Gather

January 5, 2018 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 4 comments

Hanukkah, Christmas, Festiuvs, Yaldaa or surviving 2017: No matter what we just celebrated, we sent off last year with a bang and welcomed 2018.

New beginnings are a good time to press the wellness reset button, but healthy living can be a year-long lifestyle and need not be limited to new year resolutions. As we begin the year, I remind myself to set achievable goals, eat nutritious but delicious food, learn as much as possible, be kind to myself and others, let old wounds heal, practice gratitude, and make life as colorful as possible.

Last year was certainly colorful. 2017 tested me. But as I reflect on the last twelve months, I realize the positives outweighed the challenges and there was much to be grateful for. Mostly, the incredible people I have in my life and the extraordinary experiences we shared. Not surprisingly, many of those occurred around the table as we broke bread together, told our stories, laughed at our fortunes, waxed poetic about the future and perhaps even learned a bit about ourselves along the way. “Without the sense of fellowship with men of like mind,” Einstein wrote, “life would have seemed to me empty.” Indeed.

I have written about gathering around the fire. Today, on a cold snowy day in NYC, I sip hot chai and reflect on the warm memories of last year. I smile remembering the gorgeous tables we gathered around, the delightful food we ate, and the marvelous people who’s company I had the pleasure to keep. Michael Polan says “the shared meal is no small thing. It is a foundation of family life, the place where our children learn the art of conversation and acquire the habits of civilization: sharing, listening, taking turns, navigating differences, arguing without offending.” It is also a place where our fondest memories live. Where we receive the gift of love by those who prepared those meals for us. It is where we are reminded of the power of coming together.

My memories of this gift begin in Naz year zero. My parents have always been extraordinary and generous hosts. Bringing people together and creating countless memories is an art form they have mastered a thousand times over. The loving energy created around their tables, is my eternal source of inspiration. I wrote more about that here.

In the meantime, I want to point out the only difference between the first two photos in this post are 37 years and geography. Otherwise, in both photos you see my beautiful Mother at the head of the table of her loving home, and me really excited about what we’re about to eat! Just a bit of role reversal in who’s serving whom.

Happy new year from Basil and Roses! Below are a few of our favorite “gatherings” of 2017 and the recipes they inspired.

Wishing you a colorful and meaningful year!

Naz

“Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” Epicurus

Pretty Pickled Onions

Roasted Cauliflower with The Evergreen Chimichurri Sauce

Beer & Basil Braised Brisket

Nani’s Classic Omelettes

Mama’s Mexican Fiesta (Fish Taco, Guacamole, Mango Salsa, Cabbage Slaw, Pico, Fresh Margaritas)

Tuscan Inspired Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Cannelini Beans

Persian Stuffed Peppers

Muffin Tin Egg Frittatas

Shirazi Salad (or Israeli Salad or Mediterranean chopped salad)

Sesame Crusted Baked Salmon

Cindy’s Fabulous Holiday Rib Roast (Recipe coming soon)

Green Goddess Basmati Rice with Basil, Mint, Chive and an Unexpected Trip Home

Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Canapes with Fresh Dill

Chickpea & Cauliflower Coconut Curry

Other Top 2017 Recipes to try:

Nani’s Healthy But Decadent Butternut Squash Soup

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Citrusy Chicken Skewers with Mint-Basil Sauce

Panko-Crusted Dijon Cod

The Best Steak Of Your Life

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Medly

Mint & Cannelini Bean Tuna Salad

Roasted Cauliflower with Tangy Tahini Sauce

Baklava

Nani’s Decadent But Healthy Butternut Squash Soup

November 22, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 2 comments

Pumpkins are in season now and there is no fall flavor I like more than butternut squash. In Farsi they are called lazy pumpkin (kadoo tanbal), which I think is hilarious. Butternut is the perfect name for this tender, sweet and nutty flavor. I simply roast it in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. That’s it and it’s divine! With this recipe, I take the indulgence one step further to make a rich and savory soup.

The key to the amazing flavor is roasting the squash with garlic, onion and a red bell pepper, then blending all together for a smooth and creamy texture. The result is a complex, rich and silky soup with substance. I made it for Thanksgiving last year and it was a huge hit. It is naturally back on the menu again this year. Try it for your Thanksgiving celebration or all winter long- I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Note- I serve the soup with homemade crostini and a garnish of fresh thyme.
For the corstini, simply sprinkle the bread of your choice with salt, pepper and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Recipes serves around 6-8 people, double or triple ingredients for a crowd pleaser- I sure will be this upcoming holiday.

