Episode 21: Food to Bridge Cultural Differences with Special Guest Mahsa Darabi

In Episode #21, co-hosts Bita and Beata welcome special guest Mahsa Darabi of The Moody Persian to reflect on experiences immigrating to the U.S. from Iran as a young child, and how food bridged a gap and became her ‘why’ for everything she does around teaching, cooking, and Persian food.  Mahsa is a self-taught culinary instructor out of Portland, Oregon.  She has a passion for passing down her culinary knowledge and sharing it with her community.

Mahsa’s Back story

• Immigrating to the U.S. and feeling alienated at age 7
• The school lunch box story – how Persian food became Mahsa’s secret weapon for bringing people into her home, her life, and her culture; Persian food is her ‘secret weapon’
• Appearances and curly hair – embracing all-natural, wildly curly hair after 25 years and especially after having children of her own.  Going from feelings of being not enough to embrace who you are!

Favorite Persian foods to share with others

• Persian breakfast foods and our special herb platter, Sabzi Khordan – simple yet elegant, breaking bread and enjoying a type of cheese is relatable.  Also is Mahsa’s favorite class to teach. Loves adding bacon to the platter for a modern twist.
• Beata enjoys sharing ash reshteh with friends and neighbors for American and Persian New Years. 

Ask the Beats!

Question live from our guest Mahsa: Do you believe in the old tebeh sonati (hot and cold foods), garmi and sardi,  to cure ailments?… a custom in old iranian home remedy/medicine.

Although Bita and Beata believe in this old tradition, especially when thought about in terms of balancing types of foods consumed, neither is confident in explaining it and agreed it’s a great topic for a future episode!

Resource links and recipes from this episode:

Mahsa’s resources:

Website: https://www.moodypersian.com

IG: @themoodypersian

Bita’s recipe for: Sabzi Khordan | Persian Herb Appetizer Recipe

Beata’s recipe for: Ash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup – BeatsEats

Bita’s recipe for: Aash Reshteh | Persian Noodle Soup Recipe

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio