Today as part of our Fall Back to Basics series, we're discussing one of the most fundamental recipes in Persian cuisine, Basmati rice. We're sharing our go-to methods for getting rice on the table quickly and easily for weeknight meals. We cover what type of rice to use, the importance of washing it multiple times to remove starches or arsenic and the benefits of soaking it before cooking. Tune in to get our best tips for preparing perfect Persian rice and don't forget to check out our other ep...
Sep 06, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 153
Welcome to another exciting segment of Modern Persian Food! Listen in as we go 'Back to Basics' and explore the world of Persian Pantry Essentials. Join us as we take a playful and engaging twist on the essentials you need to cook Persian food right at home. Our fun-filled guessing game will surely test your knowledge on Persian spices like saffron, cinnamon, sumac, turmeric, and cardamom. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it all. We'll also touch on how different households may h...
Aug 30, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 152
Listen in as we embark on a culinary journey with Saghar Setareh, author of "Pomegranates and Artichokes, Recipes and Memories of a Journey from Iran to Italy". Saghar shares her personal discovery of Italian cuisine and how it led to a renewed interest in her own Iranian roots. With Saghar, we explore the unexpected similarities between these two cuisines, delving into the historical basis of some of these parallels. We also challenge the concept of authenticity, uncovering that some recipes ar...
Aug 23, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 151
Join us for a rich discussion with authors of Maman and Me: Recipes from our Iranian-American Family, Roya Shariat and Gita Sadeh. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind their book, celebrating the hybrid culture of Iranian-Americans and the innovative ways immigrants adapt their traditional recipes with available ingredients. Gita and Roya share their experiences of cooking as a form of love and respect for family and guests, and the challenges of sourcing Persian ingredients i...
Aug 16, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 150
Listen in as we engage in an inspiring conversation with Nasim Alikhani, a celebrated author, entrepreneur, and chef. From helping cook for large groups as a young girl in Iran to creating menus for the Met Gala and the White House, Nasim's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, we unpack her path, her passion for Persian food, and the way she has managed to pursue her dreams and establish her own roots. We explore Nasim's new cookbook, 'Sofreh, A Contemporary Approach to Class...
Aug 09, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 149
Join us for a compelling conversation with author Homa Dashtaki, who takes us on a journey through her nine-year process of writing her book, Yogurt & Whey: Recipes of an Iranian Immigrant Life. The dialogue is rich with insights about food as a language and a tool to make sense of our identities and our place in this world. We are mesmerized by her tale of using her culinary heritage to navigate her Iranian history and to find her sense of belonging in America. In this episode, we also get ...
Aug 02, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 148
Join us for a captivating discussion with Tabay Atkins, a prodigy and certified vegan chef. With an inspiring journey that started with yoga and transitioned to veganism, Tabay shares how these choices have shaped his life. Listen in as he talks about his mother's battle with cancer and how yoga played a crucial role in her recovery, inspiring him to become the world's youngest yoga instructor at age seven. He also shares his experiences as a plant-based nutritionist, a Reiki instructor, and a m...
Jul 26, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of Persian fast food with Mandana and Patrick Lanteigne, the dynamic duo behind Zood, a modern California-style Persian fast food spot in Orange County. Listen as we discuss their creative venture, the mouthwatering food they serve, and how they're making Persian flavors accessible to many. We also chat about the unique aspects of Persian hospitality and how they're recreating that same experience through their business. They share with us the importance...
Jul 19, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Join us on our second stop in the summer podcast series featuring Persian food trucks, stands, and fast foods as we welcome Joon Rice from the Queens Night Market in New York. Listen in as Jessica and Amir share their creative approach to serving Persian food in a way that is both accessible and appealing to a wider audience. They've crafted a unique dining experience by offering individual sized Tahdig cups and a variety of stews, making Persian cuisine enjoyable for everyone. From the Queens N...
Jul 12, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Join us on this exciting journey as we kick off our new series that shines a spotlight on Persian food trucks and fast food companies. Our first pit stop is at Tahdig Tacos, a woman-owned business bringing a fusion of Persian and Mexican flavors to Southern California. Listen in as Bayan Ghahramani, the passionate entrepreneur behind this culinary phenomenon, shares her personal journey of identity and culture. Discover how her Persian heritage and Mexican influences inspired the creation of Tah...
