Persian Feasts

Recipes & Stories from a Family Table

An exquisite collection presenting 100 Persian home-cooking recipes and stories from one family collection

When Leila Heller's mother, Nahid Taghinia-Milani came to the United States in 1979, she brought her recipes with her. Persian Feasts features Iranian delicacies in a dazzling tapestry of textures and aromas, from Shiraz in the south to Tabriz in the north.

This exquisite collection of 100 dishes includes hearty stews, saffron-infused rice dishes, succulent kebabs, and delicate rosewater desserts – each one telling a story that is steeped in tradition and has been passed down from generation to generation. Unexpected ingredient combinations create distinctive tastes and aromas to every dish – from a simple Herb Frittata to a comforting Eggplant, Walnut & Pomegranate Stew to a delicately perfumed Cardamom and Rose Water Pudding.

This highly personal book for home cooks – including family stories, historical accounts of food culture, recipe origins, and celebratory menus – is a feast for the senses, celebrating an abundance of spectacular food prepared with seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices. Beautiful specially commissioned food photography captures the bounty of this vibrant cuisine.

'One of the most soulful and personal books on refreshing, fragrant, and delicious Persian dishes that express her youth, family tradition, and sophistication.' – Daniel Boulud, chef and restaurateur