INFO SHEET: IRANIAN EID FEAST
Savoring Tradition | Fragrant Spices | Warm, Communal Flavors
1. Preparation & Context (10/10)
• Dish: A rich and aromatic Iranian Eid meal, featuring dishes like Fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut stew), Tahchin (saffron rice cake), Chelo Kebab (grilled skewered meats), Shirin Polow (sweet rice pilaf), and a variety of side dishes such as Kuku Sabzi (herb frittata) and Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant dip). The meal is complemented by refreshing Doogh (yogurt drink) and is finished off with Saffron Ice Cream and Baklava for dessert.
• Inspiration: Rooted in centuries-old Persian tradition, the Iranian Eid feast is a celebration of abundance, hospitality, and community. It reflects the country’s deep agricultural roots and the use of local ingredients like saffron, pomegranate, and walnuts. The meal is rich in flavor, with sweet, savory, and tart elements coming together harmoniously.
• Occasion: Eid al-Fitr, a significant holiday marking the end of Ramadan. It is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and share a meal that honors tradition and offers joy after a month of fasting.
• Pre-Meal Pairing: Begin the meal with a light appetizer of Mirza Ghasemi, served with fresh flatbread, or a simple bowl of Doogh to cleanse the palate and cool down from the meal’s spices.
2. Main Experience (25/25) – The Ultimate Iranian Eid Feast
🍖 Fesenjan (Pomegranate & Walnut Stew):
• Base: A rich, velvety stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses, simmered with chicken, duck, or lamb.
• Flavors: The stew combines the tartness of pomegranate with the earthy richness of walnuts, creating a beautifully balanced sauce. The meat soaks in the flavors, becoming tender and aromatic.
• Preparation: The stew is slow-cooked until thick and rich, often garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of color and flavor.
🍚 Tahchin (Saffron Rice Cake):
• Rice: A fragrant, golden saffron rice that is layered with chicken or lamb and a creamy yogurt mixture.
• Texture: The rice forms a golden crust on the bottom, while the inside is moist and packed with flavor, providing a contrast of textures.
• Preparation: The rice is carefully arranged in a dish, pressed down to form the cake, and baked until a crispy, golden crust forms at the bottom.
🥩 Chelo Kebab (Grilled Skewered Meats):
• Meat: Skewers of marinated lamb, beef, or chicken are grilled to perfection, producing smoky, tender, and juicy meat.
• Rice: Served with Chelo, fluffy basmati rice that is often buttered and accompanied by grilled tomatoes and flatbread.
• Flavor Profile: The marinade typically includes saffron, yogurt, and citrus, which tenderizes the meat while infusing it with aromatic spices and flavor.
🍚 Shirin Polow (Sweet Rice Pilaf):
• Rice & Ingredients: Sweet, fragrant rice cooked with orange zest, almonds, pistachios, and dried barberries, giving the dish a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Flavor: The sweetness of the rice is balanced by the tartness of the barberries and the crunchiness of the nuts, creating a unique flavor profile.
• Preparation: The rice is cooked to perfection, allowing the ingredients to infuse into each grain, making it a vibrant and colorful addition to the Eid feast.
🍳 Kuku Sabzi (Herb Frittata):
• Herbs: A fragrant mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and fenugreek, blended with eggs and spices.
• Texture: The frittata is tender and moist, with a slight crispy edge, offering a burst of herby freshness to balance the richer dishes.
• Serving: Typically served in slices, this dish brings a savory, green contrast to the rich stews and kebabs.
3. Additional Exploration & Fun (25/25) – Drinks & Pairings
🍷 Drink Pairings:
• Alcoholic:
• Dry Rosé Wine: The subtle fruitiness of a dry rosé wine complements the rich flavors of the meat dishes and the sweet elements of the rice pilaf.
• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the deep, hearty flavors of Fesenjan and grilled kebabs.
• Non-Alcoholic:
• Doogh: A refreshing, chilled yogurt-based drink with mint, perfect for balancing the spices in the dishes. It’s slightly salty and tangy, offering a cooling effect between bites.
• Pomegranate Juice: Fresh pomegranate juice is a popular drink during Eid in Iran, offering a sweet, tart flavor that complements the savory elements of the meal.
🍰 Desserts:
• Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani Sonnati): A rich, creamy ice cream flavored with saffron, rosewater, and pistachios. It’s both refreshing and indulgent, providing a sweet finish to the meal.
• Baklava: Flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of crushed nuts (typically pistachios or walnuts), honey, and rosewater syrup. Its sweetness and richness are the perfect end to the Eid celebration.
4. Logistics & Practicalities (10/10)
• Cooking Time:
• Prep: 2 hours
• Cooking: 4 hours (for stews and rice dishes)
• Total: 6 hours
• Skill Level: Advanced – requires attention to detail, especially in marinating meats, making rice dishes, and managing multiple cooking methods simultaneously.
• Budget:
• Meat: ~$30 for chicken, lamb, or duck
• Rice & Spices: ~$20 for basmati rice, saffron, pomegranate molasses, and herbs
• Desserts: ~$15 for ice cream and baklava ingredients
• Total Cost per Serving: ~$20 per person
• Best Places to Source Ingredients:
• Middle Eastern and Persian Markets: For saffron, pomegranate molasses, rosewater, and fresh herbs.
• Butchers: For high-quality lamb, chicken, or duck.
• Grocery Stores: For nuts, rice, and fruit.
• Dietary Considerations:
• Gluten-Free: The dishes are naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Most dishes are dairy-free, except for yogurt-based items like Doogh and Bastani Sonnati.
5. Valuation (5/5)
• Culinary: A rich and complex flavor profile that blends savory, sweet, and tart elements, offering a sophisticated and indulgent meal.
• Cultural: A celebration of Persian hospitality and culinary heritage, bringing families together to share in the joy of Eid.
• Experiential: The communal nature of the meal and the variety of dishes provide a rich, immersive experience in Persian culture.
• USD Valuation:
• Home-cooked version (~$20 per serving).
• At a Persian restaurant (~$35-$50 per plate).
Blueprint Evaluation Summary (100/100)
Strengths & Key Highlights:
• ✅ A diverse array of dishes like Fesenjan, Chelo Kebab, and Tahchin that perfectly encapsulate the depth and complexity of Iranian cuisine.
• ✅ Sweet and savory elements harmoniously blend together, with vibrant dishes like Shirin Polow and refreshing Doogh.
• ✅ The perfect meal to bring together family and friends during Eid, offering a festive and indulgent spread.
• ✅ A wonderful balance of flavors and textures, from hearty stews to delicate sweets, ensuring every bite is memorable.
Final Score: 100/100 – A rich, decadent feast that honors the traditions of Iranian cuisine and the spirit of Eid, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
MY DIGITAL HOME 