Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Traditional Herbal Medicine



Traditional Herbal Medicine

Iran has an amazing geography. With 12 different geographical environments and 5 major climates it’s host to 7500 plants, of which 1800 possess medicinal properties. It would take forever to list them all so here are some of the few which can be easily located where ever you happen to be in the world.
KONDOR or frankincense. Use of this herb goes back to ancient Persia. The most commonly used part is the milky sap or resin which is often used as a salve for skin irritations and wounds. It’s thought to have a rejuvenating effect and is therefore excellent for acne, scars and injuries. Frankincense can also benefit the emotions and those with nervous disorders such as anxiety or generalised nervousness. It’s thought to be an aid to a poor memory and lethargy. And among its other attributes, Frankincense is good for gum disease, indigestion problems, ulcers and as an eye wash.
SANDAL or sandalwood is often thought only to be a pleasant smelling inscense but you might be surprised to know that it is also a disinfectant and helps prevent simple herpes, eg mouth ulcers. The useful part of the sandalwood plant is the oil from the woody part.  Other uses include UTI infections like cystitis, skin irritations, and digestive problems.
AZARIYUN or marigold is widely used the globe over and many countries have culinary uses for it.  It is also brilliant as a salve for skin conditions such as acne, eczema and general rashes and open wounds. It’s something we can all grow in pots or in our gardens.
To make a salve simply add 2 handfuls of Calendula leaves and flowers to 1 tbsp lanolin, 5 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp beeswax and heat gently. Mix together; take off the heat and leave to set. The following morning re-heat the mixture and pour into a sterile jar and leave to harden.
Ahura Mazda the Zoroastrian prophet advocated the beneficial use of the following herbs. Many of the herbs were incorporated into Zoroastrian rituals which can still be found on the ‘Haft sein’ table at new year.
HAOMA or Ephedra . Indigenous to Iran this is a small plant with yellow flowers. It was also found to have an intoxicating effect and then said by Ahura Mazda to be a ‘waste of time’ causing the consumer to be become irrational.
Widely used for muscular and bronchial complaints, headaches, as an antiseptic, aid to digestion and a blood purifier. It’s now thought to have properties close to penicillin and can be used for hay fever, asthma, and for colds and fevers.Interestingly enough it is thought to be very useful in loosing weight but before you rush out to find it, there is a recommended limit of 150mg per day. Generally it’s an all round healer as it’s  supposed to  promote  the bodies natural ability of the body to fight invading diseases through a natural antibiotic called interferon.
SEER or GARLIC Most people are aware of the benefits of regularly eating garlic. It’s a natural form of antioxidant and thought to be helpful in preventing general infections and fighting off free radicals.
OOUD or ALOESWOOD. This is  fairly rare and expensive so perhaps not so easy to  come by these days. although the oil available usually through chinese websites .  It used to be grown in Iran and is now generally found in  SE Asia . However it was thought to be useful in the treatment of the nervous system and was great for the treatment of anxiety and cardio vascular problems such as rapid heart beat. Yves Saint Lauren uses the oil is some of its perfumes!

CAUTION: ALL OF THE ABOVE HERBAL REMEDIES CAN HAVE SIDE EFFECTS AND SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN CONSULATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND A HERBALIST.
August 10, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Traditional herbal medicine, Traditions | , , , ,  | 4 Comments

What’s Hot and What’s Not

In Iran we fully believe in the power of hot and cold foods, much like the chinese do. In fact legend has it that  our  ancient ancestors shared this food knowledge with the chinese , but we won’t get into that here! Iranians believe that food is fuel and  either weakens or strengthens the body and these beliefs go way back to ancient times and originate from the Zoroastrian religion.

THE THINKING BEHIND THE THEORY

The description ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ doesn’t relate to the temperature of the food but rather to the effect the food has on your body. Everything we eat is broken down by enzymes in our stomachs and that has an effect on our cells and ultimately on how we function. Enzymes react to  ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ food. For example, ‘cold’ food like cucumber or Salad Olivieh slows down the digestive process, which in turn slows us down, requiring us to expend additional energy to continue digestion and will lead to feeling sluggish or tired. On the other hand, ‘hot’ food speeds up the digestive process, increases our metabolic rate and we are more alert and ready to take up our busy lives.
Our bodies need a balance of both ‘hot and ‘cold’ food to function at their best. So for  example when I make salad Olivieh, I decorate it with a ‘hot’ food, like walnuts or add carrots . Another example is Khoresht e Feseenjun where the two main ingredients are pomegranate ( cold) and walnuts (hot). Salad is made more balanced by adding herbs, which are hot. Rice is ‘cold’ which is why we eat our khoreshts or stews spiced with saffron and turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, salt and pepper.  And you thought it was just to make it taste delicious! Rose-water is ‘hot’ and sugar is cold, which is why our sweet dishes like Nan e Berenji use rose-water. Yoghurt is cold which is why we add mint!  Lamb and chicken kebab with rice …. Get the idea! It’s about creating a balance, or making what we eat neutral.
There are times when we need to eat ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ food like when we have colds and illness.  I’ll save that for another post.

WHAT’S HOT

  • All herbs except coriander
  • All spices except sumac
  • Chicken and lamb
  • Dairy is generally cold, except goats cheese which is neutral, Kashk which is hot and ghee.
  • Eggs
  • Most nuts
  • Vinegar
  • Wheat flour
  • chick peas, yellow split peas.
  • Honey

WHATS COLD

  • Most vegetables except: carrots, radish, okra, onions, garlic, red and green peppers,
  • Most fruit except apples, dates, quince.
  • Fish
  • Coffee
  • sugar
  • Rice
  • Barley
  • kidney beans, lentils

WHAT’S NUETRAL

  • Pears
  • Tea
  • Goats cheese

Love life, eat well and cook Persian!

