Modern Persian Food

Welcome to a memorable conversation with the dynamic Jian Ghomeshi, a Roqe Media podcast host with a deep love for food, particularly Persian cuisine. His journey, from being intimidated by Persian cooking to mastering the art of creating the iconic dish, Ghormeh Sabzi, is not just inspiring but also filled with interesting culinary nuggets. In this chat, we touch upon the formidable influence of Iranian mothers in the kitchen, the importance of supporting the people of Iran, and Jian's unique approach to learning Persian cooking by emulating his mother and remembering her tips and advice.

As we navigate the intricacies of Ghormeh Sabzi, Jian opens up about the cultural and culinary significance of herbs in Persian cuisine. His tips on the herb preparation process, the nuances of adding the right spices, and the game-changing role of fenugreek in the stew pave the way for a rich understanding of this iconic dish. This episode is your ticket to unravel the secrets behind the unique flavor profile of Persian cuisine, whether you're a novice or a seasoned cook.

Last but not least, we delve into a detailed discussion on the ingredients that bring Ghormeh Sabzi to life. From uncovering the best beans to use to the need for a large cooking pan, Jian leaves no stone unturned. Our chat also highlights his experimentation with chicken in the recipe during his vegetarian phase. So, get ready for an enlightening culinary journey through the vibrant world of Persian food with Jian Ghomeshi, one that promises to up your Ghormeh Sabzi game.

https://roqemedia.ca/

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Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 episodes for more rice-related topics!

Episode 3: Rice

Episode 11: Tahdig | Bottom of the Pot

Episode 30: Tahchin

Episode 40: Damkoni

Episode 70: Kateh Persian Rice

Episode 72: Tahdig Art with Varta

Episode 134: Saffron with Special Guest Mersedeh Prewer

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.

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 have a preference for certain ingredients, like the debate of saffron over turmeric for tahdig.

Continuing our journey, we further explore pantry ingredients that are the backbone of Persian cooking. Be it the flavorful rice, nutritious garbanzo beans, the tangy limoo omani/amani, or the savory tomato paste, we've got you covered. And, how can we forget the delicious figs and dates that are in season during late summer? So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a newbie to Persian cuisine, this episode is sure to enhance your culinary prowess and understanding of the beautiful Persian food culture. Join us for this fun-filled and educational culinary ride!

This episode is sponsored by PersianBasket.com. They are the one-stop shop for all your Persian needs. Use code MYFIRSTBASKET for 10% all grocery purchases (not including ready to eat meals). Free shipping is available for all orders over $60 or with 7+ meals. Thank you for supporting our sponsors!

Reference too: Episode 19: Dates!

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

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 are much newer than we might think, even in countries with a rich history like Italy.

Join us as we discuss the story of eggplant, and how its arrival in Europe was met with suspicion by medieval physicians. Moving on, we uncover the varying versions of Dolmeh, a traditional dish from Iran and Turkey. We explore how the recipe changes based on the cooking vessel and the ingredients used, and also share Saghar's unique apple dolma recipe. Wrapping up, Saghar enlightens us about the three basic recipes anyone interested in Iranian food must know. Don't miss out on this exploration of food, culture, and migration.

https://www.labnoon.com/

https://bio.site/labnoon

https://www.instagram.com/labnoon/

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 in the 1980s. Listen in as we explore the significance of food as a cultural lifeline for diaspora communities, connecting us to our roots, our ancestors, and our history.

With the loving storytelling and a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation in their cookbook, Roya and Gita provide a fascinating insight into the world of Iranian-American cuisine. Don't miss this captivating discussion!

Maman and Me - Website

Maman and Me (@mamanandme) • Instagram photos and videos

Roya Shariat (@royashariat) • Instagram photos and videos

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 Classic Persian Cuisine'. Discover how she guides both novice and experienced home cooks through a culinary journey of Iran, from her favorite eggplant dishes to her love of all kinds of aash soup. Finally, we learn about the vision behind her restaurant, Sofreh, and how she aims to bring Persian culture to life through food. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone interested in Persian culture, this episode is a must-listen!

This episode is sponsored by Zaffrus Saffron. Check out their unique saffron honey, perfect for gift giving or adding a delectable sweetness to your next dish!

S O F R E H (@sofreh_brooklyn) • Instagram photos and videos

SOFREH

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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 a taste of Persian cuisine as Homa contrasts yogurt and whey, teaching us about kefir and the art of making homemade yogurt. We explore the special place of yogurt in Middle Eastern cuisine and the important role of liquid whey in these dishes. We also learn about the significance of paying homage to culture when discussing food, a theme that resonates throughout our conversation.

Lastly, we uncover the unique aspects of traditional Iranian cuisine as we learn about the process of making kashk, a form of fermented yogurt. We discuss how this practice is used in preserving milk and extending its shelf life. We also touch on the White Mustache, a yogurt company started by Homa and her father, and the original recipes inspired by traditional Persian flavors. This episode is a tasty ride through Persian cuisine, cooking methods, and the importance of food in shaping our identities. Listen in and be prepared to be inspired and, of course, hungry!

https://homadashtaki.com/yogurt-whey-book/

https://whitemoustache.com/

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 musician. We also explore the story of Beata, whose father transitioned from being a judge in Iran to owning a gas station in the US.

Moving on to Tabay's venture into the culinary world, we delve into the beginnings of his food truck, Tabay's Mindful Kitchen. Tabay's passion for cooking and veganism led him to start teaching cooking classes and making cooking videos, ultimately leading to his dream of owning a food truck. Tune in as he discusses his near-purchase of a food truck in Hawaii, his decision to start a custom-made food truck business in Orange County, and the Persian-inspired vegan dishes he serves. Don't miss this enlightening conversation as we explore the world of Persian food, veganism, and much more!

https://www.tabaysmindfulkitchen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tabayatkins/

https://www.instagram.com/tabaysmindfulkitchen/

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 of having a starting point that feels familiar when introducing a foreign cuisine, and how they're using this approach to bring Persian food to a wider audience.

In the second part of the episode, we immerse ourselves in the tantalizing world of sauces and dips, as Mandana and Patrick share their unique recipes and how they bring high-end flavors to their food. We learn about their delicious pomegranate vinaigrette, cucumber herb yogurt, and red pepper feta, and their new catering venture. The couple's passion for Persian food is evident as they discuss the influence of Persian cuisine on their cooking and their desire to make it more accessible. Join us to get an insider's glimpse into the world of Persian fast food and how Mandana and Patrick are revolutionizing the way it is enjoyed.

Website: Zood

Zood (@eatzood) • Instagram photos and videos

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

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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 Night Market concept to the inspiration behind their menu, we explore everything that makes Joon Rice a standout in the food scene.

In the second half of the episode, Jessica and Amir take us behind the scenes of their delivery operations. Hear about their partnership with Shef.com and how they are spreading the flavors of Persian food far and wide. They share the success of their business, their summer market at the Queens Night Market, and their mission to connect people to their culture through food. Get ready to be inspired by their passion for Persian cuisine and their journey in the food industry.

Joon Rice website: Joon

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

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Podcast production by Alvarez Audio