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

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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

Get your skewers ready — it’s time to fire up the grill! In this summer-inspired episode of the Modern Persian Food podcast, we're diving into one of the most beloved traditions in Persian cuisine: grilling! Whether you're working with a backyard BBQ or just your stovetop or air fryer, we’re sharing all the secrets to achieving that authentic smoky flavor that makes Persian kabobs and grilled vegetables truly unforgettable.

We break down the different grilling methods, must-have tools, marinades, and how to hack the grill experience even if you don’t have one. From juicy kabob koobideh and saffron chicken to grilled tomatoes and eggplants, you’ll learn how to bring the flavors of a Persian summer to your table — wherever you are.

• The different types of grills you can use (charcoal, gas, electric, stovetop grill pans)

• Must-have tools for grilling Persian-style

• Our go-to marinades and seasoning techniques for Persian grilling

• What to serve alongside your Persian BBQ spread

• Our favorite vegetarian-friendly grilled sides

• And some of our favorite memories!

Links and Resources:

Episode 141: Discover the Tantalizing Taste of Balal: Persian Grilled CornEpisode 86: Persian

Episode 140: Savoring Summer: Joojeh Kabob for Your Summer Cookouts

Episode 86: Persian Kababs

Episode 68: Smoky Persian Flavors

Episode 4: Onions

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 this delicious episode, we dive into the enchanting world of Persian sweets, where every bite tells a story. Join us as we explore the artful balance of crispy, syrupy, soft, and chewy textures that make these desserts irresistible.

We journey through regional specialties, from the delicate kaak of Kermanshah to the fragrant sohan of Isfahan. We share some of our favorite flavors and memories tied to these traditional treats — think saffron, rosewater, pistachios, and more.

Whether you’re nostalgic for a childhood favorite or discovering Persian desserts for the first time, this episode promises a sweet escape into a world rich with history, flavor, and craftsmanship.

Thank you for joining us — and don’t forget to leave a review or share this episode if you loved today's taste of tradition!

Episodes referenced:

Episode 74: Persian Cookies

Recipes referenced:

Persian Tea Cookies with Aunt Pari Joon – 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