Persian Appetizer of Bread, Cheese and Herbs (Nan-0 Panir-o Sabzi_

Herbs occupy an important place on the Persian table where they are offered with most every meal — radish, tarragon, basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley — whatever’s fresh and in season. Salty feta cheese is cut into cubes and thin lavash bread completes the combination. I also like to spread a yogurt and shallot mixture called mast-o-musir, even if it’s not traditional.

Ingredients:

  • Assorted fresh herbs, rinsed and cut into sprigs (cilantro, mint, basil, parsley, tarragon, dill)
  • Radishes, rinsed, tops removed and sliced
  • Green onions, roots and stalks trimmed (optional)
  • Feta cheese, drained and cut into cubes
  • Lavash, cut into rectangles about 2 by 4 inches

Method:

  1. Arrange herbs, onions and radishes in the middle of a large platter.
  2. Add bread and cheese on either side.
  3. Eat by choosing which elements you want to put together. Lavash, a cube of feta, some herbs and a radish on top, for instance.

Note: For mast-o-musir mix strained, plain yogurt (or plain Greek yogurt) with finely minced shallot (to taste). Wonderful spread on any kind of bread.