Sign in Subscribe

Max Hoberman

Max Hoberman

Austin, Texas, USA

Founder/CEO @ Certain Affinity. Board Member @ Planted Society. Born on "The Farm," lifelong vegetarian. Author of "Extinction Sequence" (Sci-Fi) and "Verdant Table" (Persian Vegetarian Cookbook). Wildlife photographer & Halo veteran.

Āghūz Kūkū [Walnut & Herb Frittata]

Āghūz Kūkū [Walnut & Herb Frittata]

This specialty from Mazandaran, along the Caspian coast, utilizes walnuts and warming spices, alongside the usual garlic and herbs.

Sālād-e Olivieh [Persian Potato Salad | vegan option]

Sālād-e Olivieh [Persian Potato Salad | vegan option]

Many cuisines have a potato salad, but the Persian version is unique thanks to it's liberal use of one key ingredient.

Borānī-ye Labū [Beetroot Yogurt Dip]

Borānī-ye Labū [Beetroot Yogurt Dip]

*Borānī-ye Labū* is arguably the most visually iconic of all boranis. Winter beets in thick yogurt create a velvety dip with a shocking neon-pink hue.

Sambūseh-ye Bandarī [Crispy Potato & Herb Turnover | vegan]

Sambūseh-ye Bandarī [Crispy Potato & Herb Turnover | vegan]

The *sambūseh* originated in ancient Iran before migrating across the Middle East. Discover how the Abadani variation uses unleavened *lavāsh* to form a blistered, crunchy shell filled with heavily spiced potatoes and fresh herbs.

Kotlet-e Bāzārī-ye Shīrāzī [Market-style Potato Patties | vegan option]

Kotlet-e Bāzārī-ye Shīrāzī [Market-style Potato Patties | vegan option]

A firm, dense, vegetarian potato patty from Shiraz, utilizing a unique cooked flour paste binder rather than relying solely on eggs.

Māsh Polō-ye Zāhedānī [Mung Bean Rice | vegan]

Māsh Polō-ye Zāhedānī [Mung Bean Rice | vegan]

A comforting specialty from Zahedan. Discover how ancient *māsh* (mung beans) and precise hydration techniques create an earthy, high-protein centerpiece.

Khōresh-e Bāmieh-ye Khūzestānī [Okra & Tamarind Stew | vegan]

Khōresh-e Bāmieh-ye Khūzestānī [Okra & Tamarind Stew | vegan]

A tangy, tamarind-based okra stew from southern Iran utilizing a two-stage frying process to keep the pods tender and distinct.