Get your skewers ready — it’s time to fire up the grill! In this summer-inspired episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast, we're diving into one of the most beloved traditions in Persian cuisine: grilling! Whether you're working with a backyard BBQ or just your stovetop or air fryer, we’re sharing all the secrets to achieving that authentic smoky flavor that makes Persian kabobs and grilled vegetables truly unforgettable.

We break down the different grilling methods, must-have tools, marinades, and how to hack the grill experience even if you don’t have one. From juicy kabob koobideh and saffron chicken to grilled tomatoes and eggplants, you’ll learn how to bring the flavors of a Persian summer to your table — wherever you are.

• The different types of grills you can use (charcoal, gas, electric, stovetop grill pans)

• Must-have tools for grilling Persian-style

• Our go-to marinades and seasoning techniques for Persian grilling

• What to serve alongside your Persian BBQ spread

• Our favorite vegetarian-friendly grilled sides

• And some of our favorite memories!

Links and Resources:

Episode 141: Discover the Tantalizing Taste of Balal: Persian Grilled CornEpisode 86: Persian 

Episode 140: Savoring Summer: Joojeh Kabob for Your Summer Cookouts

Episode 86: Persian Kababs

Episode 68: Smoky Persian Flavors

Episode 4: Onions

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

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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

In this delicious episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Persian sweets, where every bite tells a story. Join us as we explore the artful balance of crispy, syrupy, soft, and chewy textures that make these desserts irresistible.

We journey through regional specialties, from the delicate kaak of Kermanshah to the fragrant sohan of Isfahan. We share some of our favorite flavors and memories tied to these traditional treats — think saffron, rosewater, pistachios, and more.

Whether you’re nostalgic for a childhood favorite or discovering Persian desserts for the first time, this episode promises a sweet escape into a world rich with history, flavor, and craftsmanship.

Thank you for joining us — and don’t forget to leave a review or share this episode if you loved today's taste of tradition!

Episodes referenced: 

Episode 74: Persian Cookies

Recipes referenced:

Persian Tea Cookies with Aunt Pari Joon – BeatsEats

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

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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

In episode #177 of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, we take on the challenge of creating a delicious Persian-inspired four-course meal using only ingredients from Trader Joe’s! Whether you're short on time or just looking for easy ways to incorporate Persian flavors into your cooking, we’ve got you covered. We share our favorite Trader Joe’s hacks, shortcuts, and pantry staples that help bring the essence of Persian cuisine to your table—without the fuss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to craft a full Persian meal (appetizer/sides, main, drinks, and dessert) using Trader Joe’s finds ✅ Clever ingredient swaps that keep things simple while staying true to Persian flavors ✅ Time-saving hacks for busy weeknights and Persian food on-the-go ✅ Must-have Trader Joe’s products to stock up on for Persian cooking

Join the Conversation! We’d love to hear how you use Trader Joe’s products to make Persian-inspired meals! Tag us on social media or leave us a review and share your favorite Persian food hacks.

Tune in now and get inspired to cook Persian food the easy way!

Episodes and Resources:

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

Maast-o Laboo – Persian Beets and Yogurt – BeatsEats

Persian Jeweled Tahchin – BeatsEats

Vegan Khoresh Karafs – Celery Stew With Mint and Parsley – BeatsEats

Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup – BeatsEats

Lubia Polo for the Persian New Year Sezdeh be Dar Picnic – BeatsEats

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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

Get ready for the biggest holiday in the Persian culture by spring cleaning your kitchen, home, and mind! Persian New Year, also known also as Nowruz or Norooz, marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated around the world. 

In this episode, we’ll give you the tools to tackle “Khooneh Takoni” spring cleaning through your house and life, and prepare for a clean slate to start the new year off on. The beginning of the year is about renewal, a fresh start, and hope for a bright future. 

We’ll share an overview of the Nowruz/Norooz season, covering off traditions and rituals to get us ready, how to celebrate the actual event, including what to eat, and the grand final nature picnic on the 13th day after Nowruz.

Green foods are the staple for this occasion and we chat about our favorite dishes and how to serve them.

Check out these previous episodes for an indepth listen to Nowruz/Norooz Persian New Year:

Episode 22:  Prelude to Persian New Year and Char Shambeh Souri 

Episode 23 :  Persian New Year Haftseen and Food 

Episode 24:  Persian New Year Siz Da Bedar  

Episode 73: Growing Sabzeh with Naz Deravian

Episode 75:  Norooz Haftseen 

Episode 126:  Persian New Year Nowruz 

Episode 128: Setting Sofreh

Episode 164:  Extra Sweet Nowruz with Zozo Baking 

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

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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 fun conversation as we explore the stunning and symbolic Persian Love Cake. Learn how to make it using Bita’s recipe from scratch, or Beata’s shortcuts for an easy version. We customize with flavors of almond, cardamom, saffron and rosewater and include modern twists and tips to inspire you. 

In the second half of the episode, we chat about Food as an expression of Love, especially in Persian culture, and also what we’ve been eating lately. We get personal about our gut and what some of our comfort foods are.

