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

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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:

The ritual "shaking of the house" — a deep seasonal cleaning that symbolizes clearing out stagnant energy and preparing for a fresh start.

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.

Sprouting wheat or lentils in advance of the holiday, symbolizing renewal, growth, and the greening of the earth.

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.

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 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.

• 🍯 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

In episode #184 of Modern Persian Food, we explore two emerging trends that are reshaping home cooking: using AI to spark Persian recipe ideas and incorporating resistant starches for better gut health.

Bita Arabian shares how she's been turning to AI for quick menu inspiration—especially when trying to use up ingredients already in her fridge. From brainstorming Persian-inspired meals to reducing food waste and unlocking creative flavor pairings, she shows how technology can be a helpful (and fun!) kitchen sidekick.

Beata Nazem Kelley then highlights the growing conversation around resistant starches, explaining what they are, why they matter, and how Persian dishes naturally lend themselves to this gut-healthy approach. She offers simple examples of foods that increase resistant starch when cooked and cooled—like rice, potatoes, legumes, and whole grains—and suggests easy recipes and techniques to maximize their benefits.

If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend! And we'd love to hear from you:

How are you using AI to inspire your cooking?

What resistant starch foods or Persian/Persian-inspired dishes are you trying at home?

Recipes:

Ash Reshteh Persian Noodle, Bean, and Herb Soup - BeatsEats

Persian Rice with Tahdig (Katte Recipe) – BeatsEats

Persian Salad Olivieh – BeatsEats

Persian Haleem Recipe (Oat & Chicken Porridge) | Nourishing & Satisfying – BeatsEats

Maast o Khiar (Persian Cucumber and Yogurt Dip) – BeatsEats

Maast-o Laboo – Persian Beet and Yogurt Dip – BeatsEats

Additional Resources:

Coach Bita Wellness Coaching

Consultation Call for Wellness Coaching - Schedule HERE

Persian Cooking Classes with Beata Nazem Kelley – BeatsEats

Contact Beata@BeatsEats.com

More info on Resistant Starches HERE: https://beatseats.com/🌾-resistant-starches-persian-cooking-a-delicious-way-to-support-gut-health/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.

All Modern Persian Food podcast episodes can be found at: Episodes

Sign up for the email newsletter here!

Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player.

Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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!

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 producition by Alvarez Audio

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:

BeatsEats - Persisn Jeweled Rice

BeatsEats - Haleem Oat Porridge

BeatsEats - Jeweled Tahchin

BeatsEats - Jeweled Cinnamon Rolls

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

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:

• Episode 36: Persian Drinks | Nooshidani

• Episode 65: Persian Cocktails

• Episode 9: Persian Tea | Chai

• Episode 5: Yogurt

• Episode 107: Demystify the Ancient Persian Medicine of Hot and Cold Food with Candice Walker of the Proportional Plate

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

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:

• Episode 31: Cultural Spotlight: Caspian Sea Regional Foods with Special Guest The Caspian Chef

• Episode 71: Medicinal Properties of Persian Spices with Dr. Mahtab Jafari

• Episode 133: Kashk with Omid The Caspian Chef

• Episode 173: Celebrating Yalda: A Persian Winter Solstice Tradition

Persian Salad Olivieh – BeatsEats

Maast o Khiar (Persian Cucumber and Yogurt Dip) – BeatsEats

Persian Jeweled Tahchin – 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