Yalda delicious activities with Sara & Sivan
Since enjoying delicious foods is one of the key aspects of traditions, here we introduce some Yalda-themed treats. Traditions provide an opportunity for us to create new experiences with children.
Yalda Night Foods
People in different regions of Iran prepare various dishes for Yalda Night, such as Dolmeh (stuffed vegetables), Kufteh Tabrizi (Tabriz-style meatballs), and Ghormeh Sabzi (herb stew).
Additionally, since Yalda Night is associated with pomegranates, many cities often prepare dishes featuring pomegranates or pomegranate paste.
In the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, typical Yalda dishes include stuffed fish, Nardoon (pomegranate stew), Anar Polo (pomegranate rice), and Fesenjan (pomegranate and walnut stew).
Yalda Nuts
The composition of Ajil-e Yalda (Yalda nuts and dried fruits) often depends on the region where it is prepared. For example, in areas where pistachios and apricots are local specialties, the mix might include dried apricot slices (barge zardalu), candied apricots (ghaisi), and various types of salted pistachio kernels. In regions known for walnut orchards, walnuts usually take center stage in the Yalda mix. Each region, therefore, has its own unique combination of nuts and dried fruits to serve during the Yalda celebrations.
Traditionally, the Yalda mix consists of the “four main nuts” – pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts. This mix is typically sweet and often includes a variety of accompaniments such as green raisins, dried mulberries, candied apricots, dried figs, sultanas, walnut-filled baslogh (a traditional Iranian jelly), walnuts, and dried apricot slices.
The foundation of Yalda nuts usually revolves around the four core ingredients: pistachios, cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts, making it a delicious and festive treat for the longest night of the year.
Getting to Know Snacks
Introduce children to various types of nuts, encouraging curiosity about their origins. Engage them in conversations about:
- The trees that grow these nuts: What do they look like? Are they tall or short? What shape are their leaves?
- The shells of the nuts: Are they hard or soft? Smooth or rough?
- Animals that enjoy these nuts: Which animals rely on these nuts for food, like squirrels, birds, or bears?
Encourage children to research these topics, draw pictures of the trees and nuts, or even visit a park or garden where nut trees grow. This hands-on approach helps them connect with nature and understand the lifecycle of their favorite snacks.
Discuss Autumn and Winter Snacks
Talk with children about the snacks that are popular during autumn and winter, such as dried fruits, nuts, pomegranates, or roasted chestnuts. Guide the conversation with questions:
- How are these snacks different from those in other seasons?
For example, summer snacks often include fresh, juicy fruits like watermelons, while autumn and winter feature preserved or dried options like raisins, nuts, and citrus fruits. - What colors do these snacks have?
Highlight the warm tones of autumn and winter foods—reds, oranges, browns, and golds—and compare them to spring and summer’s bright, vibrant colors.
Interactive Activities
- Sorting and Identifying Nuts: Provide children with various nuts and let them sort by size, color, or shell type.
- Tree Identification: Show images of nut trees and ask children to match them with the corresponding nuts.
- Create Seasonal Snack Mixes: Let the children combine their favorite nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create their unique snack mixes.
- Crafts with Nuts: Create art or small decorations with empty nut shells.
- Cooking Together: Prepare a seasonal dish like roasted nuts with spices or a simple nut-based dessert.
These discussions and activities are not only fun but also educational, helping children develop a deeper appreciation for the foods they eat and the seasons they come from.
Foods with Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a beloved ingredient in Iranian cuisine, used in a variety of dishes that highlight its sweet and tangy flavor. You can engage children in a conversation about these foods, explore which ones they’ve tried, and encourage them to prepare or taste something new. Discuss how pomegranate is used in other cultures as well, and try out some of these delicious recipes together.
Popular Iranian Dishes with Pomegranate
- Aash-e Anar (Pomegranate Soup): A hearty soup with herbs, lentils, and pomegranate juice or molasses.
- Khoresht-e Morgh ba Anar (Chicken Stew with Pomegranate): A sweet and tangy stew made with chicken and pomegranate molasses.
- Ana Bij: A traditional dish from northern Iran, featuring meatballs and pomegranate.
- Anar Mosamma: A flavorful dish made with duck or chicken, caramelized onions, and pomegranate.
- Khoresht-e Anar o Bademjan (Pomegranate and Eggplant Stew): A delightful combination of pomegranate, eggplant, and sometimes meat.
- Khoresht-e Nardoon: A classic stew from Gilan province made with pomegranate and walnuts.
Pomegranate Desserts
- Morbaye Anar (Pomegranate Jam): A sweet spread for breakfast or desserts.
- Jele Anar (Pomegranate Jelly): A popular and colorful dessert.
- Pudding-e Anar (Pomegranate Pudding): A creamy dessert infused with pomegranate flavor.
- Mousse-e Anar (Pomegranate Mousse): A light and fluffy treat.
- Tarte-e Anar (Pomegranate Tart): A pastry filled with pomegranate cream and fresh seeds.
- Panna Cotta ba Jele Anar (Panna Cotta with Pomegranate Jelly): An Italian-inspired dessert with a Middle Eastern twist.
Ideas for Conversations with Children
- What have we tried before? Talk about any of these dishes you’ve prepared or eaten together.
- What can we try next? Choose a new recipe to experiment with as a family.
- How do other cultures use pomegranate? Explore how pomegranate is featured in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Indian cuisines, like in salads, dips, or rice dishes.
Engage Children in Cooking
- Seed Preparation: Teach kids how to safely extract pomegranate seeds.
- Simple Recipes: Let them help with easy steps like mixing ingredients or garnishing dishes.
- Creative Additions: Use pomegranate seeds in salads, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts.
Cooking and tasting these dishes together is a fun way to explore cultural traditions while encouraging children to appreciate diverse flavors and cuisines.
Foods with Pumpkin