Ingredients:
3 large butternut squash, sliced in half and seeds removed.
3 large white onions, quartered
2 red bell peppers, cut in half and seeds removed
4 cloves garlic (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup olive oil, add more if needed.
Salt and pepper
A squeeze of lemon

Directions:
Prep vegetables.
Slice squash in half, remove seeds, but leave skin on- it will be easier to remove once roasted.
Place vegetables on baking sheets- you’ll need 2.
Generously toss and coat with olive oil, season with salt + pepper.
Bake in 350 degree oven for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Roughly half way through, remove the garlic from the oven to avoid burning.
Once golden, let cool and remove flesh of squash separating from skin with a spoon.
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Taste your magical mixture and give it a small squeeze of lemon for balance.
Salt and pepper if needed.
If consistency is too thick, add a small amount of water or olive oil for desired consistency.

The soup is amazing and rich up until this point. If you want to turn the dial on the indulgence factor, add a touch of cream or half and half while blending. But remember, it’s perfectly delicious and decadent if you keep it dairy-free.

The first harvest of butternut squash in Malekan Gardens!

The Fire Of Our Lives

June 15, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 11 comments

There is something uniquely special about the appeal of fire, we love being around the warmth and glow it creates. There is something that draws us towards the bonfire and the hearth. I believe our memories- conscious or subconscious, personal or collective are a part of that draw. Most of us have treasured memories of people who have cooked for us- Mothers, Fathers, Grandparents, friends… We cherish these memories because they are a special reminder of the love and generosity we’ve received in our lifetime. We gather around the fire, and the hearth and our tables to pay homage to that gift. To quote Michael Pollan, “a good pot holds memories.“

Tahran, Iran circa 1970

Most cultures have some form of grilling tradition which usually results in groups of people in the family or community gathering around a fire and sharing a meal together. Kebabs in the Middle East, Asado in Argentina, Tandoor in India, Churrasco in Brazil, Luau in Hawaii, Sausage Sizzle in Australia, Gogigui in Korea, Hibachi in Japan, Chuanr and Char Siu in China, Sataay in Southeast Asia, Lechon in the Philippines, Braii in South Africa (for which there is apparently a national day and anthem). And of course there is the classic American Backyard BBQ which many of us enjoyed this past Memorial Day Weekend.

Each of these traditions have their own unique style and flavor, but the common denominator is the communal aspect of the tradition. The lyrics in South Africa’s Braii anthem go “We stand united at the bonfire. We raise our glasses to the clear, blue sky, tell me your story and I’ll tell you mine.” Gathering around the grill is universal. When we don’t have an actual fire, we gather in our kitchens. Near the hearth, near the source of the fire, around those whom provide for us sustenance and satisfaction. One of my personal highlights of the year is that moment when I bring the turkey out of the oven on Thanksgiving day. Surrounded by friends and family who applaud and cheer as if I just invented bread! I love that moment and appreciate their gratitude. Everyone wants to take a picture with me and the turkey- which incidentally works out nicely, it gives our bird the right amount of time to rest.

As an avid cook, I may be biased on the importance of cooking and how it elevates our experience. Beyond my personal passion, there is an important evolutionary aspect of cooking that may be represented in the fires we gather around.

Cooking is what separates us from our evolutionary cousins, what made us civilized creatures. Learning to cook elevated humans from lone animal to more intelligent beings. Some neurologist believe the reason humans have bigger brains than gorillas is because we learned to cook. By using fire to cook our food, we spent less time foraging and less time chewing our food. This allowed us to get more energy out of our food, allowing our brains to grow. Although the human brain is 2% of our body mass, approximately 20% of what we consume fuels brain activity. The more calories we consumed, the more our brains grew. With more time spent around the fire, we spend more time together and learned from one another. This topic is artfully covered by the fantastic Michael Pollan in his book Cooked, now a stunning docu-series on Netflix. A visually captivating, poignant and educational series.

“The discovery of fire and its use with cooking completely change our evolutionary curve, enabling us to shrink our guts and grow our brains…The cook fire tamed us and socialized us by giving us the institution of the meal.” -Michael Pollan

This history of us is fascinating. Cooking plays a role in how we came to be creatures which have the capacity to enjoy life. A transformation occurred when we stopped cooking for survival, and started cooking for pleasure. So raise a glass to friends and loved ones who cook for you and who’s kitchens you’ve gathered around. Not only are they the source of many of our best experiences, it may also be that without them we would be a lot less intelligent!

I love to grill and summer BBQ’s are a wonderful way to gather around the fire for “old times” sake.

This week I’ll share my favorite grilling recipes with you. From the now (somewhat) famous
“Naz Burger”, to fun marinades for grilled chicken and fresh summer veggie recipes.

Happy Summer, my fellow humans!

Mama’s Mexican Fiesta

May 22, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 13 comments

My beautiful Mother Edna is one of my greatest inspirations- in life and in the kitchen. In life she is and always has been an incandescent source of light + love and my rock. In the kitchen, she is a creative genius. Cooking with my Mother has always been a pure source of joy for me and I have learned much from her over the years. She makes amazing dishes and somehow manages to always keep it healthy yet interesting. She is the master of creating Persian dishes, but balances that with new and modern recipes. There is never a dull moment in Edna’s Kitchen and thanks to her, many lovely meals have been enjoyed in our family Home.

Much like in Italian culture, in a Persian family you show people how much you love them with food. Combine that with the generous magnanimity of the graciousness of Persian hospitality and every gathering becomes magical. I grew up in a home in which my parents embraced that sentiment along with a deep passion to make the people we love happy by bringing them together and hosting beautiful meals. The pots and pans in that kitchen are exhausted! I can’t tell you how much work and effort they’ve been a part of over the years. I love these pots… so many meals, so many trips to the market, so many onions peeled, so many glasses of wine filled… so many memories, so much hard work and ultimately, so much love.

One of many cabinets filled with heavy duty pots and pans. More than kitchen utensils, they have been the vessels through which Mom’s beautiful cooking has messenger-ed her love for gatherings, people, family and friendship.

Given her exceptional skills in the department, our Mom (whom we adoringly call Duda) is usually cooking for us. On rare special occasions, I get to cook for her. This past Mother’s day was one of those special days. And in true Duda character of originality and unpredictability- she asked for Fish Tacos! When Mama asks for a Mexican Fiesta, she gets the best Fiesta! In this post I share with you the fun menu we enjoyed. It’s not an easy task, but Duda was pleased. Not only with the fish tacos, but also with sharing another delightful meal with her family, in her kitchen of pots, memories and laughter.

Tequila-Lime Baked Fish Tacos

Fish tacos, how we love them so… truly one of my favorite things to eat. I enjoy indulging in crispy fried versions once in a while, but in general prefer a healthier baked or grilled version. With the immense flavor of this tequila-lime recipe nothing will be lost, promise! There is just something so gratifying about a good fish taco. All you need is a white flaky fish, a zesty salsa with a kick, guacamole, a crunchy slaw and of course a nice amount of citrus and spice and everything nice!

My family loved this recipe and I hope you enjoy it too. With summer just beginning, this is the perfect dish to make for warm afternoons in the backyard served with a refreshing margarita!

¡Buen apetito!

Ingredients:
1 lb. wild-caught Cod fish
1 cup tequila
1/2 lime juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
salt + pepper
8 small corn or flour tortillas

Directions:
Cut fish into smallish pieces (approx 3-4 inches long).
Make the marinade by combining tequila, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and jalapeno, S+P in a bowel.
This smells amazing! The alcohol burns off during cooking but the tequila flavor is awesome!
Place fish in the marinade and cover. Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
In the mean time, you can make the fun accompaniments for the tacos.
Once marinaded, place in preheated oven of 325 degrees F.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Vibrant and Colorful Mango Salsa

This colorful salsa is fun to make, fun to eat and a feast on the eyes! The gorgeous colors make the table festive and the sweet and sour flavors are explosive! Great on fish tacos or as a dip.

Ingredients:
4 large and ripe mango, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
2/3 cup cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons lime (adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Tortilla chips to scoop up all this flavor (I used these Tostitos Multigrain Scoops), they handle the chunky salsa well.
Salt + Pepper

Directions:
Combine cubed/chopped mango, red pepper, red onion and jalapeno.
Add cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt + pepper. Adjust to taste based on preference.
Fold gently to combine ingredients together.
Enjoy this savory, sweet and sour delight!

Nani’s Guacamole

I think avocado is the most magnificent fruits in the world! It is rich, creamy, earthy, nutty, and savory. Avocados also have great health benefits. The list is long but to name a few they are high in potassium, good fats and they are one of the few high protein fruits. I love it’s creamy texture and use it as a substitute for butter or oils often. And of course, nowhere is the beautiful avocado highlighted more than in a classic guacamole! I don’t use garlic or tomato’s in my recipe, but feel free to add them if it makes you happy…

P.S. This recipe also works really well for avocado toast. It’s excellent on toasted sourdough bread with a couple of slices of tomato and a pinch of sea salt. Yum!

Ingredients:
4 avocados
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
Salt + Pepper

Directions:
Cut avocado into cubes, slightly mash it in a bowl. I like to leave it a bit chunky.
Add chopped cilantro, jalapeno, onion, lime juice, salt + pepper and mix.
Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste.

Pico De Gallo

Salsa Fresco

Forget store-bought salsa and with a few simple steps make your own tasty Salsa Fresca!
In Spanish, pico de gallo literally means the “beek of the rooster.” An internet search led me to several colorful explanations for the etymology of the term, but mostly urban legends and no definitive answer. According to Wikipedia “in Mexico it is sometimes called salsa mexicana (Mexican sauce). Because the colors of the red tomato, white onion, green chili are reminiscent of the colors of the Mexican flag, it is also sometimes called salsa bandera (flag sauce).” So there you go.

Now, let’s make some yummy flag sauce! This is a party favorite to be enjoyed as a dip with chips, and it ends up being great on tacos, nachos, burritos, grilled chicken… and so on.

Ingredients:
4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt + Pepper to taste

Directions:
Chop tomato, onion, jalapeno, parsley and cilantro.
Combine ingredients in a bowl and add lime juice, olive, S+P.
Taste the salsa while you are mixing. Adjust lime or salt based on your personal preference.
I like to start light and add if needed.
Enjoy with tortilla chips while you’re making the meal, but leave some for the fish tacos!

Azi’s Red Cabbage Slaw
Honey-Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette

This was the first time I made this and it ended up being great. I love using red cabbage for it’s beautiful color, slightly bitter and peppery flavor and many health benefit- Vitamin C, A, K and dietary fiber to name a few. It adds a nice crunch to the otherwise soft textured fish taco and marinated in a honey-lime-cumin vinaigrette it became a great addition to our fiesta!

In case you’re wondering, it’s called “Azi’s Slaw” because my beautiful sister Azadeh was a big help in the recipe testing of this dish. She has always been a dream sous chef, putting up with my colorful antics in the kitchen… Thanks, Sis!

Ingredients:
1 whole red cabbage, cut into quarters and sliced into ribbons
For the vinaigrette-
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lime juice
2 garlic cloves, mashed with the side of a knife
2 teaspoons cumin (plus a pinch just because I LOVE cumin!)
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is even better if you have it)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Combine lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika in a mixing bowl.
Slowly add olive oil as you whisk dressing together.
Adding oil slowly while whisking helps emulsify the dressing so it won’t separate (science, baby!).
Add salt + pepper to taste as you go along, adjust as needed.
Add dressing to cabbage and mix well.
Let sit for 20-30 minutes. It gets better after it sits for a while.
*It was even better the next day when we had the leftovers with chicken.

Fresh Lime Margaritas

Who doesn’t love a citrusy fresh margarita! A natural addition to our Mexican themed celebration but also a fun drink to make all summer long for those hot weekend afternoons to enjoy with chips and dip and friends.

Skip the high sugar content margarita mixes and make this fresh version at home. You can either use agave nectar, honey or make a simple syrup in minutes. I usually use agave nectar, but since this was a celebration we indulged a bit by using sugar. No biggie, everything in moderation! Just combine 1/2 cup sugar in 1 cup water in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until sugar dissolves. It only takes a few minutes.

¡Salud!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups tequila (I absolutely love Maestro Dobel Silver, it is exceptionally smooth!)
2 cups lime juice
*Note- this recipe can be made with any other citrus juice such as orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, blood orange (which is super pretty!)
2/3 cup simple syrup (after it’s cooled).
Tons of ice.

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a pitcher with lots of ice and mix.
Adjust to taste, if you like it a bit sweeter, add more simple syrup.
If you prefer to use agave nectar or honey, use a cocktail shaker to mix for better results.
Run a wedge of lime across the top of cocktail glasses. Then dip in a plate of salt to salt the rims of your glass (optional).
Pour into cocktail glasses and top with a splash of sparkling soda (optional).
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, double up if you’re entertaining.
*Note- You can reduce the amount of tequila if you prefer less alcohol. Just have fun with it!

Master sous chef Azi and I toasting to a successful meal!

Persian Stuffed Peppers (Dolmeh)

March 28, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 0 Comment

The term “Dolmeh” can be traced back thousands of years in the form of various stuffed vegetables and was popular all over ranging from the Middle East, to Central Asia, and surrounding areas. The vegetables stuffed could include tomato, pepper, onion, zucchini, and eggplant. Stuffed grape and cabbage leaves were also part of this tradition and can be traced back even further in culinary history. One explanation for etymology of the word dolmeh is from the Turkish verbal noun dolmak, which means “to be stuffed.” Makes sense.

In the Persian Empire, references of dolmeh are traced back to the 17th century and the courts of the Shah (king). According to Wikipedia, Alī-Akbar Khan Āšpaz-bāšī, chef to the court of Nāṣer-al-Dīn Shah, recorded dolmeh as a special category of Persian cuisine and gave recipes for stuffing grape leaves, cabbage leaves, cucumbers, eggplants, apples, and quinces.

My beloved late Grandmother made dolmeh combining green stuffed peppers and stuffed cabbage leaves in a large pot. She used tomato sauce and the end result was delicious! This is a picture of the dolmeh she made for us when my mom and I visited her in 2009. Those beautiful hands made many lovely dishes for us on that trip. And they all had the common ingredient of love incorporated. Many of my cooking inspirations are connected to that trip. Since my family immigrated from Iran when I was a child, this was the only time I cooked with her as an adult and I cherished every moment.

It seems the popularity and timelessness of this dish, is due to it’s simplicity. Stuff any vegetable with other vegetables, herbs and/or meat and you have a rich dish that satiates any palette.

I made my version of dolmeh for Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and they were a hit! The only dish with no leftovers and that says a lot for any meal in an Iranian home where abundance is the key ingredient to any feast.

It is a relatively easy recipe and quite healthy. You can make it meat-less by eliminating the ground turkey or chicken for a vegetarian option, nothing will be lost. The fresh herbs add such great flavor and aroma! Serve it up as a main or side dish and enjoy!

Ingredients:
10 bell peppers (multi color for visual effect)
1 lb. ground turkey or chicken (you can use beef too, I use chicken or turkey for a leaner option)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 1/4 cups basmati rice, rinsed
1/2 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
1 bunch parsley, chopped
2 small leeks, chopped
1 bunch of dill, chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons dried tarragon
2 tablespoons dried mint
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 lemons
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Olive oil
Water
Salt and pepper

Directions:
Gently cut the tops of the peppers and set “lids” aside.
Clean inside of peppers, remove seeds and white flesh
In a frying pan heat oil and saute onions until translucent.
Add ground turkey, turmeric and salt + p while browning the meat. Set aside. (I added a handful of the leeks and parsley while sauteing the meat this is optional but it’s a nice way to build layers of flavor).
Cook rice and split peas in 3 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about 15-20 minutes. Drain water.
Chop all the herbs. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Combine the turkey, rice, lentils, dried herbs, chopped fresh herbs, the juice of 1 lemon and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix all ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine tomato paste, 1/2 cup of water, the juice of the other lemon, 2 table spoons of olive oil, salt + pepper.
Spoon the rice-herb mixture into the peppers. Don’t fill to the top, leaving a bit of room at the top of the pepper.
Arrange the peppers into a deep baking dish.
Pour approximately 1/2 of the tomato mixture into the peppers. Pour the rest into the pan creating a small shallow pool for the peppers. Cover with pepper “lids.”
Bake for 50-60 minutes in the over at 350-375 degrees until pepper are cooked and tops are slightly browned. While baking, check to see if you need to add water in the pan if it has all evaporated. Don’t add too much water to avoid peppers getting soggy.
Serve and enjoy! As part of a feast like we did for Nowruz or on its own for a healthy week night family dinner.

Nowruz! The Beginning of Spring & The Persian New Year

March 24, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 1 comment

My favorite time of year has arrived! The first day of Spring marks the Persian New year, celebrated for over 3,000 years. It translates to “new day” and represents a fresh new beginning. Scientifically called the vernal equinox, it occurs the exact moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and spring begins in the Northern hemisphere. The duration of the day and night are equal, on so begins a new cycle of life.

As a child growing up in Iran and for the last 27 years in my Iranian-American diaspora community, Nowruz not only evokes fresh beginnings, but it also connects me to my family’s traditions and an ancient heritage left in the distant places where my ancestors once used to live out their hopes and aspirations.

The notion of hope and a fresh chapter in the story of life, is universal. Nowruz is celebrated by an estimated 190-250 million people around the world and has been kept alive through a series of beautiful and meaningful symbolic traditions. Growing up the scents of memories of Nowruz were distinct: smelling the hyacinth (sombol) wafting through the house, shopping at the market for greens and goldfish, spring cleaning, leaping over bonfires, buying new clothes, reading the poetry of the eternal Hafez of Shiraz and sharing festive meals with loved ones. These traditions are what make this holiday so special. We set a haftseen, a table filled with symbolic items to represent some of these traditions. We visit loved ones, exchange gifts and eat lots of beautiful foods and sweets. There is symbolism in the food as well. For example Persians traditionally eat “Sabzi Polo Mahi”- Basmati rice with fresh dill accompanied by fish. The fresh herbs represent rebirth and fish represents life. Some of the symbolism of the haftseen is mentined below. These are just to name a few. In the coming days I’ll be posting the various recipes of the delicious food we enjoy over this festive holiday.

For the moment here is the Basil and Roses menu and a sneak peek of the dishes we enjoy over this 13 day holiday.

Wishing you all a beautiful New Day and all the best new beginnings your hearts desire! Nowruz Mobarak!
نوروزتان پیروز ، هر روزتان نوروز !

Sabzeh/Sprouts- grass grown from wheat or lentils, representing rebirth

Seeb/Apple– representing health and beauty

Samanu– A sweet creamy pudding, representing humility

Senjed– sweet and dry fruit of the lotus tree, representing love

Serkeh/Vinager- representing age and patience

Seer/Garlic– representing medicine and good health

Somaq/Sumac– A spice representing sunrise and light overcoming darkness

Musical Inspiration

Leila Forouhar- Nowrooz

Green Garden Herb Basmati Rice with Dill, Cilantro, Rosemary & Chive and an unexpected trip home

March 6, 2017 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 1 comment

Thanks everyone for the feedback on this recipe! Many of you asked for instructions on how to make our fragrant basmati rice without a rice cooker. We gave it a go and the results were equally wonderful with delicious tahdig (crunchy bottom) to boot!

The recipe utilizes the same ingredients as the rice cooker version. Here, I used a nonstick standard pot. Instructions are below. Feel free to share your results and happy cooking!

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked basmati rice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large white onion, chopped
1 bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 cups fresh chives, roughly chopped
Handful fresh mint, roughly chopped
Handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
1-2 tablespoons rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
2-3 tablespoons kosher salt
1-2 tablespoons coriander seeds (optional)

Directions:

Soak rice in cold water for 20-30 minutes.

Rinse rice with water, gently agitating with fingertips. Do this multiple times (3-4) until water runs clear.

Fill a large pot with water (approximately 15 cups and bring to boil. Add turmeric and salt to boiling water. Don’t worry about adding too much salt, it will be drained later.

Parboil rice for approximately 3-5 minutes until aldente (not fully cooked) and drain in a colander removing all liquid from pot. Liquid will be golden yellow from the turmeric so wear an apron!

Add oil to bottom of the same pot you boiled the rice in. Add coriander seeds if using.

Spread a handful of plain partially cooked white rice in the oil.

Add and layer herbs followed by a layer of rice repeatedly, creating several layers of rice and herbs and forming a tall heap or a cone shape.

Using the back of a wooden spoon, create 3 holes in the rice. This allows the rice to fry on the bottom creating the tahdig, while steaming the rest of the pot for light and fluffy steamed rice.

Cover the lid with a layer of paper towels to capture condensation and steam over medium low heat for approximately one hour, or until the steam rises and the tahdig is golden.

