Starring Nikki Han, Kian Stromberg - Co-starring Darya Kipfer and Manu Stromberg.

By Ellie Han (Nikki’s mom)

Despite only being half Iranian, Kian and Manu only speak to each other in Persian.

Due to popular demand, our chef Natalia is posting some of the kids’ favorite meals at Golestan for parents to make at home.  All ingredients are local and organic - we use Strauss full fat yogurt and free range, hormone free meat.  Nothing is processed or premade at Golestan, with the exception of pasta and crackers (though we have been know to make those as well).  In fact, we no longer buy bread - Natalia makes fresh bread whole grain every week!

 

Moon Dahl (yellow lentil soup) & Fresh Herb Raita

serves 4-6

Ingredients:

3 T coconut oil

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1″ piece of fresh ginger, minced

2 t each: cumin, coriander, sea salt

pinch of chili or cayenne powder & black pepper 

2 cups moon dahl lentils, well rinsed and strained

5 cups home made vegetable or chicken broth

Directions:

1. Melt coconut oil in a heavy bottom soup pot. Add sliced onions and 1 t salt- saute for 10 minutes.

2. Add garlic and ginger, along with spices and remaining salt- saute for another 5-10 minutes. Add more coconut oil if the mixture begins to stick. 

3. Add lentils and coat them in the spice mixture~ 2 minutes. Then pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer until lentils are well cooked ~ 25-35 minutes, stir every 5 minutes or so.

4. Lastly, puree the soup in a blender (immersion blender works great), adding more stock if needed to thin out the soup to desired consistency. Serve warm with cilantro sprigs, sliced cucumbers and yogurt raita.

Fresh Herb Yogurt Raita

Ingredients

1 pint plain, full fat yogurt

1/2 cup each, fresh cilantro and parsley leaves, minced

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, minced

1 T minced scallion, green part only

1 large carrot, grated (optional)

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl….. and enjoy!