In Episode #43, the last in a series of bite-sized, micro summer episodes, co-hosts Beata and Bita explain the concept of a Persian “sofreh”, or place setting, and the different types and occasions of sofreh, including memories of sofreh experiences.
What is a Persian sofreh?
- Place setting or table cloth for a regular meal or a special occasion meal - can be as simple as a table cloth spread for kids to sit and eat around, or as ornate as those set for weddings (refer to episode #20 Sofreh Aghd) or the Persian new year (refer to episode #23, part 2 Sofreh Haft-seen)
- Setting of large platters, family style, sometimes symbolic items, and decorations, depending on the occasion
- An anchor and gathering place for a meal or special event
Types of sofreh table clothes
- Hand-made, sometimes with beadwork and ornate design
- Plastic covered tablecloth for eating family style on the floor (often for kids)
- Store bought table cloth
Ask the Beats!
Bita and Beata are skipping the ask the beats section in the shorter, summer version micro episodes. Be sure to keep the questions, ideas, and topics of interest coming as they will pick up with the segment in the fall.
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Resources and recipes from this episode:
Modern Persian Food: Episode 20: The Role of Food in Persian Weddings with Special Guest Nilou Nouri
Modern Persian Food: Episode 23: Norooz Part 2, Persian New Year Haft-Seen and Food
All Modern Persian Food episodes can be found at: https://modernpersianfood.com/episodes/
Co-host Beata Nazem Kelley blog: https://beatseats.com
Co-host Bita Arabian blog: https://ovenhug.com
Podcast production by Alvarez Audio