem Kelley blog...
Apr 13, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Listen to our insightful and motivating conversation with chef Beeta Mohajeri with the following topic: How to conquer culinary challenges by diving right in and taking the bull by the horns with a say yes, try everything attitude! We hope you have fun with our triple Beat power…triple Bita/Beata/Beeta action including co-hosts Bita Arabian, Beata Nazem Kelley, and special guest Beeta Mohajeri. Chef Beeta is currently a private chef and has recently opened a new private dining chefs dinner space...
Apr 06, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Join us as we explore Persian dishes that are full of vegetables, herbs, legumes, and fruits. Persian cuisine is often plant-based protein rich without needing any meat substitutes. In this podcast episode we cover off on some of our favorite vegetarian appetizers, soups, rice dishes, and luscious khoreshts plus some of our tips and tricks to get the most flavor out of your ingredients. Learn about Bita and Beata's favorite way to treat guests in this week's "Ask the Beats" segment. Subscribe+ t...
Mar 30, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Round out your Norooz/Nowruz season by taking the popular Salad Olivier to Sizdeh Bedar! Sizdeh Bedar is the 13th day of the Persian New Year where it is tradition to get out of the house and have a picnic or spend time outdoors. Salad Olivier (pronounced ooloovieh or olivieh) is a potato, chicken, and egg salad with a tangy twist – pickles add crunch and a punchy tartness. We serve Salad Olivier as an appetizer or side dish at gatherings. It is a wonderful compliment to kabab at barbecues, potl...
Mar 23, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 77
An inspiring conversation with Chef Nadia Deljou of Delle Dining on preserving culture through the sounds, smells, and tastes of Persian food and music. Background - raised in an Iranian-American family with a father being of Jewish faith. Family and extended family were involved in art, creation, and food with family at the foreground of everyting. Nadia has been able to identify with her culture in a multi-faceted way. Nadia's approach and mission: To develop greater meaning for self (feeling ...
Mar 16, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Get inspired to set up your own Norooz/Nowruz Sofreh Haft Seen this year! Co-hosts Bita and Beata give an overview of the Persian New Year and encourage everyone to set up the traditional place setting with 7 symbolic items (or with whatever items you can get your hands on!) Highlights of Norooz (also spelled Nowruz) It is the biggest Persian holiday and celebrated by other nationalities and countries as well It means new day and a time of renewal and rebirth Celebrated at the Spring Equinox for...
Mar 09, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 75
In this podcast episode Beata and Bita explore Persian cookies which are often presented on the Persian New Year Norooz sofreh haft-seen table spread, weddings, and special occasions. They also include a simple recipe for Naan Berenji Persian Rice Flour cookies to inspire their listeners. What makes Persian cookies unique: Many of the cookie varieties Often ornately decorated, colorful and beautiful Naturally gluten-free; rice flour (naan berenji), chickpea flour (nokhodchi), nut-based Flavors -...
Mar 02, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Does growing your own sabzeh give you an anxiety attack? Worry no further! Co-hosts, Bita and Beata are honored to be joined on the Modern Persian Food podcast by a special guest Naz Davarian in a special tutorial where Naz teaches how to grow sabzeh, also known as Persian grass, from start to finish. Sabzeh is one of the 7 symbolic items arranged on the Haft-seen table for Norooz, the Persian New Year, the sprouting of new life! Sabzeh represents life, new life, renewal, rebirth, new beginning,...
Feb 23, 2022•35 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Do you like carbs? How about Fried carbs?? Today's guest on the podcast, Varta Ariaban, describes tahdig as the ultimate fried carb. Varta is a talented food artist specializing in both sweet and savory. On the sweet side she makes beautiful bite-sized modern persian treats. On the savory side Varta loves preparing tahdig with fun designs Tahdig tips It's all in trial and error, learning and knowing your cookware and your stove/burner. Go low and slow Use a small, sauce pan pot Dark, non-stick p...
Feb 16, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Can we live better, healthier lives, and in some cases, maybe even extend our lives by enjoying the medicinal properties of Persian spices in foods? Maybe! Join the Beats as they explore the depths of knowledge in an insightful chat with Dr. Mahtab Jafari and explore Persian spices highlighted for medicinal health benefits include saffron, turmeric, cinnamon and rose. Dr. Mahtab is a doctor, a professor, a research scientist, an author, and a director… and so much more. She currently teaches Lif...
Feb 09, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 71
In today's episode, you will learn to make the easiest one pot, no strain rice, in Farsi called "kateh". What is the "kateh" method? A specific, one pot rice technique with no straining required Steps: Use Indian long-grain, white Basmati rice Wash and rinse the rice until the water rinses out clear Transfer the rinsed rice to a pot General rule of thumb, fill up the pot about an inch and a half above the level of rice in the pot - visual trick, use a finger dipped into the water - almost up to ...
Feb 02, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Make your first Persian stew or "khoresh", an easy Persian celery Stew | Khoresh/t Karafs! This healthy stew is a great dish to start with, including ingredients that are easy to find. Guess what, it's home chef, Beata's joon's very first Persian dish she made herself! For co-host Bita, she grew up eating it on regular rotation as a healthy choice, made with chicken. What we like about it: Readily available ingredients Easy to make Can easily make it vegetarian/vegan Basics of recipe: Celery, on...
Jan 26, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Have you heard of smoked rice? Smoked basmati rice is just one of the smoky flavors the Beats explore in ingredients, dishes, and beyond. There are so many delicious and unique smoky flavors in Persian cuisine, the most notable one being smoked fish. Fish Purchase smoked from a store or a restaurant Smoke it yourself Open invitation to join us as a special guest on the podcast! Smoked rice Available in middle eastern or Persian markets or online Char-grilling on the grill, in the oven under the ...
Jan 19, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Are you ready to get nutty?! In this single ingredient episode, co-hosts Bita and Beata get excited about "pesteh" which is Farsi for pistachios, specifically how to add vibrance, texture and color to everyday dishes and beyond. Before the Beats dive into ways to incorporate this rich, decadent nut into Persian recipes and beyond, let's explore a few questions. Why are Persian pistachios special? Roasted and seasoned - marinated in citrus, salt, and saffron How do Persians eat them? Plain, serve...
Jan 12, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 67
The Beats have so much fun geeking out about Persian food with Dan Ahdoot, a comic actor/writer, and most recently, very first Persian with his own show on Primetime TV! Dan will be the host of a new show that follows "Chopped" on the Food Network (first show airing on Dec. 28th) called "Raid the Fridge". Help us support Dan in what is sure to be a hit show - with Dan's wit and energy, this is going to be a cooking show like no other. What Dan, doesn't like to eat in terms of Persian food: Quinc...
Jan 05, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In this episode we are gifting you with 5, fun Persian-inspired cocktails! Pomegranate fizz Sekanjabin mojito Watermelon slushie Gohl Getter Cardamom Hot Toddy With our unique ideas you'll have festive cocktails twists to ring in the new year. Disclaimer: all of these drinks can easily be made without any alcohol as mocktails. If you choose to drink, be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Pomegranate Fizz - a fun, pinkish, fizzy drink - make with pomegranate juice, club soda ...
Dec 29, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Do you want to make warm, delicious, comforting, nutritious iconic Persian soup, Aash Reshteh, also known as Persian Noodle and Bean and Herb Soup?! Join the Beats as they walk through their recipes including short-cuts and techniques, and a fun modern take on blending American and Persian cultures - making and eating it for the Western calendar new year on January 1st of the Gregorian calendar (vs the traditional time aash reshteh is enjoyed, the Persian New Year Norouz/Norooz which falls on th...
Dec 22, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 64