Recipes Referenced:

Bita’s recipe for Flourless Almond Cake | Persian Love Cake

Beata’s recipe for Nourishing Persian Haleem: Oat Porridge with Chicken – BeatsEats

Episodes Referenced:

Episode 85:  Persian Weddings

Episode 123:  Persian Dates

Episode 135:  Bachelor Cooking with Reza Jax

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

Today in episode 174, we’ll explore the essential kitchen tools and gadgets needed to cook delicious Persian food – and the surprising part is, you may already have most of them!

Persian cuisine is full of rich flavors, diverse textures, and comforting dishes. We want to encourage you to embrace cooking Persian food in the new year: Get ready to be the chef in your own kitchen and try making some classic Persian dishes or new modern twists!

Podcast episode is broken into 2 categories: 

• The Basics

• Specialty Tools that make Persian cooking easier, faster, more convenient

Why make Persian food?

• Health benefits 

• A way to connect with family traditions or challenge yourself in the new year 

• Can layer flavors and create delicious meals with short ingredient lists and easy techniques.

Gather your tools, pick a recipe and get cooking!

Send us your pics and cooking experiences with us and we’ll try to share it on our social pages. 

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

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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

Recipes referenced:

Persian Salad Olivieh

Tips and tricks on how to make Persian style Salad Olivieh potato salad with eggs and chicken.

Persian Style Saffron Braised Lamb Shank

Persian Jeweled Tahchin

Maast-o Laboo – Persian Beets and Yogurt

Kateh Persian Rice with Tahdig

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

Join us for our annual Yalda Winter Solstice episode where we celebrate Shab Yalda, the longest and darkest night of the year!  In this episode, we feature members of our community to honor Persian traditions of poetry, storytelling, music, and of course food!

Stay up late with your family and friends, drinking tea, and eating ajeel trail mix, pomegranate soup, and watermelon! Send us your pics and video clips to be featured on our social media pages. 

Links referenced in the episode:

Modern Persian Food Podcast's previous Yalda episodes:

Episode 161: Yalda 2023; Creating Identity through Traditions New and Old

Episode 114: Yalda Winter Solstice

Episode 63: Yalda

Episode 10: Yalda Winter Flavors

Omid Roustaei, Chef and Author:

• Website: The Caspian Chef -

• Pre-order book: Bitter & Sweet 

Anahita Tamaddon, author:

• Fereydoon and the Serpent King full story recording on YouTube

• The story of Fereydoon & the Serpent King, read by author Anahita Tamaddon, on Modern Persian Food

• Link to her books: Amazon

Amir Etemadzadeh, musical composer and instructor:

• Amir School Of Music

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 exciting exploration of Persian-inspired pies perfect for Thanksgiving and fall. We kick off the episode by sharing our love for the big fall holiday, Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and family togetherness, and how we blend Persian and American traditions at our holiday tables. This year, we've introduced a new interactive format where each presents unique pie recipes we've developed and shares creative culinary ideas for savory and sweet pies. Our goal is to inspire you to embrace cross-cultural dining experiences, enriching your cultural identity through the joy of food.

Our Ask The Beats segment is inspired by a recent listener interaction who asked us to take a closer look at Shirazi Kalam Polo. We share our personal experiences and tips for making this vibrant cabbage and mini meatball dish a show-stopping addition to any table. Join us as we celebrate the beauty and flavors of fusion cuisine and get ready for upcoming episodes that promise to deepen your culinary journey.

Links to previous Thanksgiving episodes:

• Episode 160: Fall Flavors for a Persian-Inspired Thanksgiving 

• 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

 Embrace the changing of season by setting up a Sofreh Mehregan or trying out a new Persian recipe. Mehregan is the celebration of love, friendship, and a good harvest or bounty.

Similar to other ancient Persian holidays, there is a dedicated sofreh setting for Mehregan. Typical items on the Mehregan sofreh include a mirror, candles, espand/esfand, wheat, grapes and other fall fruits, ajeel trail mix or nuts in the shell. A holy book or book of poetry, coins, sweets, and sunflowers round out the table setting. The main color of Mehregan is purple with accents of yellow, orange, and red. 

Bita and Beata talk about their previous Mehregan events and traditions and their plans for a Northern California event to spread the word and joy of this cultural celebration.

In the second half of the episode, the Beats dig into what they have been cooking and eating lately. 

Beata's Saffron Braised Lamb Shank recipe. 

Share this episode with your friend, cousin, neighbor, or anyone you think would like to learn about Persian food in our modern world! 

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

In this episode Beata and Bita catch up on their Persian-inspired summer activities and delve into the topic of fruit and fruit trees in Persian culture. Learn about the ways each of them embraces their culture and what it looks like in their family and community. 

Check out the links below for topics and episodes mentioned in this podcast episode:

Beata on the game show: Chew on This: A Food Game Show with Cecilia Phillips

Links to episodes:

Episode 137:Macaroni Tahdig with Chef Orly

Episode 143: Unraveling the Colorful Customs of Tirgan: A Persian Summer Rain Festival

Episode 149: Savoring the Flavors of Iran with Chef and Author Nasim Alikhani of Sofreh

Episode 156: A Journey into the Persian Harvest Festival: Mehregan

Episode 168: Exploring the Persian Summer Syrup Sekanjabin

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