Modern Persian Food

Ever walked into a Persian restaurant or market and didn't know what to order or where to start? This episode is for you! In the first half of the episode, Bita and Beata share some of their recent Persian restaurant adventures — including visits to beloved spots like Berenjak and Eyval — while reminiscing about favorite meals they've enjoyed together over the years. Each co-host reveals their must-order dishes, table essentials, and the foods you absolutely shouldn't skip the next time you dine at a Persian restaurant. In the second half, the conversation heads to the Persian market! Bita and Beata share favorite grocery store finds, pantry staples, hidden gems, and stories from their Persian market adventures together in Southern California. Whether you're brand new to Persian food or looking to deepen your appreciation for it, this episode will give you the confidence and inspiration to explore Persian restaurants and markets like an insider. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and if you try something new, tag us on social media! ✨ Relevant Podcast Episodes: Episode 97: Guide to Ordering in a Persian Restaurant Episode 121: Top 5 Items to Shop for in a Persian Market All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found here: Episodes Restaurants and Markets Referenced: Berenjak Eyval Aria Kitchen SOFREH NYC Middle East Cafe Jasmin Market - San Rafael, CA Samiramis Imports - San Francisco Super Irvine Mission Ranch Markets #PersianFood #PersianCuisine #Iranianfood #PersianRestaurants #persianmarkets 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 cozy episode of Modern Persian Food, Bita and Beata share the dishes they've been making on repeat—comforting, go-to recipes that keep them grounded and connected to home. They also do a fun on-air tasting of some current favorites, with real-time reactions and plenty of flavor inspiration along the way. Bita shares exciting news about a new project she's been working on, and Beata confesses to her late-night indulgent snacking habits. It's a warm, honest episode all about the foods we return to again and again. In this episode: Recipes and meals on repeat A live taste test of favorite dishes Bita's new project update Beata's late-night snack confessions Connect with us: We love hearing what you're cooking on repeat—send us a message or tag us with your favorites! #PersianFood #PersianCuisine #Iranianfood #comfortfood 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 Podcact prodcution by Alvarez Audio

In today's episode, we're taking a step back from the noise of the world and reconnecting in the most familiar way we know how—through food. With everything feeling a bit heavy and unpredictable lately, we wanted to keep things simple and grounding. This episode is a casual kitchen catch-up, where we share what's been cooking in our homes, the flavors we're leaning into, and how food continues to anchor us through it all. Beata shares how ground beef has been on repeat in her kitchen lately—showing up in a variety of family-friendly meals and comforting favorites. She talks about the realities of feeding cross-cultural kids and the ongoing effort to keep Persian flavors present and meaningful in everyday meals. She's also thinking about how to streamline some of her go-to recipes to make them even more approachable for busy days. Meanwhile, Bita joon has been spending time in the kitchen baking and fine-tuning her breakfast game. She's experimenting with recipes that bring more balance to the start of the day, including a savory twist on a classic morning favorite that's both nourishing and satisfying. We also chat about ideas we've been playing around with, what's inspiring us right now, and a few dishes we're excited to try next. Whether you're cooking every day or just trying to get something on the table, we hope this episode feels like a cozy check-in—and maybe sparks a little inspiration in your own kitchen. Thanks so much for being here with us. All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes Sign up for the email newsletter here! Recipe links: Persian Haleem Recipe (Oat & Chicken Porridge) | Nourishing & Satisfying – BeatsEats Giti Joon's Famous Tacheen Recipe – BeatsEats Persian Jeweled Tahchin – BeatsEats Salad Shirazi: A Refreshing Persian Cucumber-Tomato Salad – BeatsEats 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

As we welcome Nowruz this year, we do so with a heavy heart. And yet, even in difficult times, we feel called to honor and commemorate this ancient, beautiful tradition. Nowruz reminds us that light returns, spring follows winter, and renewal is always possible. For Episode 186 of the Modern Persian Food podcast, we are revisiting one of our most beloved and foundational episodes — Episode 126 — where we walk through every part of the Persian New Year season and its rich cultural meaning. Nowruz (also spelled Norooz) literally translates to "new day." Celebrated for over 3,000 years and rooted in the rhythms of the spring equinox, it is the biggest holiday of the year in Persian culture — a time of rebirth, reflection, and reconnection. In this replay, Beata and Bita cover the whole 2+ week celebration, including: ✨ Khaneh Takooni (Spring Cleaning) The ritual "shaking of the house" — a deep seasonal cleaning that symbolizes clearing out stagnant energy and preparing for a fresh start. 🔥 Chaharshanbe Suri The fiery festival held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. Jumping over flames represents releasing the past year's hardships and stepping into health and vitality. 🌱 Growing Sabzeh Sprouting wheat or lentils in advance of the holiday, symbolizing renewal, growth, and the greening of the earth. 🪞 Setting the Haft-Seen Table The iconic symbolic table display featuring seven items that begin with the Persian letter "S" — each representing hopes for the new year such as health, abundance, love, patience, and rebirth. 🌿 Sizdeh Bedar The joyful picnic day on the 13th day of the new year, when families gather outdoors, release their sabzeh back to nature, and close out the holiday season in community and celebration. Even in times of uncertainty, Nowruz calls us back to intention, beauty, and togetherness. This replay is a reminder of our shared heritage and the resilience woven into these traditions. Whether you are new to Nowruz or have celebrated your whole life, we hope this episode brings comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection. 🌸 Eid-e Shoma Mobarak — Happy New Year. Modern Persian Food podcast references: Episode 22: Norooz Part 1 Episode 23: Norooz Part 2 Episode 24: Norooz Part 3 Episode 73: Growing Sabzeh with Naz Deravian Episode 75: Norooz Haft Seen Episode 64: Aash Reshteh Beata's Norooz/Nowruz Persian New Year and Festive Crafts – BeatsEats Beata's Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup and Asheh Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup – Original Recipe Post Beata's Persian Frittata Koo Koo Sabzi 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

Love, sweetness, and deep cultural symbolism take center stage in this Valentine's season episode of The Modern Persian Food Podcast. 💛 In Episode 185, Beata and Bita explore honey and figs—two ingredients that have long represented love, abundance, sensuality, and connection in Persian culture and beyond. As part of our ongoing February tradition, we reflect on how food helps us express affection, nurture relationships, and stay connected to our heritage. In this episode, we cover: 🍯 Honey: its ancient history, healing properties, and role as a symbol of sweetness, devotion, and prosperity 🌿 Figs: their deep roots in Persian and Middle Eastern food culture, fertility symbolism, and poetic presence 💬 Persian terms of endearment inspired by food and sweetness—old-world expressions and how they're used today 📜 Cultural and historical significance of honey and figs in Persian traditions and celebrations 🥗 Old-world and modern recipes featuring honey and figs, from comforting classics to fresh, contemporary ideas ❤️ How cooking and sharing food create intimacy, connection, and meaning—especially during the month of love We also share ways you can bring these ingredients into your own kitchen to create moments of warmth and romance—whether you're cooking for a partner, friends, family, or yourself. ✨ Plus: Learn more about Bita's health coaching practice visit her website: Coach Bita Wellness. First coaching session is free, schedule HERE Explore Beata's Persian cooking classes in the Bay Area, designed to help you connect with culture, community, and joyful living. Persian Cooking Classes with Beata Nazem Kelley – BeatsEats If you love Persian food, cultural storytelling, and using food as a bridge to love and belonging, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone you love. Recipes from this episode: Persian Fig Jam – Morabah Anjeer – 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