#its a chicken stew with pomegranate molasse and walnuts :)

[natandacat]

Who wants fesenjoon :)

[noblehcart]

HC Dump: Rookheey.a Kh.an (favorite flower)

Persia is well known for its many flora, especially that of the Saffron flower and the Persian rose, but Rookheeya's favorite flower is that of the Gulnar flower otherwise known as the Pomegranate flower (LINK).

Pomegranates were her favorite part of fall to eat but its in June to watching to see the flower bloom on some trees (males do not produce fruit) to later watching in fall for the other trees as the green fruit to turn to a luscious crimson.

She loves the fringing white of the red petals of the pomegranate flower and her best memories are beneath the tree with her late brother Masoud as he told her all he had learned that day at school and all the medicinal properties of the flowers before tucking it into her hair fondly.

He regaled her with every story he had ever heard relating to the fruit and the flower like that of Hades and Persephone. He'd tease her as he tucked the flower behind her ear and told her the fruit symbolized fertility then tweaked her nose saying that one day she'd have children of her own to tell these stories to. She argued that she'd have him tell the stories because he was the best storyteller she had ever heard. Its these memories she clings to when he's buried and gone long before she ever meets her husband.

And so every season she looks forward to the blooming of the gulnar flower and the fruit of the fall in fond remembrance of her brother Masoud.

and yes- she loves Fesenjan which is a is a traditional Persian stew made with chicken simmered in a pomegranate molasses and walnut sauce. The combination of earthy walnuts, slightly sour pomegranate molasses and tender, juicy chicken create an unparalleled balance of flavors in this special occasion dish.

[iranianrestaurant]

Discover the Flavors of Iran Top Authentic Dishes to Savor

Iranian cuisine, with its rich history and diverse culinary traditions, offers a tantalizing array of flavors that are sure to delight any food enthusiast. Rooted in ancient Persia, Iranian dishes blend influences from various cultures, creating a unique and exquisite gastronomic experience. In this article, we delve into some of the most iconic and authentic Iranian dishes that you must savor to truly appreciate the depth and diversity of this remarkable cuisine.

A Journey Through Iranian Cuisine

1. Kebabs: The Quintessential Iranian Delight

Kebabs are perhaps the most internationally recognized Iranian dish. These skewered and grilled meats, often marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, are a staple in Iranian households and restaurants alike. The most popular varieties include:

Chelo Kebab: This classic dish consists of juicy kebabs served with saffron-infused basmati rice, a dollop of butter, and a sprinkle of sumac.

Jujeh Kebab: Tender pieces of chicken marinated in saffron, lemon juice, and yogurt, then grilled to perfection.

Kebab Koobideh: Made with minced lamb or beef, this kebab is flavored with onion, turmeric, and saffron.

2. Fesenjan: A Taste of Festivity

Fesenjan is a rich and flavorful stew made with pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts, typically cooked with duck or chicken. This dish is a staple during celebrations and special occasions, showcasing the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The deep, tangy notes of the pomegranate complement the nutty richness of the walnuts, creating a harmonious and unforgettable taste.

3. Ghormeh Sabzi: The National Dish

Often hailed as the national dish of Iran, Ghormeh Sabzi is a fragrant herb stew that combines fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek with kidney beans and tender chunks of meat. The addition of dried limes gives this dish its distinctive tangy flavor. Served with steamed rice, Ghormeh Sabzi is a comfort food beloved by Iranians around the world.

4. Tahdig: The Golden Crunch

No discussion of Iranian cuisine is complete without mentioning Tahdig. This crispy, golden crust forms at the bottom of the rice pot and is highly prized for its texture and flavor. Made from either plain rice or rice mixed with ingredients like potatoes, yogurt, or bread, Tahdig is often served as a crunchy accompaniment to the main course.

5. Ash Reshteh: Hearty and Nourishing

Ash Reshteh is a thick, hearty soup that combines beans, lentils, noodles, and a variety of herbs. Often enjoyed during the colder months, this soup is topped with kashk (a type of fermented whey) and fried onions, adding a rich, tangy depth to the dish. Ash Reshteh is not just a meal; it's a comforting experience that warms the soul.

6. Mirza Ghasemi: A Smoky Eggplant Delight

Originating from the northern region of Iran, Mirza Ghasemi is a smoky and flavorful dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and eggs. This vegetarian dish is typically served with flatbread or rice and is known for its distinctive smoky aroma and rich, savory taste.

7. Saffron Rice: The Jewel of Persian Cuisine

Saffron rice is a cornerstone of Iranian meals, renowned for its vibrant color and aromatic flavor. Made with high-quality basmati rice and infused with saffron, this dish is often garnished with barberries, pistachios, and almonds. The luxurious flavor of saffron elevates even the simplest meal, making it a cherished component of Iranian dining.

8. Khoresht Gheymeh: Comfort in a Bowl

Khoresht Gheymeh is a beloved Iranian stew made with split peas, meat (usually lamb or beef), and dried limes, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Often topped with French fries or eggplant slices, this dish is served with a side of saffron rice and is a comforting staple in Iranian households.

9. Sabzi Khordan: Fresh Herb Platter

Sabzi Khordan is a platter of fresh herbs including basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint, often accompanied by radishes, scallions, and feta cheese. This refreshing and aromatic assortment is a traditional accompaniment to Iranian meals, providing a burst of fresh flavors that enhance the dining experience.

10. Persian Sweets: A Delightful Finale

No Iranian meal is complete without indulging in some of its delicious desserts. Persian sweets are often delicate and fragrant, incorporating ingredients like rosewater, saffron, and pistachios. Some popular desserts include:

Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with honey or rosewater syrup.

Zoolbia-Bamieh: Deep-fried sweets soaked in saffron and rosewater syrup.

Faloodeh: A refreshing sorbet made with rice noodles, rosewater, and lime juice.

Embrace the Culinary Richness of Iran

Iranian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and culinary expertise. From the fragrant stews to the crispy rice dishes and delightful desserts, each bite offers a journey through Iran's storied past and vibrant present. Whether you're exploring these dishes for the first time or revisiting familiar favorites, the authentic flavors of Iran are sure to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.

[freenewstoday]

New Post has been published on https://freenews.today/2021/03/22/what-to-cook-this-weekend-2/

What to Cook This Weekend

Good morning. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is tomorrow, and, if the feasting and exchanging of presents will be muted this year because of the pandemic, we’ve still got loads of recipes appropriate to the holiday. Take a look at Samin Nosrat’s khoresh-e fesenjoon, for instance, a Persian chicken stew with pomegranate molasses and walnuts (above). You could serve that with salad-e shirazi, a salad of cucumber, tomatoes and onion. That would be a very nice meal. (And it would yield tremendous leftovers, too.)

Passover, meanwhile, doesn’t start until the 27th, but my inbox is already filling with requests for recipes to use for the smaller gatherings required by this pandemic year.

Susan Spungen to the rescue! She’s got an ace lineup prepared, recipes you could bookmark for later or make right away, in a kind of practice round. (I find that making a dish for the first time for a holiday is a recipe for … stress.) Take a look at her chicken with apricots, green olives and shallots. She has a marvelous whole roasted cauliflower with pistachio-cilantro pesto. Here’s a lovely matzo brei frittata. And some sweet potatoes with tsimmes glaze. Coconut macaroons with chocolate for dessert? Yes, please.

Not that Joan Nathan has been slacking. For the holiday this year, she checked in on a particular Passover dish and spoke to its preparation across different branches of one family: saffron fish with red peppers. You could make that on Saturday night!

All of our Passover recipes are here. If they’re of limited interest, that’s cool: We’ve got a big tent. You could make Yotam Ottolenghi’s new recipe for cheesy baked polenta in tomato sauce instead. Or my old no-recipe recipe for New Mexican Hot Dish. Hey, this could be your weekend for shrimp burgers.

There are thousands and thousands more recipes like that waiting for you on NYT Cooking. Go take a look and see what you find. Save the recipes you like and rate the ones you’ve made. You can leave notes on them, too, if you’ve come up with a hack or substitution you’d like to remember or share.

You have to be a subscriber to do that, it’s true. Subscriptions are what allow us to keep doing this work that we love. If you haven’t done so already, I hope you will consider subscribing today.

And we will remain alert to your messages, should anything go wrong while you’re cooking or using our site and apps. Just write cookingcare@nytimes.com and someone will get back to you. (If you want to send a dart or offer a flower, I’m at: foodeditor@nytimes.com. I read every letter sent.)

Now, it’s a long walk from stand mixers and sheet pans, but I’ve been spending a lot of virtual time in Limburg, a Belgian province that borders the Netherlands, watching “Undercover,” a Dutch-language crime series on Netflix. It’s not great, but the scenery’s pretty and I like hearing Dutch.

Late to it, but Carl Hiaasen’s farewell column in the Miami Herald is, like all his work, worth savoring.

You should spend some time with Julia Moskin’s amazing Times article about a year in the life of the restaurants and food businesses along a stretch of Cortelyou Road in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, where the pandemic brought hardship and opportunity in different measures.

Finally, do read Christopher Ketcham’s stinging indictment of the National Park Service, “The Business of Scenery,” in Harper’s. “If you love a place,” a retired ranger tells him, “don’t make it a national park.” I’ll see you on Sunday.

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