March 31, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Other things you need to know, Recipes, Traditions | ,, , , , , , ,  | 5 Comments

The healing properties of Zarchoobe or Turmeric

Turmeric  is such an  under valued spice. We use it everyday in Persian cooking but forget all the magical healing qualities of this wonderful spice. It has a rich and vibrant colour and smells great but beyond that there are numerous health benefits.
Turmeric comes from the ginger family of plants. It’s often known as ‘poor man’s saffron’ because it’s less expensive than zafaran. It has a slightly earthy, bitter mustardy taste. The root is cultivated, dried  and then powdered and that is what we end with in our supermarkets.
Here are just some of the healing benefits to gained from Turmeric:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Thought to be helpful in preventing lung cancer
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to die
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. Thought to be helpful in the  prevention  of Alzheimer’s disease .
8. Thought tobe helpful in the  prevention of many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has been helpful in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis
11. Is a natural painkiller.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis eczema and other  skin conditions.
And here are a few quirky facts about turmeric that I came across! Bet you didn’t know these:
  • A spoonful of turmeric added to the water in water-cooled radiators will stop leaks.
  • Use turmeric to get rid of ants in your garden…. It might leave the garden a nice colour too!
  • Turmeric paste is a home remedy for sunburn and it is also an ingredient in many commercial sunscreens.
March 12, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Other things you need to know, spices | , ,, , , , , , , ,  | 4 Comments

Countdown to Norooz The Persian New Year

It’s that time of year again. The start of  spring,  March 21st,  Norooz the Persian New Year is nearly with us and it’s time to start preparing for the ‘haft seen’ table.  I love this time of year when we know it marks the end of the dark winter months and the coming of light and life again.  The time of rebirth and good things to come. Norooz literally translated means ‘new day’.
The traditions of Norooz have their roots in the ancient  times of  the Zoroastrian religion when people would offer the god Ahura Mazda trays of  symbolic gifts representing the principles of their faith: good thoughts, truth, justice, virtue, prosperity, good deeds and generosity.  Today this tradition continues through the setting of the ‘haft seen’ table.
The ‘Haft seen’ table is both a tradition and spiritual. I’m always surprised when I hear that so many Iranians in diaspora no longer carry on with this tradition. It’s like christmas without the tree or Easter without chocolate. It’s made up of seven ‘S’s.  These are the most popular in these modern times and there are many other things people add. The items in red are the most traditional of the ‘S’s’ and each has a special meaning.
  • Sabzeh. Wheat, barley or oats sprouts grown in a small dish to symbolise growth, new beginnings.
  • Sir or garlic one of the worlds most natural medicines.
  • Sib or an apple  which represents beauty
  • Sanjed is the dry fruit from the lotus tree which symbolises love.
  • samaq or sumac, dried berries powder red in colour to represent the warmth of the sun
  • serkeh or vinegar symbolises age, patience and wisdom.
  • Sonbol or a hyacinth a sign of spring
  • sekanjabin a sweet mint syrup
  • sekkeh or coins reflecting wealth
  • A mirror to smile into and wish for a happy year ahead.
  • 2 Candles to represent fire
  • decorated eggs, one for each member of the family to represent fertility
  • Goldfish in a bowl to symbolise life itself
  • A bowl of rose-water for it’s cleansing properties.
  • samanu a sweet desert to symbolise affluence.

TO GROW SABZEH

You will need some wheat grass  seeds and about a week to 10 days to grow the seeds. You can buy the seeds from almost any nursery, garden centre, health food shops and even sometimes from your local supermarket. They usually cost around £1.50 per packet.
1. Place the seeds in a flat bottomed bowl or dish.  Soak in water for about 2 days to soften them.  They absorb water pretty quickly so you need to keep them moist  by spraying water them regularly. After 2 days you should begin to see little white sprouts emerging. If you want to force the seeds on, cover with damp kitchen towel / paper and place in a warm dark environment, an airing cupboard is perfect. You will see results within 24 hours. Small white shoots will begin to emerge.
2. Monitor the seeds, spray when needed and keep them warm.
3. After 2 days or 3 days when the seeds have  some growth, remove the damp cover and place into the light. A kitchen windowsill is perfect.  Somewhere warm and sunny. Continue to keep them moist but don’t drown them.




 a week your seeds should be getting stronger and darker in colour. To have a really impressive display for norooz, prepare about 10 days in advance and remember to water regularly.
5. Before placing the sabzeh on the Haft seen table, take a sharp pair of scissors and trim, tie a ribbon around the grass seeds. It’s traditional to use a red, white or green ribbon.
After the 13 days of Seezdah  Bedar  (the 13 days celebration of norooz)   the sabzeh is said to have collected all the illness and bad luck of the previous year is now thrown into running water which it is believed will help rid the house and family of evil or bad luck. Another old custom would be for single women in the family to tie the sabzeh into knots in the hope that they will find marriage before the new year is out.

EGG DECORATING

Egg painting is a traditional norooz activity. The eggs represent fertility and usually you would have one egg for each member of the family. Children love to take part and decorate their own eggs. 
First boil the eggs and allow them to cool off and then be as creative as you are in the mood for.

TRADITIONAL NOROOZ FOOD

Sabzi Polou ba mahi or Herb rice with fish and Reshteh polou or Persian Noodle Rice .
Reshteh polou:
Ingredients:
  • Basmati rice 1 cup per serving
  • 1 handful of reshteh per three servings For coeliacs use rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 small onion
Method:
  1. Follow the recipe for making Persian rice to step 3 and then place to one side.
  2. Break the noodles into pieces. It doesn’t matter what size
  3. Chop and gently fry the onion in the butter and oil and add the noodles until golden
  4. Combine the rice and noodles in one pan as from step 4 and continue  through the rest of the instructions to step 14.
  5. Some people like to add cinnamon and raisins which is delicious and you can sprinkle these on just before serving.

Sabzi polou

Ingredients :
  • Sabzi for polou is usually shivid or dill and tareh or leek chives. You can use fresh herbs or dried.
  • 1 cup of rice per serving
Method:
  1. Follow the recipe for making Persian Rice
  2. If you use dried herbs add them at step 5 or if you are using fresh herbs add them about 20 minutes before serving and mix in gently.
  3. Follow the rest of the instructions to step 14.

