Recipes By Naz Deravian
140 recipes found
Sheveed Polo (Dill Rice)
This dish is a simple way to make use of a whole bunch of dill and transform an ordinary pot of plain rice. Naz Deravian, the author of “Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories” (Flatiron Books, 2018), uses a mix of fresh and dried dill here. The dried dill enhances the fragrance and also draws out the humidity from the fresh dill so the rice doesn’t turn mushy when steaming. This recipe uses a traditional Persian technique for cooking rice in which you boil the rice for several minutes over high heat, wrap the lid in a kitchen towel to catch the condensation, then steam the rice over low heat for several minutes more. Don't worry; it won't be overcooked. It will be fluffy perfection. Serve it with chicken or seafood, like this roasted dill salmon.
Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is like a distant American cousin of the Roman fettuccine Alfredo. The original dish was created, in 1908, by Alfredo Di Lelio using only a handful of ingredients: namely rich sweet butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano and pasta water artfully tossed together. Heavy cream, while not traditional and only used in the American iteration, gives the sauce its rich flavor and creamy consistency and requires less tossing. The addition of well-seasoned chicken breasts makes this an American restaurant classic beloved by children and adults alike. The flat wide shape of fettuccine noodles is ideal for the cream sauce to embrace, but you can also use linguine or spaghetti. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (a food processor does the job quickly) to ensure that the cheese is incorporated into the sauce — pre-grated cheese contains additives that don’t allow the cheese to melt properly. For something green, serve with a side of broccoli or a green salad.
Brodo di Pollo con Pastina (Chicken Soup With Pastina)
Pastina means “tiny pasta,” and it’s often the first pasta shape Italian children are introduced to, typically cooked in broth. Pastina comes in a variety of shapes, like little stars and rounds. For this recipe, you can use any tiny shape you like, or use noodles broken into small pieces. Typically, the pastina is precooked in a separate pot and added to each soup bowl alongside shredded chicken, but this version cooks everything together for an easy one-pot meal. And this comforting chicken soup does not require premade or even store-bought broth: Instead, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook in water with aromatics like onion, carrots, celery and garlic — and a good drizzle of olive oil — for a rich, flavorful broth that comes together fairly quickly.
Hot Chicken Salad
This quintessential American casserole epitomizes timeless comfort food. The “hot” in this chicken salad refers to temperature, not spice. This casserole takes the components of a classic chicken salad, tops it off with crunchy classic potato chips and bakes in the oven until warmed through. While the filling and toppings vary by region and recipe, the main ingredients, like the version here, include cooked chicken, celery, mayonnaise, grated cheese and slivered almonds. You can poach your own chicken or save time and use a cut up rotisserie or poached chicken. Hot chicken salad does precisely what is asked of a casserole: to soothe, lift up and spread joy.
Khoresh Rivas (Savory Rhubarb and Bean Stew)
In Iranian cuisine, rhubarb is often used in savory dishes rather than in sweet ones. The hearty pinkish-red stalks, which cook down quickly and tenderize, provide just the right amount of tang to herb-based stews like khoresh rivas. Typically, this bright and flavorful dish is prepared with red meat, but hearty butter beans star in this vegetarian version. Fresh herbs are used in impressively large amounts in this cuisine, often holding their own as main ingredients. Mint and parsley are a common combination for the base of many stews. Gently frying the herbs separately before adding them to the stew concentrates their flavors, adding layers of depth. This stew tastes even better the next day. Serve khoresh rivas with rice and a side of plain yogurt.
Baked Salmon and Dill Rice
Fragrant dill rice is a natural accompaniment to salmon, and a complete meal of the two is made easy here by baking them together in one dish. Add fresh or dried dill to basmati rice, which is eventually topped with salmon covered in a tangy, sweet and spicy paste of mayo, lemon zest, honey and dried chile flakes. To ensure the rice is perfectly fluffy without overcooking the fish, the grains are baked until most of the water is absorbed before the salmon is added over the top.
Citrusy Roasted Salmon and Potatoes
Citrus-dressed salmon roasted over potatoes is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Skin-on Yukon Golds are thinly sliced, fanned out and generously drizzled with a citrus sauce to serve as the base for the meal. The salmon is placed directly on top of the potatoes after they’re briefly roasted, the fish is drizzled with more sauce, then everything roasts together until the salmon is tender and the potatoes are perfectly cooked through and irresistibly tangy. Feel free to swap out the cilantro for any fresh herb you prefer, such as dill or parsley.
Fried Eggs and Potatoes
This quick one-pan meal of fried eggs and potatoes hits the spot any time of day, and especially if you like breakfast for dinner. Golden onion, turmeric and tomato paste make a savory and rich bed for the potatoes and eggs to nestle in. Make sure to chop the potatoes evenly into small, ½-inch cubes and add a little water to speed up their cooking time. You can cook the yolks to your liking – just cover and check on them every minute. Serve with bread or a green salad, or both, for a complete meal.
