Torshi Left Food

PICKLED TURNIPS ("TORSHI LIFT")

Steps:

• Peel and wash the turnips, then cut them into halves or quarters (depending on the size). Pack the pieces into a clean jar with the celery leaves and garlic cloves. At regular intervals, add the slices of raw beet.
• In a pot, dissolve the salt in the water and stir in the vinegar. Heat until boiling, then cover the vegetables with this solution and seal tightly.
• Store in a warm place until mellowed, approximately 10 days. Then transfer the jar to a cooler spot.
• The pickles should be eaten from within a month to 6 weeks of making.

TORSHI LIFT

Steps:

• Peel the turnips and cut in half.
• Peel the beetroot and slice thinly.
• Pack the turnips into sterilised jars alternating with layers of the beetroot, garlic and dates.
• Bring the water and the salt to boil and then add the vinegar.
• Pour over the vegetables making sure they are completely covered by the liquid.
• If there is not quite enough liquid add a little more vinegar and brine.
• Seal the jars and leave in the kitchen.
• Ready to eat in 10-12 days.

TORSHI LEFT

Steps:

• Peel the turnips and cut them in half or quarters. Pack the pieces in a clean 2-quart jar interspersed with slices of beet.
• Boil the water with the salt and vinegar, and let it cool a little before pouring over the turnips and closing the jar.
• Store in a warm place or at room temperature for 6 days, until mellowed, then keep in the refrigerator.
• Variations
• Put 4 peeled garlic cloves in with the turnips.
• Put 1 or 2 chili peppers in the jar.
• A medieval recipe for lift mukhalal muhalla from al-Baghdadi gives directions for turnips pickled in vinegar, sweetened with honey, perfumed with aromatic herbs, and tinted with saffron.

TORSHI TAREH (PERSIAN SOUR HERB STEW WITH MARBLED EGGS)

Steps:

• Combine rice with 3 cups water in a small saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Remove from heat; set aside.
• Meanwhile, tear cilantro, dill, and parsley (including stems) with your hands. Working in batches if needed, stuff into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
• Combine onion and oil in a cold large high-sided skillet with a lid. Place over medium-high heat and cook, stirring and shaking pan occasionally, until onion is dark brown around the edges, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until garlic is just barely golden, about 1 minute. Add turmeric and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add herbs and spinach (no need to defrost or drain) and cook, stirring often, until herbs are wilted and spinach is thoroughly defrosted, about 2 minutes. Add dried cilantro, pepper, 2½ tsp. salt, and reserved parcooked rice along with all of the water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until flavors come together, about 10 minutes.
• Remove lid and continue to cook spinach mixture until greens are glossy and liquid is almost completely evaporated (dragging a rubber spatula or wooden spoon through the mixture should leave a trail with little to no liquid seeping back in), 6-8 minutes. Stir in lime juice; taste and season with more salt if needed.
• Make 6 divots in mixture and crack an egg into each one (or, if making with egg whites only, separate out egg yolks first and reserve for another use). Working quickly, drag the tip of an offset spatula or butter knife through each egg once or twice to break up the yolks and encourage wisps of egg white to spread throughout the mixture (you want a marbled effect-don't scramble). Cover pan and simmer until eggs are cooked to your liking, about 3 minutes for jammy. Serve with rice and smoked fish alongside if desired.