Other Norooz Traditions

Khane tekani:
In preparation for Norooz it’s traditional to thoroughly ‘shake’ the house clean, ”Khane tekani’ . The walls are freshly painted, floors, furniture, curtains and other soft furnishings are all cleaned and scented with rose-water. Flowers are brought in from the garden and decorate the tables. This is a very symbolic ritual which comes from the Zoroastrian’s and is about purification and ridding the house of negativity.
Tips for shiny, sweet smelling houses:
  • White vinegar . It’s cheap and goes a long way. Pour a little on some kitchen towel and clean your windows and mirrors squeaky clean. The great thing about this is there are no smears! Pour into toilets, in bathtubs,  hand basins and use on the kitchen work surfaces.  Great for cleaning tiled floors and walls and even laminate flooring.
  • Lemon juice is great for cleaning soap scum, fantastic for brass and copper. Mix with baking soda to make an abrasive  paste and use for more ground in stains.
  • Also put lemon peel in the garbage bin, it will help neutralise those nasty smells. You can also use orange or lime peel in the same way.
  • If you can’t repaint walls, wash them down in a solution of  vinegar and lemon juice to wash the walls down. Place in a spray bottle and it’s easy.
  • Pour some rose water into a spray bottle and spray your furniture, curtains, beds etc for a lovely sweet smelling home.  Keep it nearby and spray just before  guests arrive.
  • In keeping with old traditions, place some Rose water in a small dish or jug and invite arriving guests to rinse their hands. This is a Zoroastrian Norooz tradition and is thought to wash away any illness.
  • If you can find some scented rose petals place in small  pots around the house.
March 11, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Norooz, Traditions |, , , , , , , , ,, , , , ,  | 2 Comments

Grow your own Sabzi

Grow your own Sabzi or herbs  is such a rewarding pastime. I have sucessfully managed to grow some sabzi here in the UK and am still struggling with others. Once you’ve harvested your sabzi freeze them for later use.
What you will need:
  • large pots
  • some soil based compost
  • seeds of choice
  • space in your garden or large pots. You will need two distinct area’s: one in a full sun position and one in partial shade.
  • Time, sunshine and patience.
Partial shade herbs  Tips :
These herbs are best grown in large pots which are moveable as they  like a little shade from direct sun light.  Water them in the morning rather than the evening and water the soil not the leaves or they will burn in sunlight.

Grow your own Reyhan or Sweet Basil

To grow basil all you will need is a moveable potting container. You will need to sow 3 seeds into a container using potting compost to evenly cover. If possible you will need to keep the temperature at a constant – ideally around 15C, never letting it drop below 10C – and theGrow your own basilcontainer will need to be in a dark place. After 2 weeks the seedlings will appear, when this happens the container will need to be placed in a sunny place. Basil requires sunshine and plenty of it but not in direct sunlight.
Water your basil regularly and try to use liquid plant food twice a month to encourage the plant to grow.
The plant will start to produce flowers – as soon as this happens pinch the flowers and remove from the plant. Removal of the flower will encourage more leaves to grow.
To use your basil, cut or pinch the leaves as and when required.
The ideal way to store the leaves is in a sealable food bag and placed in the freezer.

Grow your own Jafari or Parsley

There are two main types of jafari or parsely, curled-leaf parsley and flat leaf parsley. Both types’ leaves are grown in the exact same way.
Parsley is an excellent herb to grow on the windowsill; all it needs is to be warm and kept in a sunny spot. Once again the ideal container would be one that is easily movable. It is recommended to sow your parsley seeds in March time, approximately 4-5 seeds per pot. Any later than March will also be fine, but bear in mind the plants will develop later and this can extend the harvesting season.
When growing parsley make sure you use a rich soil that will not dry out too often, adding organic matter to the soil can enrich the plant’s growth.
Once the parsley seeds are sowed, place the pot in a sunny place keeping them warm. Make sure the pot compost stays moist and feed it regularly with liquid plant food.
If you wish to grow your plants outside you will need to sow the seeds in a moveable container as above, then once the seedling has reached a height of approximately 8cm you can then transfer to your garden.
If planting outside it is advised you spray your plants with a bug killer  in June and August to prevent any greenfly attacks. If you started growing your plant in March then your leaves will be ready to be harvested starting from July through to July of the next year.
To use the parsley leaves, remove them from the outside and work your way in. Parsley leaves can be easily frozen, as with basil store them in a sealable freezer bag.
It is important to harvest your leaves as they grow, if left on the leaf will lose its flavour and prevent other leaves from growing.

Grow your own Tareh or Chives

There are two main types of chives, common chives and Chinese chives. Common chives are the most popular and have a mild onion like taste about them, where as Chinese chives have a stronger garlic taste. Both types of chives are grown in exactly the same way.
Chives are great for indoor herb growing, as they are suited to be grown in containers using potting compost. Again a moveable potting container is recommended. Your best bet is to sow your seeds indoors in March time using normal potting compost, making sure that the compost remains moist.grow your own chives
After a month you will need to re-pot the seedlings, leaving around 10cm between each plant. As long as you have planted the seeds in moist compost, caring for chives is easy as they will grow both in direct sunlight and in the shade.
If your soil is looking very dry then give them a little watering. Around late spring purple flowers will appear on the leaves, they should be removed from the plant as they will hinder the growth of the new leaves. The purple flowers may also appear in June or July.
To use you chives take a pair of scissors and cut the leaves, starting from the outside and working your way in. Always leave a good 5cm remaining, as chive leaves will grow at a rapid rate and it is possible to harvest your chive leaves between 3-5 times.

Grow your own Nanar or Mint.

