Kalam polo is a type of delicious Persian rice pilaf originating from Shiraz. Kalam means cabbage and polo is rice in Farsi hence the title “Kalam Polo” however it often contains meat of some kind. Like many Persian recipes there are many different versions of this dish which are all equally as tasty. Sometimes even…
Tag: persian
Persian Aubergine & Split Pea Stew – Khoresht Bademjan
Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS 3 medium Aubergines quartered lengthwise and then cut into chunks. 3 tbsp olive oil 1 cup yellow split peas (soaked in water for 2-3 hours and boiled for 10mins) 2 large onions, peeled and sliced very thin – one for stew – one for garnish. 3-4 TBSP butter/ghee, for frying the onion…
Persian Love Cake
This cake is one of the most fragrant and elegant that I have ever made and every time I make it again I am always reminded of just how simple yet luxurious and flavourful it is. The ground almonds ensure a very moist finish and it can keep for several days if sealed well in…
Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes
These delectably spiced, soft and cloud like pancakes filled with butternut squash are (believe it or not!) originally from a northern area of Iran called Gilān. This area is quite close to Azerbaijan and the Turkish regions of Iran and has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere – it’s a place that often referred to…
Persian Rice with Tahdig & Zereshk
Fewer things remind me more of my grandmother Bibi Fadhila than “Tahdig” and the hillocks of fluffy buttery rice that accompany it. “Tahdig” or “Tahdigh” just means “Bottom of the pot” in Farsi, and in this case the bottom of the pot should be a delicious golden crispy disc of rice – which is highly…
Kooftah Berenji – Persian Lamb & Rice Meatballs
These succulent spiced lamb meatballs are quite unusual as they are combined with split peas (chana dhal) and rice and then simmered lightly in a rich sweet/sour broth which is utterly heavenly. The word Kofta, or Kufta or Kooftah comes from a Persian word meaning “to pound” or “to grind”, and is referring (obviously) to the…
Fesenjaan – Chicken in a Pomegranate & Walnut sauce
Ingredients – Serves 4 (2 pieces of chicken each) 8 pieces of skinless chicken – thighs on the bone work best 200g Walnut halves (best quality you can find) 1 large onion finely sliced 125ml Pomegranate Molasses (see notes) 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp ground turmeric 500ml Chicken Stock Salt to taste Fresh pomegranate rubies…
Rose & Walnut Baklava
The origins of this sumptuous flaky, buttery and aromatic delicacy are quite controversial, and very much up for debate as it is not very well documented. The Greeks, Turkish and Middle Easterners all claim Baklava as their own and depending on where you eat it can be prepared in a wide range of ways. There…
Almond & Rose Rice Pudding – Muhallabia
I am not quite sure anything else evokes memories of my childhood more than this fragrant and exotic rice milk pudding. It was hands down my favourite as a youngster and despite its sheer simplicity it tastes utterly delicious and delightful. Not only was it a treat or dessert but it was also prepared for…