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