Mint is probably one of the easiest of herbs to grow. It will grow any where, in any soil and can take shade or direct sunlight.
Mint plants tend to spread like crazy, and can take over your entire garden  if left to their own devices. It’s the perfect plant for beginners to start out with, since it’s so easy to grow and thrives in all kinds of conditions. The pretty leaves and fresh scent of mint can enhance any garden. These are perennials, and will return year after year.
Just follow these steps for gardening help to grow your own mint plants:
Plant mint in early spring, using herb plants purchased from a garden shop or nursery. While mint plants will thrive in your garden, growing them from seed can be tricky and painstaking.
Find an area of your garden with a large, open space for growing mint plants. If planted too close to other flowers or herbs, the mint will take over and invade your other plants.Mint plants grow best in slightly moist soil with partial shade. You’ll still end up with a good, hearty crop no matter what type of sun or shade the plants get, or what type of soil you use.
Plant your mint plants about a foot apart from each other. Since it spreads so vigorously, you’ll still have plenty of ground cover. If you want to attempt to keep the mint contained to one section of your garden, cut out the bottom of the containers they are in and plant the  containers directly into the soil. This will keep the roots growing down rather than out, but won’t completely stop the spread.

Grow your own Tarhoon or Tarragon

There are two varieties of Tarragon French and Russian. The french variety is less available and the prefered Russian variety is hardier and more prolific. Russian tarragon can be found in seed form but they are difficult to grow and I havent had much success .
Tarragon is a tender perennial herb. It’s a member of the daisy family but rarely flowers in Britain, the result being no seeds. It’s not easy to find in the UK as most people buy it from the supermarket as they need it. To grow it initially, you will need to buy a plant from a garden centre or horticulturalist. Follow their planting instructions. It can be grown in a container, where it will grow well, or in the garden. If kept in a pot it will need dividing every 2-4 years.
French tarragon needs to be looked after! It likes a sunny position and light, well-drained soil. Shelter it from cold winds and winter frosts, and water well in dry periods. Be aware though that French tarragon is prone to root rot if the soil is heavy or wet.

Grow your own Gheshniz or coriander

Coriander doesn’t like being moved, so it’s best sown where you want it to grow, either in the ground or in large pots. Sow in late spring or early summer.
In August sow some more in pots on the windowsill for a supply during autumn and winter. Coriander is annoyingly quick to flower and set seed before it has produced much leaf, so it’s best to sow little and often. Watch out for fine, feathery leaves – a sure sign the plants are about to flower.
Well-drained soil in a sunny spot is essential. If you’re growing it indoors on a windowsill, give it plenty of light and don’t over water.
Keep picking mature leaves as and when you need them. Regular cropping should delay flowering. Once the plants do flower, allow them to set seed. The seed is ripe when it stops smelling unpleasant. Collect it and use in cooking, keeping some to sow for another crop.

Grow your own Shivid or Dill

Shivid or  dill dislikes having its roots disturbed – sow it where it is to grow, either in the ground or in large containers in a warm sunny site with well-drained soil.
Don’t grow dill near fennel, as the two can cross-pollinate resulting in seedlings with muddled flavours.
If you can’t provide these conditions, then don’t waste your time – dill won’t thrive in cold, wet areas. Sow little and often in March to April in the greenhouse to give you a supply of fresh leaves all summer.
Protect your plants from strong winds and support them with twiggy sticks.
Pick leaves fresh whenever you need them. If you want to use the seed too, cut off the flower heads, put them in a paper bag and leave in a warm place for a week. The seeds will then fall from the husks and can be stored in an airtight container.
Dill will thrive in a container on a balcony or patio. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and place old crocks or stones at the bottom to prevent the holes becoming blocked with compost. Use normal potting compost and sow seeds as you would in the ground. Keep the pot well watered – terracotta pots in particular can dry out quickly in hot weather. It’s a good idea to line the inside of pots with a layer of plastic to prevent moisture evaporating. Old compost bags are ideal for this; cut the bottom off and place inside the container before filling it with compost. Once the pot is full the bag is invisible but it will help retain moisture in dry periods.

March 7, 2010 Posted by  | Grow your own sabzi, Interesting info,Sabzi or Persian herbs | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | 4 Comments

Beans and Lentils or Lubia

Beans are a high source of protein, fibre and are low in calories and are used widely in Persian cuisine. All beans are collectively callled ‘lubia’ in farsi. Unlike animal protein sources (meat and dairy), beans do not have any ‘bad ‘ fat in them. Beans are also extremely high in  antioxidants and therefore good to prevent ageing. In fact, a half a cup of dried red, kidney or pinto beans contain some of the highest amounts of antioxidants in any food.
Here you will find a small list of the most used beans, how to, their uses and nutritional information. You can find all of these beans in tins from your local supermarket but they will most likely be preserved in sugared or salty water.  My preference would be those preserved in salt. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before using. You can buy the beans uncooked and soak them over night to soften them. They will probably need to be cooked separately before you use them. All beans are gluten-free and be sure to cook them thoroughly. Kidney beans for example can cause severe stomach ache if not thoroughly cooked.
Adas or lentilLentils are a power house of  nutrients high in B vitamins and therefore said to protect against heart disease, they are also high in fiber, protein and minerals such as iron and immune boosters copper, manganese and zinc. Lentils used in a number of khoreshts such as  and in rice dishes like Adas polou or dolmeh.
Nokhod or chickpea : Are an important source of macro nutrients, good source of protein, containing almost twice the amount of protein compared to cereal grains, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc.  furthermore for Coeliacs the chickpeas are an excellent source of fibre which helps lower cholestoral.Medicinal applications of the acid from chickpeas include use as an aphrodisiac,  chest infections, catarrh, cholera, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, sunstroke, and warts.  Seeds are considered antibilious. And apparently helpful if you ever get bitten by a snake!
Lubia sefid or white beans: Aka navy beans or cannelloni beans are a good source of fibre, low in fat and actually block fat absorption so great for dieters, their inexpensive and recommended for people with Diabetes.
split yellow peas or lapeh:A great source of fibre, packed with protein and help to remove cholesterol form your body.   They also contain two B-vitamins, and several important minerals. Split yellow peas  also include isoflavones, which are helpful in reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Lapeh are used in Khoresht e Ghraimeh, Khoresht e Ghraimeh budamjuun, in dolmeh, in abgusht
Nokhod chi or chickpea flour: As above for Nokhod.  Chickpea flour is also helpful in easing bruising when made into a paste. And as it’s completely gluten-free the flour can be used to make bread, or to coat food for which you would normally use wheat flour such as kotletsor meat patties. Also use it to thicken soups. Chickpea flour is more yellowish in colour than wheat flour and you can buy nokhod chi in almost all supermarkets.
February 12, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info | ,, , , , , ,, , ,, , , , , , , , , ,  | 1 Comment

