One of the world's oldest and most advanced culinary traditions, Persian food has influenced not just India and the Middle East but also North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and even medieval Europe. It's a delicate, sophisticated, and seductive meal that employs a lot of fresh herbs, enjoys rice, and blends meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables with unusual spices like dried limes, cardamom, and saffron.

Joseph find himself in Saraban, a place where the vast diversity of the terrain, climate, architecture, and poetry creates a suitable backdrop for an equally rich and varied food. Join him as he fish from wooden dhows in the Persian Gulf, collect saffron before sunrise, and tour busy bazaars and small soup kitchens. With Joseph delectable recipes for the home kitchen, which combine centuries of history with contemporary methods and flavors for both novice and expert cooks, you can then experience the delight of Persian cooking for yourself.