Jul 05, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 144
Can you imagine a festival that combines vibrant colors, ancient legends, and delicious food? Join us as we explore the ancient Persian summer rain festival, Tirgan. We'll share how you can dance, recite poetry, and serve mouthwatering traditional dishes like spinach soup and sholezard to celebrate this unique event. Learn the significance of the rainbow-colored wristbands, the legend of Aarash, and making wishes, all while discovering how to incorporate Tirgan into your own summer celebrations!...
Jun 28, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 143
Join us as we explore the world of tomatoes in Persian cuisine! From fresh salads to soups and stews, tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many delicious dishes. Discover the different forms tomatoes come in - fresh, stewed, sauce, and paste - and how they play a vital role in Persian cuisine. We'll be chatting about salad Shirazi, a refreshing Persian salad that's like a Persian salsa fresca. Plus, don't miss our discussion on grilling tomatoes - skewered and whole - on the barbecue or stovetop....
Jun 21, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we bring you the exquisite flavors of Persian grilled corn, also known as Balal. Discover how the saltwater dipping creates a delightful mild salty taste, while the smoky flavor comes from the beautiful charring on the corn. We're excited to share our memories of enjoying it both in Iran and the US and guide you through our very own recipe for this mouthwatering dish. Learn how to make the perfect saltwater bath and master the grilling techniques to achi...
Jun 14, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 141
Have you ever bitten into a perfectly grilled, saffron and lemon-infused chicken kabob and wondered, "How can I make this at home?" That's exactly what we'll be exploring today, as we share the secrets behind the mouthwatering flavors of joojeh kabob. Discover how the perfect marinade with ingredients like saffron, lemon juice, onion, and salt not only adds incredible taste, but also tenderizes the chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, learn about the etymology of "joojeh," which...
Jun 07, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Can love truly blossom through the art of cooking? Join us for an intimate conversation with Natalie Jahangiry, a food and design entrepreneur who has skillfully blended her passions and cultures into a thriving business, Modern Persian Kitchen (we love the name too!). Natalie takes us on a heartfelt journey of her parent's love story, and how her father's Persian culinary expertise won her mother's heart. Discover how Natalie's family introduced Persian food to their quaint British village, and...
May 31, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Podcast Episode 138 Show Notes - Elevate Your Summer Picnics: A Persian Twist on Outdoor Gatherings Get ready to elevate your summer picnics with a Persian twist! In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about bringing culture and identity to your outdoor gatherings, from setting up a beautiful and functional space to packing the essentials and indulging in delicious Persian dishes. No matter the size of your gathering, our tips will ensure your picnic is unforgettable. We'll dive...
May 24, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 138
tricks on throwing a party (while actually having a good time!) and giving a step-by-step tutorial for Persian style macaroni with crispy tahdig. Get your notebook and tastebuds ready! Orly is a private chef turned influencer, well known in the Persian community, especially in the southern Cal region. She came up with her handle name, @MyGhostHost by setting up parties for friends and then leaving… hence the ghost host! It's clear that Orly has a true passion for food and sharing Persian culture...
May 17, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 137
It's almost Mother's Day, and what better way to celebrate moms than with a tea party? In this episode, we'll cover drinking tea in Persian culture, what a Persian tea typically looks like and tastes like, how to make it, and how it's served traditionally. We'll also share some of our modern ideas on bringing family and friends together with a fun tea party for any occasion. What is a classic Persian tea? A classic Persian tea is black tea, sometimes straight black tea (like an Earl Grey, Darjee...
May 10, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 136
In this episode, special guest Reza Jax talks about how to make a Persian meal happen as a bachelor. Reza is a dancer, fashion icon, and budding Persian home chef. He shares his tips on how to impress with his favorite Persian recipes that he makes at home. Reza learned to cook Persian food from his mother, who is a great cook! Some of Reza's favorite Persian dishes to make are zereshk polo (a rice dish with barberries and dried fruit), kabab digee (a pan-cooked kebab with tomato), tahdig (a cri...
May 03, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, but it's also one of the most versatile and flavorful. In this episode, we'll talk to Mersedeh Prewer from Saffron and Herbs about the history, cultivation, and uses of saffron. We'll also share some of our favorite recipes that feature this delicious spice. What is saffron? Saffron is a spice that comes from the Crocus sativus flower. The stigmas (the female reproductive parts) of the flower are collected and dried, and then used as a sp...
Apr 26, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Bita and Beata are deep diving into the controversial Persian ingredient called Kashk. They are honored to have Omid, The Caspian Chef as a special guest today to help them demystify the origination, different forms, and flavor notes of kashk. Omid even teaches Bita and Beata how to make kashk at home! Lastly, the trio share some of their favorite dishes to serve with a drizzle of kashk plus some new and innovative ideas for adding kashk in non-expected soups and sides. This episode has been spo...
Apr 19, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Special guest Jaleh Arabian, also known as Maman Jaleh (Bita's mother-in-law) and MJ for short, joins the podcast today to shed light on old customs and traditions around Persian superstitions. One of the ways to ward off evil and cleanse the air is to burn esphand/esfand or wild rue. Wild rue seeds are burned in a special vessel stovetop and the smoke and aroma are spread around the room for cleansing. Listen to the episode to also hear how eggs play a role in Persian superstitions. This episod...
Apr 12, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Cohosts Beata and Bita reflect on spring time and how they have celebrated Easter, both growing up Persian in the US and also as adults 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 05, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Born in Iran and raised in California, Penny is the first Persian Jewish chef and businesswoman to be featured on hit culinary and reality television shows. Beata and Bita learn about Penny's hybrid, mixed culture family and Persian Passover traditions old and new. Listen and learn what green onion beatings are all about in Persian Passovers, as well as Penny's family tradition of playing hide and seek with Matzo crackers! Feel free to submit a question for our Ask the Beats segment of our show ...
Mar 29, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Co-hosts Bita and Beata are joined by special guest, pastry chef and culinary expert Tara Omidvar of Made of Sugar and Saffron. Jump into this episode to hear about the many forms of halva in Iran and all around the world. There are 100s of varieties from different regions. Listen to the end and get a recipe walkthrough for how to make the very traditional version of halva found in Iran including tips and tricks to make it luscious and smooth. This episode has been sponsored by Zaffrus Saffron -...
Mar 22, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Setting a sofreh or special table setting is the first step in honoring the ancient traditions of our ancestors on several holidays. In this week's episode, Bita and Beata dive into what goes on each of the sofrehs, what they represent, and also common themes amongst them. These happy occasions include the following seasonal transitions and also when people get married: Norouz/Norooz | the Persian New Year with setting a haftsin; Mehregan | celebration of fall and special setting Yalda | the Per...
Mar 15, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Beata and Bita get thirsty talking to special guest, Zahra Tabatabai, owner and founder of Back Home Beer. The Beats love the tagline, "born in Iran, brewed in New York". This interview is a great story of a family history of fermenting and brewing - a passion that turned into pandemic project that turned into a budding business! This episode was first broadcast on the International day of the Woman. Beata and Bita are happy to support all Persian women and especially to honor the Zan Zendeghi A...
Mar 08, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 127
The biggest Persian holiday of the year, the Persian new year, is called Norooz (also spelled Nowruz) which translates to a new day. Beata and Bita covers the whole gamut of the 2+ week festivities from spring cleaning (Khoneh Takooni) and Chahar Shambeh Soori, growing spring grass (Sabzeh), and setting a symbolic table setting (Haft-seen setting), all the way through the picnic day that closes things out, Sizde Bedar! This episode has been sponsored by Zaffrus Saffron - The True Taste of Saffro...
Mar 01, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Persian pizza? What?? Yep, the Beats are getting creative with some cross-cultural Italian-American-Iranian pizza ideas. Beata reflects on pizza culture in current day Iran, what makes a cut above (hint, hint, hot dogs, sausages, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions and more), Persian pizza conceptions in the US, and making pizza from scratch at home for a fun Friday night. Listen to the end to hear Roya's Ask The Beats question, "Bita, how did you make the work of art, double layer tahchin cake I sp...
Feb 22, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Bita and Beata have been looking for a Persian vegan food enthusiast to support you with recipe substitutions while keeping classic flavors and nutritional balance in mind. They found her in Elham! Special guest Elham shares her journey into the vegan lifestyle. The interview covers tofu, beans, and legumes as excellent protein-rich meat substitutions in stew. Beata is desperate to experiment with the can of jackfruit! What will she do with it?! Does Elham miss eating kabab? Listen on to find ou...
Feb 15, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 124
