Reshteh Polo - Persian Noodle Rice with Onions and Raisins
Reshteh Polo is a widely loved Persian rice dish. The floral aroma of the saffron rice combined with the sweetness of the caramelised onions and raisins make for a multifaceted dish - too good for a humble side dish really. The brown noodles in the rice create the most mouthwatering tahdig (the crispy bits from the bottom of the pot)!
Khoresh Mast – Sweet Saffron Yogurt
Khoresh Mast is a tasty side dish from Esfahan which translates to yogurt stew, however it is actually a side dish. Sweet saffron yogurt is one way to describe it. It is cooked like stew or pudding actually, but this is not the traditional method of preparing it, I am told.
In order to achieve the creamy consistency, we need to bring the soft yogurt, like Greek style yogurt, to boil together with egg yolks and then keep it cool in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This allows it to firm into a rich, creamy yogurt.
Salad Shirazi – Shirazi Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad
Salad Shirazi, as the same suggests, comes from Shiraz and it’s the most popular salad in Iran. It consists of finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions, dressed with verjuice (or lemon juice as as alternative) and seasoned with dried mint and salt.
Kookoo Sabzi - Persian Herb Frittata
Kookoo Sabzi could be described as a Persian Herb Frittata. It’s quick and easy to prepare and makes for a delicious side dish or Persian sandwich ingredient. Kookoo Sabzi and Sabzi Polo ba Maahi are a match made in heaven!
Mast o Khiar – Yogurt Dip with Cucumber, Raisins and Walnuts
Mast o Khiar is a delicious, creamy yogurt dip, that you can enjoy simply on its own, with crackers as a snack, or as a side to a main meal. Mast o Khiar simply translates to ‘yogurt and cucumber’ and so the basic version is made of yogurt, cucumbers and garlic, seasoned with salt.