Torshi | Persian Pickles

In Episode #17, co-hosts Bita and Beata share thoughts on Torshi, Persian pickles including variations, ingredients, and more.  The episode explores a deep issue of culture and identity with a special question in the Ask the Beats segment.  Each explains struggles and growth around the topic of finding one’s place as an Iranian American in terms of culture and identity.

What is Torshi?

• Torshi is a Persian pickled vegetable (and sometimes fruit) made with vinegar and a variety of ingredients dependent on region and family - it can be mixed (‘makhloot’ in Farsi) or focussed on a single main ingredient and is normally made and stored in a vinegar base
• List of vegetables often found in torshi:  cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, peppers, garlic, onions, eggplant, cucumbers, beets
• List of fresh or dried herbs sometimes used in torshi:  parsley, cilantro, dill, tarragon, dill, mint
• Spice options:  salt, dried, powdered limoo omani (dried lime), turmeric, nigella seeds, fennel seeds, turmeric, crushed peppers

Varieties

• Mixed vegetables (called ‘makhloot torshi’ in Farsi
• Fruit - peaches, nectarines - for a sweet and sour version
• Finely chopped vs. larger chunk vegetables
• One ingredient, for example all garlic (‘seer torshi’ in Farsi) 
• • the 8 year Torshi or all eggplant
• Spicy - including peppers, has a sharp, spicy bite

Ask the Beats!

Mersedeh of the UK asks: Have either of you ever felt disconnected from your Persian identity?

Bita’s response: Definitely yes!  Growing up in the midwest as a child and teen and wanting to fit in, Bita often rejected her ‘Iranian-ness’ by means of not feeling ‘American enough’  including even wanting to change her name to better fit in at one point.  Then later, moving to California and marrying into an Iranian family and being more immersed in the community and the culture and having feelings of not being ‘Iranian’ enough.  Re-creating Persian recipes and deep diving into Persian cuisine has helped Bita grow into more parts of herself.

Beata’s response: Yes, had some identity and confidence issues growing up around having a different outward appearance, also the hamburger vs kabab story.  Ultimately realizing that being Persian doesn’t define a person - Iranian heritage and culture being just one part of many parts making up a good person.  Finding balance is very key around all aspects of life and culture.  Currently feeling in good terms with an inner confidence and proudness around Persian culture.

Recipe and resource links from this episode:

Bita’s blog: https://Ovenhug.com

Beata’s blog: https://BeatsEats.com

Reference to Farhang Foundation and panel discussion: 

• https://farhang.org
• Farhang Connect: Iranian Cuisine & Cultural Identity | Farhang Connect | Programs

Podcast production by Alvarez Audio