Modern Persian Food

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. In This Episode, We Cover: 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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

From golden saffron to delicate sweet treats, there are no better gifts than souvenirs from Iran! With all the summertime travel wrapping up, listen as we uncover what the most seeked out items from Iran are and learn about our cultural traditions around gift giving. 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 as we savor the iconic and refreshing Persian syrup called sekanjabin this summer. We cover off on how to make it with just a few simple ingredients at home, and explore both the classic and modern ways we enjoy it from dipping sauces to fun cocktails. In the second half of the episode we uncover verjus in the Ask the Beats segment, sharing what it is and how it is incorporated into Persian cuisine. 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

We’re diving into the archives and sharing one of our favorite episodes of the Modern Persian Food podcast - our interview with stand-up comedian and Food Network host Dan Ahdoot! We explore some of the lesser-known Persian dishes and ingredients and what Dan refers lovingly to as “Persian Trucker Food”. Dishes that hit the spot and stick to the ribs, like Dizi, Kaleh Pacheh, and Aash Sholeh Ghalamkar to name a few. It’s a fun conversation as we get to know Dan’s food preferences and chat about normalizing Persian cuisine in today’s food-diverse society. We also talk about other up-and-coming Persian food personalities and brands which we include as future guests on the podcast! Check out that episode as well, links are below. Vartamelon: Episode 72: Tahdig Art with Varta Beeta Mohajeri: Episode 79: Conquering Culinary Challenges with Chef Beeta Mohajeri Tahdig Tacos: Episode 144: Tahdig Tacos – A Culinary Fusion Journey with Bayan Ghahramani Joon Rice: Episode 145: A Taste of the Queens Night Market with Joon Rice Find Dan here: Website: Dan Ahdoot Book: Undercooked: How I Let Food Become My Life Navigator and How Maybe That's a Dumb Way to Live TV Show: Raid the Fridge | Food Network 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

We’re starting our day with a fresh and bountiful Persian spread including fruits, jams, breads, eggs, and much more! Either for breakfast or brunch, with a crowd or by yourself, we chat about our favorite Persian morning offerings and some of our modern additions to make it a memorable meal. Beata loves big displays of eggs adorned with spinach or dates. In contrast, Bita loves diving into a colorful bowl of creamy oats topped with Persian-inspired fruits and nuts such as pomegranate arils, toot, persimmons, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds! We cover the gamut of our go-to dishes and drinks and how we Persian-ify some morning staples. Listen to get inspired to host your Persian breakfast or brunch for upcoming holidays like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, graduations, wedding events, and baby showers. Stay tuned till the end to hear about a new segment on the Modern Persian Food podcast featuring local restaurants and some collaborations we’ve been working on. As always, reach out to us with any comments, questions, or feedback via email at hello@modernpersianfood.com or directly at Beata@modernpersianfood.com or Bita@modernpersianfood.com. Have a great day! Beata’s recipe: Khormah Maloos | Persian Dates and Eggs – BeatsEats 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 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