Once ready, serve the fragrant and beautiful rice pilaf with whatever protein you like.

I served it on the side of this delicious Food52 recipe from last week for chicken and Cabbage in a sheet pan– it was fantastic!

The kitchen will smell divine and your pallet will be pleased.

Enjoy!

Baklava

December 29, 2016 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 4 comments

Like many other traditional foods of the past, the origin of baklava is difficult to narrow down. Every ethnic group with ancestry connected to the Middle East has some claim to this delicious pastry. It seems generally accepted that Baklava was first made by the Assyrians around 8th century B.C.- who layered nuts with unleavened flat bread and drenched with honey.

The type of nuts or syrup ingredients often suggest the origin of the recipe. Syrup with rose water and cardamom is most likely be from Iran or Arab countries. While syrup with cinnamon and cloves is more associated with characteristic of the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and those of the western part of the Middle East. The Greeks version is often more walnut heavy.

I’ve had them all! Persian, Greek and Turkish baklava are all sumptuous in their own way. The Persian iteration with the saffron + pistachios reminds of my Grandmother. The Greek variety takes me back to a wonderful trip to Mykonos a couple of years ago and the Turkish version echoes the sound of the call to prayer which we I had in the Sultan Ahmed area of the the old city in Istanbul.

In a water-front cafe in Mykonos

At the top of the world in magical Santorini

In Istanbul, the honey on the baklava had a unique flavor, served with a rich cream. It was really enjoyable with tea or Turkish coffee of course!

So I decided to create my own version, taking a bit of inspiration from each culture. What can I say, I like the harmony of honey and nuts and dough. After all, there is a reason in ancient times Baklava was considered the food of the Gods!

My recipe is below. The layering requires a bit of patience and time but the end result is well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

For Baklava:
1 lb. of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are best, or use a combination of them)
1 lb of phyllo dough
1 cup of butter, melted
1/3 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves
Finely ground pistachios for garnish

For Syrup:
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon Rosewater (optional but adds a wonderful fragrance and subtle sweetness)

Directions:
Lightly grease a 9×13 pan and preheat oven to 350°F.
Thaw phyllo dough.
Roll out the dough and cut in half so the sheets will fit in the pan. Cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out.
In a food processor, process the nuts until you have small even sized pieces.
Combine with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, pulse to mix.
In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or stove-top w/out browning.
Place a sheet of phyllo dough into the tray.
Brush phyllo with melted butter.
Repeat 7 more times until bottom layer is 8 sheets thick, each sheet being “painted” with the butter.
Spoon on a thin layer of the nut mixture.
Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each one with butter.
Continue to repeat the nut mixture and two buttered sheets of phyllo until the nut mixture is finished.
The top layer should be 8 phyllo sheets thick, each sheet being individually buttered.
Don’t worry if the sheets crinkle up a bit, it’ll add more texture.
Cut into 24 equal sized squares using a sharp knife.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until lightly golden brown, and edges appear slightly crisp.
While baking, make the syrup:
Combine the cinnamon stick, sugar, lemon juice, rosewater honey, and water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove the cinnamon stick and allow to cool.
8 Spoon the cooled syrup over the hot baklava and let cool for at least 4 hours.
Garnish with some finely crushed pistachios of desired.

Musical Inspiration-

Soap Kills – Cheftak

Beer + Basil Braised Brisket

December 12, 2016 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 1 comment

Brisket is one of my favorite dishes to cook for my family. It’s warming and satisfying and one of those meals that’s wonderful to share. As we bunker down for the cold days of winter in NY, it’s the perfect hearty meal for a family dinner or for entertaining during the holidays.

There are many flavor combinations you can use for the braising liquid and aromatics. In this recipe I combined beer an basil and it was fabulous!

Tonight’s menu also included Rosemary Sea-Salt Baked Potato Chips and a Cucumber-Onion Salad with Thai Basil. Meat and potatoes are always a good compliment and the lightness of the cucumber salad is a nice contrast to the richness of the meat and potatoes. The Thai bail echos the sweet basil from brisket and it all comes together nicely.