Sabzi ingredients for Persian recipes

In this post you will find a list of all the sabzi or Persian herbs (in farsi and english) you will need for each dish. You will find the recipes for these dishes in the ‘recipe’ section.
The sabzi should all be stemmed and roughly chopped. Use fresh herbs when possible but it’s fine to use a mixture of both fresh and dried sabzi. Always use the same measure of each unless otherwise stated. Herbs can bought fresh when in season, be prepared and then frozen for use later.
For more information about the different herbs used in Persian cooking follow this link
Khoresht e Ghormeh Sabzi: 
  • 1 bunch of spinach or esfenaj
  • 1 bunch of coriander or gheshniz
  • 1 bunch of dill or shivid
  • 1 bunch of parsley or jafari
  • 1 bunch of fennugreek or shanbalileh
  • 1 bunch of leek chives or tareh
Sabzi Polou:
  • 1 bunch of leek chives or tareh
  • 1 bunch of dill weed or shivid
Khoresht e Karafs:
  • 1 bunch of mint or nanar
  • 1 bunch of parsley or jafari
Aash e Reshte:
  • 1 bunch of  parsley or jafari
  • 1 bunch of spinach or esfenaj
  • 1 bunch of corriander or gheshniz
  • 1 bunch of leek chives or tareh
  • 1 bunch of dill weed or shivid
Sabzi Kukoo:
  • 1 cup of sweet basil or reyhan
  • 1 cup of parsley or jafari
  • 1 cup of leek chives or tareh
  • 1 cup of dill weed or shivid
  • 1 cup of corriander or gheshniz
  • 2 cups of spinach or esfenaj
February 11, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Other things you need to know, Sabzi or Persian herbs | , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment

Tea or Chai

Drinking tea is a national past time in Iran. It’s traditional to drink tea which part of Iran, whatever the occasion. Tea is always on offer where ever you go be it visiting friends and family, in the bazaar, at work … almost everything stops for tea! I even get offered tea when I visit my favourite Iranian grocery store in London! I remember my mother visiting  us  when I lived in Tehran and we took a trip to the Bazaar and how surprised she was that tea was offered to us at every stall we stopped at. Can you imagine being offered tea at your local market!
Iran is full of Tea shops or chai khaneh whether you’re in a city or a village or crossing the mountains, you are sure to come across a chai khaneh sooner or later.
What you need to know about making persian Tea or Chai.
You’d think making tea was easy..  it is provided you know what you’re doing and you have the right mix  of tea leaves. There are 1,500  different types of tea to choose from and within those there are several grades of tea leaves  from Orange pekoe aka pecco, the highest grade, to what’s known as ‘fannings’ or tea dust the poorest grade and that’s what you would usually find in an average  tea bag.
Persian tea is always black, without milk and has its own distinctive taste . Here are a few tips on how to make  it. It’s always best to buy loose tea leaves, mix them and store in a container within easy reach. Never use tea bags !
This mix will make a lovely cuppa:
  • 1 part earl grey
  • 2 parts Darjeeling
  • A teaspoon of  orange pekoe
  • filter the water before you use it
I often add a pinch of za’faran and a small limu ormani to a pot of brewing tea, alternatively a few cardamom pips. They do say that too much limu ormani causes impotence…  so perhaps stick to the cardamom seeds as they are known to have the opposite effect!

How to make Persian chai

what you will need:
  • loose tea leaves
  • a samovar
  • a strainer
  • Boiling water
Method:
  1. Place water in your samovar and bring it to the boil.
  2. Warm your tea-pot with a little hot water and place 2 teaspoons of tea leaves in it.
  3. Place on the top of your samovar and leave to soak.
  4. The water in the kettle can boil but your tea should not.
  5. If you want to add anything such as cardamom seeds now is the time to do it.
  6. Leave to brew for about 10-15 mins
  7. When the colour of the tea is dark enough it is ready to serve. It should be rich.
  8. Poor a little tea into a cup and then top up with water from the kettle.
Serve tea with ghand or raw sugar cubes.  Persians usually drink the tea through the sugar cube itself and dont place the sugar in the tea. You can also use nabat or candied sugar pieces or on a small stick which you place in the tea  cup itself.
February 8, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Recipes |, , , , , , ,  | Leave a Comment

Rose Water or Golab .

