Modern Persian Food

In this festive episode of Modern Persian Food, co-hosts Beata and Bita welcome listeners into the warm glow of Shab-e Yalda, the Persian Winter Solstice celebration. They kick things off by reminiscing about memorable Yalda moments from past episodes—stories filled with family traditions, cozy gatherings, and of course, food.

From there, the conversation explores the history and meaning of Yalda, diving into the symbolism behind the holiday's signature color, red. The hosts share how foods like pomegranates, watermelon, and crimson-hued nuts represent warmth, light, and the triumph of the sun as the nights begin to shorten.

Naturally, no Yalda episode is complete without talking about snacking. Beata and Bita highlight classic Yalda treats along with fun, modern twists you can bring to your own celebration. They chat about everything from dried fruits and mixed nuts to the sweet and savory bites that keep everyone grazing late into the longest night of the year.

To inspire your own celebration, the co-hosts each offer creative ideas to upgrade your Yalda table (sofreh). Expect tips on thematic décor, color palettes, and layout—plus a whimsical dessert idea guaranteed to spark delight for guests of all ages. Whether you're hosting a traditional gathering or adding your own flair, you'll come away with fresh ways to make your Yalda night meaningful, beautiful, and delicious.

Tune in to learn:

- The cultural and historical roots of Yalda

- Why the color red is at the heart of the holiday

- Snackable must-haves for the longest night

- Simple upgrades to elevate your Yalda sofreh

A fun and unexpected dessert idea to end the night sweetly

Celebrate light, warmth, and community—Yalda style!

In this vibrant episode of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, cohosts Beata and Bita dive into the dazzling world of Jeweled Persian Rice (Morassa Polo or Javaher Polo) — the show-stopping dish that shines at celebrations and feasts. They share the story and history behind this sweet, tangy, and aromatic rice, layered with colorful "jewels" like dried fruits, candied orange peel, pistachios, and carrots.

You'll hear their favorite toppings, flavor combinations, and customizable variations, plus practical tips and tricks to help your jeweled rice turn out perfectly balanced — not too sweet, not too heavy, and full of fragrance.

Later in the episode, Beata and Bita chat about what's been cooking in their kitchens this season, from a Persian-inspired granola to new flavor twists on Haleem, the comforting slow-cooked porridge that's a cold-weather favorite.

Whether you're a seasoned Persian cook or just discovering this beautiful cuisine, this episode will inspire you to bring more color, creativity, and culture to your table.

Listen now and get inspired to create your own Persian masterpiece!

#PersianFood #ModernPersianFoodPodcast #JeweledRice #MorassaPolo #PersianCooking #PersianCuisine #FoodPodcast #CookingInspiration

Recipes:

Do you love it, hate it, or just find it a little too weird? In this episode of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, we explore Doogh, the salty, tangy, and refreshing fermented yogurt drink that's a staple in Persian cuisine.

Join us as we share:

• The origin story of Doogh and its role in Persian food culture

• How Persians traditionally drink Doogh and the best dishes to pair it with

• Special audio clips from Doogh fans

• Creative and modern ways to enjoy Doogh today

• An easy recipe for homemade Doogh you can try in your own kitchen

Whether you're a longtime Doogh lover or tasting it for the first time, this episode will give you a new appreciation for this iconic Persian yogurt beverage.

✨ What you'll learn:

• What is Doogh?

• Why some people love it and others find it "too tangy"

• How to pair Doogh with Persian meals

• Tips for making your own authentic Doogh recipe at home

Tune in, sip along, and discover why Doogh continues to spark debate at Persian tables around the world!

Episodes referenced:

Podcast Show Notes Episode #180 – Summer Plates, Persian Roots

This week, Bita and Beata catch up after a full summer of food, life, and cultural connection. From refreshing drinks to layered rice dishes, they share what's been inspiring them in the kitchen and beyond.

🍉 Beata's Summer Creations:

• Cooling melon-based drinks that make hot afternoons sweeter

• Goat cheese sabzi khordan wraps, perfect for picnics and concerts in the park

• A new chapter: teaching Persian cooking classes to connect more deeply with her heritage and inspire others

🍚 Bita's Summer in the Kitchen:

• Experimenting with lighter, healthier variations of tahchin by mixing in extra grains

• Celebrating her brand-new certification as a pediatric health coach and how it influences her cooking approach

While this summer began on a somber note in the world, both hosts reflect on how food can be a bridge—for healing, culture, and togetherness. Through the flavors of Persian tradition, they hope to offer listeners a sense of comfort, joy, and inspiration.

✨ Tune in to hear their stories, recipes, and reflections on how cooking can nourish both body and soul.

Past episodes and recipe references:

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: