Modern Persian Food

Beata and Bita are back together to catch up on their summer food adventures, projects, and kitchen experiments. They chat about some of Beata's recent recipe testing, what she's been working on with BeatsEats cooking classes, and her growing YouTube channel. Then the conversation turns to breakfast and how creating a few practical systems can make mornings easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. Rather than reinventing breakfast every day, they explore simple ways to build routines around flavorful, nourishing foods. The big news of the episode is Bita's new functional cookbook, Power & Glow: Vibrant Persian Breakfasts to Prep & Go—inspired by bringing heritage flavors into breakfast recipes with plenty of nutritional value alongside each recipe. Beata interviews Bita about what sparked the idea for a breakfast cookbook, how her Persian heritage influenced the recipes, and why breakfast felt like the perfect place to explore these flavors as a health and wellness coach. Bita also shares what the self-publishing process has really been like, including what she's learned along the way and what she's looking forward to as she continues her cookbook journey. In this episode: Summer food adventures, recipe testing, and projects What's happening on the BeatsEats YouTube channel Making breakfast more practical with simple systems The inspiration behind Bita's book, Power & Glow: Vibrant Persian Breakfasts to Prep & Go Bringing Persian and heritage flavors into breakfast Bita's new functional cookbook, Power & Glow: Vibrant Persian Breakfasts to Prep & Go What's next on Bita's cookbook journey Tune in for a fun conversation about food, culture, creativity, and finding more joy—and a little more ease—in the most important meal of the day. Link to information on Bita's new cookbook: Bita Arabian Link to Beata's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@beatseats415 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

What does it take to recreate the taste of home? In this special episode of the Modern Persian Food Podcast, Beata sits down with Sahar Shomali, the passionate baker and founder of Kouzeh Bakery in Los Angeles. They explore Sahar's inspiring journey from home baker to small business owner, driven by a mission that many Iranians know well: finding—or recreating—the perfect barbari bread from childhood memories. Sahar shares how nostalgia became inspiration as she worked to capture the authentic flavors and textures of Persian baked goods while adapting recipes for today's ingredients, equipment, and customers. Her bakery celebrates the incredible diversity of Iran's regional baking traditions, introducing both the Persian community and newcomers to specialty breads, pastries, and sweets that are often difficult to find outside of Iran. In this episode, we discuss: Sahar's journey to becoming the founder of Kouzeh Bakery The childhood memories that inspired her pursuit of authentic barbari bread How she recreates traditional Persian flavors while adapting recipes for a modern bakery Regional Persian breads and baked specialties that deserve more recognition The challenges and rewards of owning a small food business Preserving Persian culinary traditions through baking Sharing Persian culture with customers from all backgrounds Whether you grew up enjoying fresh Persian bread or you're discovering these flavors for the first time, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the connection between food, memory, and cultural identity. Connect with Kouzeh Bakery Follow Sahar and learn more about Kouzeh Bakery: https://www.kouzehbakery.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave us a five-star review, and share it with a friend who loves Persian food, baking, and discovering the stories behind the recipes. 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 Follow us on Instagram: @modernpersianfood 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

Summer is picnic season, and we're sharing how to bring Persian flavors, traditions, and hospitality to your next outdoor gathering. Whether you're planning a casual afternoon at the park, a beach day with friends, or a family get-together, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a memorable Persian-inspired picnic experience. We discuss everything from choosing the perfect picnic setup and packing essentials to incorporating meaningful cultural touches that celebrate Persian food and identity. Along the way, we share our favorite picnic-friendly dishes, including herb-packed kuku wraps, crispy kotlet, salad olivieh sandwiches, fresh fruit kebabs, and other easy-to-pack favorites that travel well and taste even better outdoors. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to plan a beautiful and functional picnic setup • Essential items to pack for a stress-free outdoor gathering • Persian foods that are perfect for picnics and summer entertaining • Refreshing Persian drinks to enjoy outdoors • Ways to incorporate Persian culture and traditions into your gatherings • Why outdoor meals create meaningful connections and lasting memories So grab your picnic blanket, pack your favorite Persian snacks, and don't forget the backgammon set! If you enjoy the Modern Persian Food podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who loves Persian food, outdoor entertaining, and summer adventures. Recipes referenced: 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

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