Ingredients:
4-5 lbs brisket with fat trimmed
3-4 teaspoon salt
2-3 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium yellow or white onions, chopped
2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups chopped celery
6 cloves garlic
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoon chopped rosemary
3 cups basil
4 roma tomatoes cut in quarters
3 tablespoons ketchup
Juice of 1 lemon
4 cups of Duvel golden ale beer (or your favorite beer)

Directions:
Heat oil to medium temperature.
I recommend using an enameled cast iron Dutch oven which enhances the cooking process by evenly distributing heat and locking in the optimal amount of moisture (I absolutely ❤️ my Le Creuset cast iron dutch ovens! This oval one is perfect for braising)

Pat dry the meat, then season both sides generously with salt + pepper.
Sear the meat for a 3-4 minutes on each side to brown. Transfer meat to a platter.
In the same oil (now deliciously flavored by the meat) add chopped onion, garlic, carrot and celery.
Saute for a 4-5 minutes until softened, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Place meat back in the pot.
Add tomatoes, basil, ketchup, lemon juice, bay leaves, rosemary and beer.
I used my favorite beer, Duvel Belgium Golden Ale .
Important note: Before adding, I pour myself a small glass of the beer to enjoy and toast to the magnificent meal we’ll have later!

Bring liquid to boil, then reduce temperature and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Cover pot and place in a a preheated over of 350 degrees.
Braise until meat is soft and tender- approximately 3-3/12 hours.
Once cooked, and the kitchen is filled with the amazing smells of deliciousness- set meat aside and let cool and rest. Don’t slice the meat right away. Resting allows the juices to redistribute into the meat for juicy and tender results.
Once rested, slice the meat across the grain to serve.

While resting, take 2-3 cups of the braising liquid and place in a saucepan.
The reduction will make a delicious gravy.
Reduce over med/hi heat for approximately 15 minutes until you have a thick consistency.
Season to taste.
Enjoy drizzled over the brisket!

Pour a nice glass of red wine and enjoy the beautiful meal with friends + family!

Healthy Eggplant & Egg Pita Sandwich (Sabich!)

November 23, 2016 nmalekan@gmail.com Comments 0 Comment

There are many delicious vegetarian sandwiches which originate from the Middle East and Sabich is one of my favorites! Possibly even second to Falafel which is so wonderful.

Sabich is inspired by Iraqi/Israeli street food and is dense with flavor. The chopped salad and pickles in brine offer a nice textural contrast to the softer eggplant and hard boiled egg. The hummus ties it all together.

Similar dishes like this exist in other Mediterranean cultures. In the Persian home I grew up in, Saturday morning breakfasts often included an eggplant and egg dish. Recipe testing for this post reminded me of simple family moments on casual weekend mornings. I remember my Father used to put red and white onion peels in the water when boiling the eggs which beautifully colored the eggs with gentle watercolor-like shades of amber, red and brown. This “colorful” memory made me smile. How simple things like discarded onion skin can increase the value and beauty of our experiences.

Try this for a weekend brunch or a meatless Mondays and you will not be disappointed!

Traditionally, the eggplant is fired, I saute or roast for a healthier alternative.

Ingredients:
1 medium red onion sliced thinly
2 cloves garlic chopped
3 Roma tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
3 small/medium eggplants chopped in cubes
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon Za’atar (optional)
1-2 pinches salt
Desired fresh cracked pepper.
5 eggs hard boiled
Your favorite hummus
Pickles in brine
1 Medium tomato, 2 medium cucumbers & half of a small red onion for chopped salad
4 table spoons olive oil (3 for sauteing, 1 for chopped salad)
1 lemon
100% whole wheat pita bread

Directions:
Saute red onion and scallion in extra virgin olive oil.
Add minced garlic and red chili flakes.
Add chopped eggplant.
After a couple of minutes add chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper (and optionl Za’atar).
Saute until eggplant is cooked through.
In the mean time hard boil eggs in water (onion skin optional). Approx 10 minutes for 4-6 eggs.

Prep the condiments:
For the Israeli or Shirazi salad:
Chop tomato, cucumber and red onion.
Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, salt + pepper, and dried mint (optional).

Slice pickles in brine. Galil is my favorite brand found here.
Peel and slice the eggs.
Cut open pita pockets and generously spread both sides with your favorite hummus. My personal favorite is Cedar’s garlic hummus, super flavorful!
Now begin to assemble this awesome sandwich!

Note- Roasting the eggplant is a faster alternative and equally delicious.
Just slice eggplant lengthwise, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt + pepper.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, turning slices over half way through.