Connecting to our Culture through Food with special guest Cynthia Banafsheh Samanian

Join us as we dive into spring herbs and how we incorporate them into some of our favorite Persian dishes and occasions. From a simple platter of Sabzi Khordan to a rich and elaborate stew of braised herbs in the iconic Ghormeh Sabzi, we discuss our favorite ways to eat these versatile greens.   In the show's second half, we reflect on Nowruz, the Taste Awards in LA, and some of our food adventures of the last month. Be sure to listen to our plans for our next episode as we prepare for entertaining! Episodes referenced: Episode 31: Cultural Spotlight: Caspian Sea Regional Foods with Special Guest The Caspian Chef Episode 150: Traditional Meets Modern: Discovering Iranian-American Cuisine   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found here:  Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Recipes: Sabzi Khordan | Persian Herb Appetizer Ash Reshteh - Persian Noodle Soup   Check us out on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube  Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Join us as we get ready to celebrate the Persian New Year, Nowruz (or also spelled Norooz, Nowrooz, Norouz, Noroz) which occurs on the moment of the Spring Equinox. Persians around the world celebrate by gathering around a Sofreh Haft Seen, the symbolic display of the “Seven S’s” that sets the intentions of the new year.    In the second half of the episode, Beata and Bita are joined by special guest Fariba Nafissi from ZoZo Baking and the trio chat about what Nowruz means to them and special memories. Fariba shares her recipe for Nane-Par Feather Cookies with the Modern Persian Food podcast listeners! Recipe below and learn more HERE.    Episodes referenced: Episode 126: Persian New Year | Norooz/Nowruz Episode 75:  Norooz Haft Seen Episode 73: Growing Sabzeh with Naz Deravian Episode 22:  Norooz Part 1 - Prelude to Nowruz and Charshambeh Soori Episode 23:  Norooz Part 2 Episode 24:  Norooz Part 3   ZoZo Baking Recipe for Nane Par: Feather Cookies Yields: 45-50 cookies                                      Bake time: 10 minutes Ingredients: 150g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar 200g (1 cup & 1 tablespoon) vegetable shortening 2 egg yolks 375g (2 cups) all purpose flour 2 teaspoons cardamom powder 3-4 tablespoons brewed saffron (for decoration) 50g / 1/3 cup ground pistachios (for decoration) Process: Preheat the oven to 325°F , cover two baking trays with parchment paper. Using a food processor mix in the powdered sugar and shortening, until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolks and mix. Add flour and pulse until you have a soft dough. Slightly dust your work surface with flour, roll out the dough to 1/8" thick and use a cookie cutter to shape your dough. Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the baking tray, use a fork or a feather to gently pierce the top of the cookies, and decorate with brewed saffron and ground pistachios. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Once cooled, keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks.   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Vote for the Modern Persian Food Podcast in the 2024 Taste Awards! We are finalists in the “Best Lifestyle Podcast” and the “Best Food or Drink Podcast” categories.    Vote for us here: Taste Awards Voting Link before Saturday, February 17th, 2024 You can answer as few as 4 questions (#1, #2, #4, and #6)   It would be an honor to be recognized for the work we have put behind the Modern Persian Food podcast, and the Persian Food community as a whole.    Today we are sharing the episode we submitted for consideration. It was last year and the start of our summer series featuring Persian Food Trucks, episode 144, where we interview Bayan Ghahramani of Tahdig Tacos.   We love the honesty and candidness of Bayan’s story and it was a treat to have her on the show. Here is the episode and be sure to vote for us by Saturday.   Thank you!   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TasteAwards2024ViewersChoice https://www.tahdigtacos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tahdigtacosofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/persianskater/ https://www.instagram.com/foodieskater/   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Unlock the secrets of a family legacy that intertwines the ancient allure of Persian culture with the timeless art of winemaking, as Moe and Naseem Momtazi from Maysara Winery share their story. Their biodynamic vineyard in Oregon is a testament to their Persian roots and a celebration of the sun's nourishment and the sacred role of wine in pre-Islamic Persia.    Join us as we explore three distinctly different Pinot Noirs and discuss the art of pairing with foods and ingredients to amply flavors. From caviar & chocolate to fried chicken and the rich flavors of Persian cuisine including fesenjoon, we cover tips for hosting memorable wine pairings.   Maysara Winery   Reference to Podcast Episode 127: Persian Beer with Zahra   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found HERE   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Welcome to the first episode of 2024, where we're embracing a fresh start with a healthy twist on Persian cuisine. Listen in as we, Bita and Bita, share our New Year's resolutions, including being more present with our loved ones and pursuing exciting professional opportunities. We're also thrilled about our new monthly podcast format, which allows us to create even richer content for our listeners. If you have a passion for Persian culture, join us on this journey—we're on the lookout for an intern to help bring our vision to life.   This episode is a celebration of Persian food's nutritious heart, especially post-holiday when many of us are looking to detox and achieve our health goals. Discover how dishes like khoresh and the traditional herb frittata kookoo (kuku) sabzi can be made healthier with simple cooking tweaks. We also explore the power of Persian spices, like saffron and turmeric, and how they can be integrated into our daily routines for their incredible health benefits. Plus, we answer a listener's question about these spices, sharing personal insights and unique ways to incorporate them into our cooking. Tune in for a wholesome start to your year with us.   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Persian culture as we celebrate Yalda, the longest and darkest night of the year. Listen in as we, your hosts Bita and Beata, explore the traditions of this beloved holiday. From staying up late, enjoying music and poetry, to indulging in delectable food, we bring you an intimate look into how Yalda Night is celebrated, also called Shabeh Yalda. Be prepared for personal stories, the discovery of old pre-revolution records, and enchanting poetry and music.    