One-Pot Whole Roasted Chicken and Rice
Cooking a whole chicken with rice in the oven makes for a fun and cozy meal that is also fantastic for entertaining. You need an oven-safe pot that is large enough to accommodate the chicken – a 6-quart Dutch oven works well, for instance. The rice cooks in the same pot as it soaks up a turmeric- and saffron- stained broth. Just make sure that the rice grains are fully immersed in the liquid. This is not a dish where the chicken skin is meant to be crispy, but do take care not to pour the water on top of the chicken when adding it; drizzle in the water from the sides of the pot instead. Serve with a tangy arugula salad or a side of fresh herbs, like mint and basil.
Kale and Walnut Pasta
Toasted, seasoned and chopped walnuts take the place of bread crumbs for a crunchy topping in this simple, weeknight-friendly spaghetti meal. A fresh bag of walnuts is ideal in avoiding any rancidness. A plethora of kale, cooked down in a garlicky chile-infused olive oil, makes sure every bite is packed with hearty and lively greens. You don’t need to blanch the kale in advance. Using the starchy pasta water helps the leaves wilt in the same time that the spaghetti cooks, and saves you an extra pot. Finish off the dish with a generous sprinkling of salty pecorino cheese, which holds up well to the heartiness of the kale and walnuts, or use Parmesan.
Mushroom Veggie Patties
These flavor-packed veggie patties are shaped and served like kotlet, Iranian-style meat patties, and prepared like kookoo, an Iranian dish similar to a frittata. But unlike a frittata, kookoo is more about the vegetable- or herb-based filling than the eggs, of which there are just enough to bind the mixture. This recipe uses finely minced mushrooms that are gently spiced with a touch of turmeric, oregano and fresh parsley. You can serve these patties hot off the stove or at room temperature, with flatbread and accompaniments. For the perfect bite, wrap a patty in a piece of bread with something tangy, like pickled onions and peppers, and something fresh, like lettuce leaves or fresh herbs. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.
Dal Adas (Spicy Red Lentil Tamarind Soup)
As with all culinary traditions, southern Iranian cuisine has been influenced by the cooking of neighboring regions. Spicy and warming, dal adas is a popular southern Iranian red lentil soup or stew reminiscent of Indian masoor dal. It bursts with flavor from plenty of garlic and spices, and tickles with heat from ground cayenne. The dish is brightened with tamarind, an ingredient commonly used in the south of Iran to add the requisite Iranian tang to dishes. For ease, use tamarind concentrate, which can be found at most Middle Eastern, Asian and Latin markets, plus many supermarkets. Dal adas can be served as a soup, as done here, with a side of flatbread. If you prefer to serve it as a stew over rice, reduce the water amount by about one cup.
Eshkeneh-yeh Adas (Lentil Egg Drop Soup)
Somewhere between a soup and a stew, eshkeneh appears in various preparations throughout Iran. One of the oldest dishes in the country’s cuisine, eshkeneh is simple, flavorful, nourishing and hearty. The rustic dish requires minimal ingredients and satisfies on cold winter days. This version is made with lentils, potatoes and eggs, which are typically added at the end as a thickener, and is flavored with a hit of warm Aleppo pepper. The dried fenugreek leaves add depth, warmth and a distinct bittersweet fragrance. You can also use about 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped fenugreek leaves if you have some, but do not use seeds or powder. Be mindful that too much fenugreek turns a dish bitter.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Frozen shrimp is a freezer staple that can be counted on to save dinner any night — simply thaw to use them whenever needed. Here, shrimp and spaghetti are tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, which are gently simmered until they burst and turn saucy. This dish is best with ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes, but the aromatic fennel seeds and garlic infused in the oil will coax maximum flavor out of less enthusiastic tomatoes while adding depth to the sauce.
Dami-yeh Gojeh Nokhod Farangi (Tomato-Egg Rice)
This comforting Iranian dami (rice cooked with vegetables) bridges the transition between spring and summer with early tomatoes and perennial frozen green peas — but tastes great any time of year. Dami-style rice is stickier than other Iranian rice dishes. Delicately scented with turmeric and cinnamon, it is often served with eggs on the side. This version cooks the eggs whole in their shells on top of the rice to make for a one-pot meal.
Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is a beloved dish among many cultural traditions. A staple side in Latin American kitchens, arroz amarillo appears in various iterations across the region. The appeal of yellow rice extends to Central and South Asia, and South Africa, and its brilliant hue achieved with saffron, turmeric or achiote. This version uses widely available and economical ground turmeric, and is a canvas upon which you can incorporate other ingredients and spices. Consider adding a bell pepper to the onion and garlic, or stir in a cup of frozen peas at the very end. The amount of cooking liquid you use depends on the type and quality of your rice, and be mindful to cut down on salt if you use a salted broth. Typically served as a side dish, the dish can also be served on its own.
Lemon Spaghetti With Roasted Artichokes
Lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan and basil come together for a silky and vibrant sauce that makes this weeknight-friendly pasta sing. The addition of roasted artichoke hearts adds texture and complements the zestiness of the dish. There’s no better time than a weeknight to embrace canned or frozen artichoke hearts, as they are immensely less work than whole fresh ones, and they roast beautifully — and effortlessly — in a hot oven. Holding onto that salty, starchy pasta water is key to ensuring that each spaghetti noodle is enveloped in the lemony sauce; use it judiciously to emulsify the sauce as you quickly toss it.
Baghali Ghatogh (Fava Bean Stew)
A popular and beloved stew from northern Iran, baghali ghatogh is an ambassador of early spring produce. Earthy, bright-green fava beans, fragrant dill and an assertive amount of garlic are combined with eggs for a comforting meal. Although shelling and peeling fresh favas is a rite of passage (see Tip), it’s a time-consuming task, given the amount needed here (but if you have the time, go for it!). Frozen fava beans are a worthy substitute, but if they aren't available, you can use canned butter beans or frozen lima beans. Just enough eggs are used to give the stew some heft, but they shouldn’t overwhelm the vibrant flavors of this verdant stew. The eggs can be incorporated two ways: cracked in and poached, or stirred in to break apart. Baghali ghatogh is typically served over rice with a side of smoked fish and pickled garlic, or with bread.
Pumpkin Spice
A jar of pumpkin spice always comes in handy when baking pie, cake or quick bread, added to your favorite coffee shop-inspired latte, or even sprinkled in judicious amounts to savory dishes like stews. A homemade blend takes no time and, chances are, you already have all the required warm spices on hand. Just make sure they aren’t too old — this mix will keep for as long as the spices you begin with stay fresh. You can tweak these measurements as you wish, omitting any spices that you don’t like.
Fresh Ranch Dip
Creamy yogurt served alongside salty chips and vegetables, like crisp Persian cucumber, never disappoints. In this superbly simple recipe, a tub of Greek yogurt is transformed into a delicious dip that’s loosely inspired by the dominant flavors of ranch dressing. Add a handful of fragrant dill and chives, brighten things up with a little lemon juice and lemon zest, and you have yourself a party for a crowd (or for one!). This dip can be made a day in advance and travels well if kept cool.
Khoresh Kadoo Halvaii (Butternut Squash Stew)
Khoresh kadoo halvaii is a popular and comforting fall dish from the northern region of Iran and is typically prepared with meat or chicken. This version swaps out the meat for canned chickpeas and is just as flavorful. Dried fruits are commonly used in Iranian cuisine to infuse a variety of savory dishes with a sweet and sour taste. Traditionally, dried golden sour prunes, aloo Bukhara, are added to this stew for a pleasing and distinct sour flavor, but pitted dark prunes, which lean a little sweeter, can be used. If using aloo Bukhara, be mindful of their pits when eating. To get vegetarian recipes like this one delivered to your inbox, sign up for The Veggie newsletter.
Artichoke and Olive Farro Salad
Farro, a nutty Italian grain with a chewy texture, is an excellent candidate for a savory, herb-flecked pantry salad that travels well. The grain is not intimidated by bold flavors: Tangy oil-marinated artichokes, briny kalamata olives, feta and crisp red onion take wholesome farro by the hand and lead it straight to the dance floor. Cook times vary depending on the type of farro. Quick-cooking, pearled or semi-pearled all work well, but hulled is not recommended here, as it would need soaking and takes a long time to cook. Don’t be shy with the oil and vinegar: The farro absorbs them the longer it sits. If farro is not available, you can use orzo (see Tip), or other hearty grains like barley, wheat berries or freekeh.
Zucca in Agrodolce (Sweet and Sour Butternut Squash)
Squash marinated in vinegar is prepared differently from region to region in Italy. In Sicily, an agrodolce (sweet and sour) marinade, along with thinly sliced garlic and fresh mint, enlivens the palate. Typically, the squash is pan-fried, but it works just as well baked in the oven, as done here. How much sugar you use depends on the zing of your vinegar and the sweetness of your tooth. Zucca in agrodolce is best served at room temperature, and it’s left to rest for just long enough so that the butternut squash soaks up the sweet and sour syrup. You can also make it a day in advance; just remember to it bring to room temperature before adding the final garnish of fresh mint and serving.
Pasta e Patate (Pasta and Potato Soup)
Pasta e patate is a fortifying, soothing Italian soup made for blustery days. The starchy combination of pasta and potatoes makes for a rich and satisfying broth. Avoid the temptation to use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, and be assured that the pancetta, Parmesan rind, olive oil and starchy potatoes all add ample flavor and body to the humble soup. (In southern Italy, tomatoes are also added for a red version of the dish.) If you use bacon instead of the pancetta, be mindful that the results will be smokier and saltier.