The process of extracting oil from Damask rose petals was first practiced in Iran mainly for its perfume and then from rose petal oil came rose-water or golab. Both rose petal oil and rose-water  are now used the world over for cooking, beauty preparations and for the relief of medical conditions .
Rose water or golab has a very distinctive smell and flavour is used extensively in Persian deserts, such as ‘shir berenge’  or rice pudding,   in jams and ice creams such as bastani ba faloodeh ( my personal favourite) , pastries  such as ‘ baamiah’  and ‘halva’ and in cookies such as ‘naan berenji ‘ the list is endless.
Rose water also has symbolic meanings within Iranian traditions and culture. It represents cleansing and as such is often placed on the ‘haft sein’  table at new year or Naw rooz ( a table containing 7 traditional items beginning with the letter S). The Rose water is  for collection all sickness be it in mind, thought, deed, or in the physical body and/or it’s sprinkled into the air. Rose water is symbolistic within the Zoroastrian religion and in ancient Iran newly arrived guests are greeted with sweets made with rose-water and sprinkled with rose-water as they entered the house. Some Zoroastrians still keep a ‘golabaz’, a traditionally shaped vase with rose-water in it and greet their guests in the traditional ways.  I also have memories of using rose-water to lightly cleanse and freshen up furniture and draperies before receiving guests and especially at Norooz. In Avestan, the language of the Persian prophet Zoroaster, “rose” is varəda.
Originally rose-water was used for cosmetic purposes, as a scent or dropped in bath water and as the cosmetics market  expanded so did the demand for rose oil.  Today it remains one of the leading base scents within the perfume industry and it’s used  for many other beauty products including creams and astringents.
Spraying rose-water on the face is thought to be good for anxiety and to strengthen the immune system and bathing in it is said to relieve rheumatism and aching joints. Drinking rose petal tea is reported as helpful for those with renal problems, coughs,colds and general health complaints. Extensively used in aromatherapy where it has claimed the grand title of the ‘queen’ of the botanical world rose-water is used to alleviate general  malaise, depression, eczema, frigidity, mature skin, menopause and stress
Dried Rose petals or Gol Mohamadi
Dried rose petals are used extensively across Persian cuisine for taste and decoration. You can buy this already prepared from an Iranian grocery store. Be sure to keep them in an air tight container in a cool dark cupboard or the colour will fade. Rose petals are used for sweet dishes mainly such as Ice cream, jams, sweet pastries and as a cordial. Ground they can used to decorate rice for example and it is an ingredient ofadvieh used in preparation of meat dishes.
February 5, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info | , , , , , , ,, , , , , , ,,  | Leave a Comment

The Pomegranite: Jewel of Iran

The pomegranate is the fruit of tree or shrub native to Iran and other parts of the Middle East and Asia and is usually harvested between March and May in the southern hemisphere. It’s also now grown in many parts of the US and in Europe. However there is none better than the Iranian pomegranate which is large and juicy compared to those grown elsewhere. There are over 750 varieties in Iran alone and they come in many different sizes and colours with ‘black’ pomegranates being the most expensive.
In latter years the pomegranate has become renown for its health giving properties and is now known as a ‘super fruit’ in the west.  Pomegranate juice provides around 16% of our daily required vitamin C intake, is high in vitamin B and potassium and eating the arils or seeds of the pomegranate will provide you with a  good source of fibre. The ruby jewel is also thought to be effective in warding off heart disease. Here is a link to a video about some of the many health benefits attributed to the pomegranate.
Pomegranates are at the best when ripe.  A good pomegranate will be heavy with red or dark pink arils and juice and have less pith    ( the white fleshy part).  It’s easy to tell if a pomegranate is ripe through it’s colour which should be red, and it’s feel. Ripe pomegranates are heavy and soft to touch but not too soft. Iranians prefer sweet, thin skinned pomegranates and many will add a little salt and/or pepper to the seeds or arils. Even though it sounds quite weird, it’s actually so delicious you will never want to eat them without again.
There are many ways to open and eat a pomegranate and everyone has their preferred methods. Some like to bite into it and suck the juice out and others prefer to cut it open and scoop out the arils. Some emerse them in water to avoid mess and prevent staining of clothes.
If you happen to come across a good batch of pomegranates buy several. You can open them and store the arils  in the fridge for several days.
Pomegranate juice is delicious and refreshing and can be used in a variety of ways from cocktails to syrup or robe anar . The pomegranate syrup or concenrate is essential in a particular recipes Khoreshte feseenjun and Aash e Anar.  The arils can be used in numerous ways too: sprinkle on salads, add to fruit salads, and many other deserts. The arils are also dried and ground and used in a variety of ways too. This is called Anar  dana and in this powdered form it can be added to soups, khoresht  and  cookies.
February 4, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info | , ,, ,, , , ,,  | 2 Comments

Sabzi (Persian herbs). Everything you want to know

Sabzi is one of the great characteristics of Persian cuisine. It refers to the leafy part part of the herb and is used both in Khoreshts for flavour and bulk and in sabzi khordan as an accompliment to meals. Some herbs are easy to grow yourself such as mint, and coriander and there’s nothing more satisfying than picking  herbs fresh from your own garden. However I haven’t had much luck with tarragon here in the UK. Sabzi is always best fresh but this isn’t always possible and it’s difficult to produce enough to meet all your needs. A great alternative is sabzi khoshk or dried herbs and most of these are easily sourced and  available in nearly all supermarkets. When using dried herbs its advisable to soak the herbs before use to ensure  maximum flavour. You can buy almost all the dried herbs you need for each dish you want to make from an Iranian Grocery store. If you want to make a persian omelette for example, look for Sabzi Kukoo.
For a list of the herbs you need for Persian recipes follow this link