Venture further into Yalda Night's customs by discussing the holiday's food and drink. Learn about the significance of the traditional foods associated with Yalda, including pomegranates, watermelon, and winter dishes from Persian cuisine. We also reveal fun recipes for festive drinks - a pomegranate spritz and a Persian mulled wine tea.    We round off our Yalda Night episode by revealing our holiday and New Year plans and reflections on the podcast and press achievements from 2023.    So, gather your loved ones, prepare tea and sweets, and join us as we journey through Yalda Night. We wish you a happy Yalda season and a fantastic start to the new year. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you next time.   Episodes mentioned: Episode 128: Setting Sofreh Episode 114: Yalda Winter Solstice Episode 63: Yalda   References: Fountain of Light, original score piano by Firooz Mohtadi   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Join us for a colorful culinary journey in our 160th episode of Modern Persian Food where we promise to inspire your Thanksgiving preparations with a dash of exotic Persian flair. Revel in the vibrant flavors of seasonal fruits like persimmons, pomegranates, and quince, as we share unique recipes and creative twists on traditional dishes. It's not just about the food, it's about the celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and the joy of the holiday season.    Moving on from the table, we also share insights on how to weave the spirit of Thanksgiving into your everyday life. Imagine starting your day with a dose of gratitude through simple tools like the Five Minute Journal or a daily round of Rosebud Thorn activity with your family. It's all about making gratitude a routine to kickstart your day on a positive note. So, are you ready to turn your Thanksgiving into a grand Persian feast and make gratitude an essential part of your life? Join us in our festive episode as we explore the richness of Persian-inspired fall flavors and the essence of gratitude.   Episode 111: Persian American Thanksgiving Episode 60:  Persian Thanksgiving Leftovers  Episode 59:  Persian Thanksgiving Episode 58: Lubia Polo | Green Bean Rice Episode 57: Zereshk Polo | Barberry Rice   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Transform your everyday dishes into an exotic Persian feast just by using herbs! We're taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of herbs in Persian cooking with Ginain Greyes from Cook the Garden podcast. Ginain, a pro at growing her own herbs, shares practical tips on nurturing herbs like mint, cilantro, basil, dill, and more, even if you only have a small patio space. She shared her experience cooking the iconic Persian soup called Ash Reshteh, which is a delightful blend of noodles, beans, and herbs. Bita and Beata shared their Ash Reshteh recipes when Ginain featured them on her podcast!    But what do you do when you've got a bountiful herb harvest that you can’t use? That's where the second part of our conversation with Ginain gets interesting. She guides us through the process of preserving and drying herbs, ensuring you have a stash ready for your culinary adventures throughout the year. We explore multiple methods including hanging the herbs, freeze-drying, and using a dehydrator or even your oven. Join us and step up your cooking game with the delightful flavors of Persian herbs.   Find Ginain at: Cook Pray Slay and Cook The Garden on Apple Podcasts Listen to this episode: Cook the Garden Podcast episode featuring Bita and Beata   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com

Welcome to another engaging episode of Modern Persian Food, where we immerse ourselves in the art of Persian pickling! Join your hosts Bita and Beata, as we journey through the world of preserving through pickling, highlighting its crucial role in adding a zesty, acidic balance to the rich flavors of Persian cuisine. Discover the secrets of making Torsche pickles at home with tips on choosing the right ingredients and creating the perfect pickling brine to amplify the flavors of your dishes.    Listen in as we share our personal experiences and lessons from our summer of recipe testing and pickling, from the unique Giardiniera style to the traditional Persian Torsi version. Get an insight into the use of Persian cucumbers in pickling and the added creaminess that certain vegetables like eggplant can contribute. Not just that, we also shed light on the growing trend of pickling and its health benefits, with special attention to the classic pickled garlic. Tune in and discover how you can add a tangy twist to your meals with these pickled delights!   Episode 118: Andy Baraghani Talks Torshi   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Join us for an enticing journey into the art of preserving food, Persian style! This episode is all about the delightful world of jams, and we don't just stick to the fruity ones. We'll explore the vibrant colors, aromatic flavors, and natural pectin of various fruits that make Persian jams truly special. Learn with us how to create some traditional favorites, like rose petal, quince, fig, and sour cherry jams. You'll even discover an unusual but tasty carrot jam recipe straight from a previous podcast guest's cookbook.    We share ideas on incorporating jams in a variety of meals, from breakfast to dessert. We'll guide you through adding a sweet twist to rice dishes, Mediterranean mezze boards, cheese boards, and even cake toppings. Join us in reminiscing about our childhood desserts made with jam and coffee grounds, adding a nostalgic touch to the episode.    Listen in as we turn our attention to our favorite summer foods and preserving techniques. Beata shares her favorite summer dish - saffron braised lamb shank. We also discuss Noon Barbari, a Persian bread that's similar to Italian focaccia, and share ideas on creating a unique dish with it. Don't miss out on this flavor-packed episode!   Episode 27: Persian Breakfast Episode 48: Figs Episode 56: Quince | Beh Episode 83: Persian Brunch Episode 148: Navigating Identity through the Art of Persian Cooking, A Conversation with Author Homa Dashtaki   All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes   Sign up for the email newsletter here!   Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube   Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.   Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com   Podcast production by Alvarez Audio