Love, sweetness, and deep cultural symbolism take center stage in this Valentine's season episode of The Modern Persian Food Podcast. 💛

In Episode 185, Beata and Bita explore honey and figs—two ingredients that have long represented love, abundance, sensuality, and connection in Persian culture and beyond. As part of our ongoing February tradition, we reflect on how food helps us express affection, nurture relationships, and stay connected to our heritage.

• 🍯 Honey: its ancient history, healing properties, and role as a symbol of sweetness, devotion, and prosperity

• 🌿 Figs: their deep roots in Persian and Middle Eastern food culture, fertility symbolism, and poetic presence

• 💬 Persian terms of endearment inspired by food and sweetness—old-world expressions and how they're used today

• 📜 Cultural and historical significance of honey and figs in Persian traditions and celebrations

• 🥗 Old-world and modern recipes featuring honey and figs, from comforting classics to fresh, contemporary ideas

• ❤️ How cooking and sharing food create intimacy, connection, and meaning—especially during the month of love

We also share ways you can bring these ingredients into your own kitchen to create moments of warmth and romance—whether you're cooking for a partner, friends, family, or yourself.

✨ Plus:

• Learn more about Bita's health coaching practice visit her website: Coach Bita Wellness. First coaching session is free, schedule HERE

• Explore Beata's Persian cooking classes in the Bay Area, designed to help you connect with culture, community, and joyful living. Persian Cooking Classes with Beata Nazem Kelley – BeatsEats

If you love Persian food, cultural storytelling, and using food as a bridge to love and belonging, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone you love.

Recipes from this episode:

Persian Fig Jam – Morabah Anjeer – BeatsEats

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

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Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.

Opening and closing music composed by Amir Etemadzadeh, www.amirschoolofmusic.com
Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

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

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

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

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

How are you using AI to inspire your cooking?

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

Recipes:

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

Persian Rice with Tahdig (Katte Recipe) – BeatsEats

Persian Salad Olivieh – BeatsEats

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

Coach Bita Wellness Coaching

Consultation Call for Wellness Coaching - Schedule HERE

Persian Cooking Classes with Beata Nazem Kelley – BeatsEats

Contact Beata@BeatsEats.com

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

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

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

Sign up for the email newsletter here!

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

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

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio

In this festive episode of Modern Persian Food, co-hosts Beata and Bita welcome listeners into the warm glow of Shab-e Yalda, the Persian Winter Solstice celebration. They kick things off by reminiscing about memorable Yalda moments from past episodes—stories filled with family traditions, cozy gatherings, and of course, food.

From there, the conversation explores the history and meaning of Yalda, diving into the symbolism behind the holiday's signature color, red. The hosts share how foods like pomegranates, watermelon, and crimson-hued nuts represent warmth, light, and the triumph of the sun as the nights begin to shorten.

Naturally, no Yalda episode is complete without talking about snacking. Beata and Bita highlight classic Yalda treats along with fun, modern twists you can bring to your own celebration. They chat about everything from dried fruits and mixed nuts to the sweet and savory bites that keep everyone grazing late into the longest night of the year.

To inspire your own celebration, the co-hosts each offer creative ideas to upgrade your Yalda table (sofreh). Expect tips on thematic décor, color palettes, and layout—plus a whimsical dessert idea guaranteed to spark delight for guests of all ages. Whether you're hosting a traditional gathering or adding your own flair, you'll come away with fresh ways to make your Yalda night meaningful, beautiful, and delicious.

Tune in to learn:

- The cultural and historical roots of Yalda

- Why the color red is at the heart of the holiday

- Snackable must-haves for the longest night

- Simple upgrades to elevate your Yalda sofreh

A fun and unexpected dessert idea to end the night sweetly

Celebrate light, warmth, and community—Yalda style!

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

Sign up for the email newsletter here!

Check us out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Subscribe+ to the Modern Persian Food podcast on your favorite podcast player, and share this episode with a friend.

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

Podcast producition by Alvarez Audio