Main Herbs

Parsely or jafari You may know that parsley is native to Mediterranean land and has been used by the ancient Greek and Romans. What you may not know is that Persians have cultivated and used parsley in a wide variety of dishes for thousands of years. Parsley is part of many herb mixes of Persian cooking such as Sabzi polow, Ghormeh sabzi, Aash, Karafs and Kuku herb mixes.
Dill weed or shivid is extremely aromatic and is mainly used for food seasoning in many countries around the world. Persians, however, have used dill weed in a unique way in rice dishes such as shevid polou  (Dill and rice mix) and Baghali  polou (broad beans and rice). It is also mixed with other herbs as part of preparing other delightful meals like sabzi polou (a rice dish), khoreshte karafs  (a stew) and kuku e sabzi  (vegetable omlette).
Coriander or Gheshniz. Corriander is native to Iran and easily found in any supermarket across the globe. It’s also easy to grow here in the UK. It has a distinctive musky smell and is used  in salads, and for  Ghishniz polou and kuku. No persian kitchen would be without it is some form, either fresh or dried.
Fenugreek orshanbalileh is one of the world’s oldest and widely used medicinal herbs. It has a variety of attributes and is used for increasing libido in men and as an aphrodisiac generally. The seeds have to be ground and can be used to make tea, for fevers,  to reduce menstrual pain and treat skin infection.  The leaf of the fenugreek is high in iron and helps with respiratory and sinus problems. In persian cooking it’s used in Aash ( soup) and in khoreshts such as ghormeeh sabzi.
Tarragon or tarhoon is again heralded for having many health benefits. Its used for the relief of stomach cramps,toothache, menstrual pain and as a cure for bile and high blood pressure. It’s a vital herb in the Persian diet, used on its own or with pickles torshi and in khoreshts. It has a peppery aniseed taste and is grown easily in Iran although I haven’t had much success growing this myself.
Mint or nanar is another vital. This is very easily grown yourself and spreads rapidly so once you start to grow it, you shouldn’t ever have a problem with quantity again. Used in a variety of dishes from must o khiar a yoghurt and cucumber side dish to chai tea. Its eaten with meals on its own, mixed into salads, and as one of the many herbs needed in khoreshts. You can also buy ab nanah or mint water. I always keep a bottle at hand as its great for stomach ailments and indigestion. I have found it really useful if by some accident I have eaten something glutenous…. it helps relieve the cramps.
Sweet Basil or reyhan is widely grown all over the world and a favoured herb of the Italians. However was originally native to Iran and was grown there over 5,000 years ago. It has a sweet pungent taste, is easily grown at home on your kitchen window sill or in the green house during colder months and in your garden during the summer. It can be frozen and kept for several months. Health benefits are numerous: asthma and diabetes and as an antiviral to name a few. Sweet basil is a great compliment to all the peppery herbs in sabzi khordan and is widely used in many recipes.
Cress or shahi in contrast to basil has a peppery taste. High in iron, calcium and folic acid its a great immune booster as well as a stimulant, a diuretic and good for the digestion. In the east it’s often marketed as a sexual stimulant for men .. I can’t verify that! On the minus side, it is known to cause cystitis in some women because of its strong alkaline properties. Cress  is fairly widely used in persian cooking for its strong flavour. It makes a great addition to sabzi khordan and can be easily grown at home in pots or in your garden. If you buy  cress, please ensure you wash it thoroughly as commercial growers use animal waste to promote its quick growth.
Leek chives or tareh are from the onion family and have a distinct onion garlicy taste. It’s the green hollow stems that are used both in cooking and for sabzi khordan. Leek chives are so easy to grow at home. Once planted they are prolific and will sprout up all over your garden.  They require very little attention and can be chopped and frozen to see you through the winter months for cooking with.  Health wise they are very similar to garlic but less strong and are thought to be good for the circulation.
Radish or torabeh is a wonderfully colourful addition to sabzi khordan and Salad Olivieh. The skin is bright pink in colour and white inside and it really compliments the range of green herbs both in appearance and texture. The texture is moist and crunchy amidst all the softness of the herbs. Radishes are easily available from your supermarket all year-round. The radish is a root vegetable, easily grown in your garden during the summer months. There are a huge variety to choose from. Persian radishes are also easily grown here in the UK. They are slightly more peppery than european radishes. The only problem I’ve had growing my own is a lack of consistent sunlight, hence the end result is a little smaller than I would expect to have found in Iran. Medicinal benefits include protection against coughs and colds and general infections and as a cure for constipation.
Shallots or musi are from the onion or piazfamily and available in most suppermarkets globally. Slightly sweeter,  firmer and harder than an onion shallots are  smaller in size.  shallots are a natural inhabitant of Iran and generally favoured above the onion because of their whiteness and strong taste. They are so hard that they often need to be soaked before the can be used. They are usually eaten with kebab and used to make ma’ast musir.

Sabzi Khordan

Sabzi khordan literally means ‘ eating greens’ and refers to a collection of herbs and vegetables that are traditionally served with lunch and dinner. Sabzi khordan is usually made up from the herbs above but it can be whatever you want it to be, what ever is available to you and seasonal.
To go with the herbs it would be traditional to add walnuts or gerdu and feta cheese or panir. The walnuts are usually soaked in water before serving to soften them.
If you are having a dinner party and want to prepare your sabzi khordan dish before hand, you can cover the herbs with a damp paper towel and add the walnuts and feta immediately before serving.
Sabzi khordan offers a light and refreshing side dish to main meals and is rich in nutrients and vitamins. It’s also a colourful addition to your table with the greens and pink radishes.
Iranian restaurants often feature ‘sabzi khordan’ as a starter ( grr… a personal irritation)
February 3, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info, Other things you need to know, Recipes, Sabzi or Persian herbs, Salads, Starters | , , , , , , ,, , , , , , , , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , ,, , , , , , , , , , , , ,, , , ,  | 13 Comments

What you need to know about rice

Before you begin to think about cooking any Persian rice dish, there are a few essential things you need to know about rice.

Polou or Chello?

  • In it’s uncooked form rice is called berenge.
  • Chello  is rice that has been soaked in salted water and par boiled. Polou is rice that has been through the previous stage of boiling and is then steamed. Polou ( if you get it right) is fluffy separate grains of rice and isnot sticky.
  • Kateh is rice that has been cooked in boiling water until the water has disappeared. This is a little wetter and can be a little sticky.
  • Dami is like kateh but has other ingredients added like Estamboli Polouor Addas polou.
  • Taadig is the crust which forms at the bottom of the pan if you cook the rice long enough over a low heat.
  • There are many different grades of rice and you need a medium to good quality.  You can buy many cheaper grades of rice but you will need to experiment with the amount of time you soak it and boil it for.
  • Always, always wash the rice in water under a running tap until you see the water run clear. It carries a lot of dust and sometimes other things! Although with good quality rice the ‘other’ things shouldn’t be an issue.
  • With most recipes you will need to pre soak the rice. There are a few exceptions. The soak time will depend on the quality of the rice you use.  You can experiment with other brands.
  • I recommend ‘Mahan’ or ‘Safar’ which is available in most Iranian grocery stores but there are some good alternatives such as ‘Tilda’.
  • Dont worry if the uncooked rice isn’t brilliant white. Larger commercial companies sometimes bleach the rice to make it look more attractive. Usually though it’s a little yellowish in colour but it will turn white when cooked.

Rice cooker V traditional method?

A rice cooker is a free-standing  electrical appliance for cooking rice. The traditional method of cooking rice is time-consuming and requires your focused attention throughout the whole process. A rice cooker simplifies the process by automatically adjusting the temperature and timing and leaves you free to do other things. Once you have added the correct amount of water, it will need no further attention.
It’s not an essential to have a rice cooker but it sure is handy.  If you practice, the rice you produce from your rice cooker can be every bit as delicious as the results you get from the traditional long method. It’s even possible to make polou with additional ingredients in it. 
I can’t personally recommend any particular brand and I’ve owned many rice cookers. They come in a range of sizes and that is probably the most important consideration to think about. In the UK rice cookers cost roughly from  £25  upwards. They are easily found in electrical stores, some supermarkets and any  good Iranian Grocery store will stock them.
My personal preference is the traditional method when possible. I use my rice cooker when I’m tired or feeling lazy, need space on my cooker or when I havent got enough time.
February 2, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info | ,, , , , ,, , , , ,  | 1 Comment

Essential ingredients for your persian cupboard

Persian food is diverse, each corner of Iran having its own culinary preferences, culture  and tradition.
Mealtimes provide the main structure of life : breakfast ( sobhaneh) lunch( nahar) and dinner ( shaam) .  The Persian diet is healthy, nutritious and largely gluten-free so great for me as a coeliac. It uses a huge variety of fruits , nuts, lentils, vegetables, herbs and spices and many of the ingredients have medicinal values. Each meal is accompanied by a variety of herbs, Tarragon, coriander, flat leave parsley and usually naan ( flat unleavened bread) and must (natural yoghurt).  There is a tendency to use a lot of butter or ghee and oil  but  I have adapted my recipes for a healthier version, omitting unhealthy amounts of both. It stills works well and tastes delicious.
Most lunch and dinner dishes involve a meat dish of either lamb or chicken, however I do include a number of vegetarian options for the less carnivorous. See the recipe for Estamboli polou for example. There  are some ingredients and equipment that are essential for your kitchen if you want to cook persian food. Here is a list, it’s not conclusive so please send in any suggestions  you think are a must have and things you couldnt manage without.
  • ab limu ( lime juice)
  • rice (berenge)
  • ground limes
  • za’faran ( saffron)
  • zarchube ( turmeric)
  • olive oil
  • zareshk ( barbarries)
  • tomatoe paste

  • a variety of dried herbs known as ‘sabzi’
  • advieh a collection of mixed spices
  • addas ( lentils)
Equipment:
  • A heavy bottomed non stick saucepan with a lid.
  • skewers for kebab … these have to be persian skewers which are long, wide  and flat and mostly only available in Iranian grocery stores.
  • A large  mesh sieve so you dont loose your rice through the holes!
  • a rice cooker ( some say! I prefer the long method but it comes in handy) 
  • a pestle and mortar. It only needs to be a small one.
  • a good thick tea towel used to absorb the condensation created in the steaming process of cooking rice. This is wrapped and securely fastened around the lid of the pan.
February 2, 2010 Posted by  | Interesting info | , , , , , , ,  | Leave a Comment

Saffron or Za’faran and what to do with it

~~SAFFRON AND IT’S MANY USES~~

Saffron or za’ferân is a delicate spice derived from the crocus flower. Widely used in the east it is a much under used spice in the west. It has many medicinal qualities and is said to help ward off depression and make you laugh… that can’t be bad! The ancient Persians were feared by their enemies as they developed a reputation  for using it  as a drug to sedate and as an aphrodisiac . Alexandra the Great is reputed to have stolen the idea from the Persians and used Persian za’feran in his baths, for his food and as a cure for battle injuries. No doubt he tried it with the ladies too. Other uses include help with child-birth, as a dye and as a cure for headaches.
Saffron is widely available and can be found in most supermarkets. There is a large amount of Spanish saffron on the market but I recommend you buy a high grade saffron such as Iranian za’faran as its colour and scent is much stronger and you will therefore use less of it. Most Iranian grocery stores stock it but I have to warn you, its expensive.  If you don’t live within access to an Iranian grocery store, try an indian one.
~STORAGE OF SAFFRON~ What ever you do, you must store it in a cool, dark airtight container otherwise the colour and scent of the za’faran will diminish.Never leave it on the shelf or it will be almost useless and taste less.
~PREPARATION OF SAFFRON~ I usually grind mine in a pestle and mortar as I need it. However many cooks grind it in advance. I don’t think there is any advantage either way. If the meal you are cooking is sweet, such as Khoreshte Fesenjun, use a tiny pinch of sugar to help grind it down but otherwise use a tiny pinch of salt. Once your za’faran is ground to a powdery like substance it is ready for use.
~TO MAKE LIQUID SAFFRON~Take a pinch of za’faran and place it in a small cup. Add a little boiling water and stir and then cover and allow to infuse for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the richer the color. Once you’ve made liquid zafaran you can keep it in the fridge for about 2-3 days, but cover it with cling film first!
Za’faran is used every day  in Iranian cooking not only to enhance the flavour of the food but also for decoration. Its used in a variety of dishes across every meal.  I even place a tiny pinch of it when I make chai ( black and flavoured tea) …. a cup of za’faran infused chai everyday can help ward off depressive thinking.  It certainly cheers me up as it soooo delicious. You can also use za’faran  flavoured ‘nabat’, a sugar candy used to sweeten chai. Nabat can be bought at most Iranian grocery stores. Unfortunately this isn’t widely available and I have not yet seen it in a supermarket in the west.
DECORATIVE USES ~ Most Iranians use za’faran to decorate and flavour rice dishes. I often use it in throughout the cooking process and as for a decorative finish. This is a picture of Zereshk Polou, steamed Iranian rice with zereshk ( barberries and slithers of almonds)  and I will feature the recipe soon.
Za’faran has a huge number of uses in an Iranian kitchen. It’s an essential and fundamental feature of Iranian cooking.
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