Ardoore Paneer va Tokhm Morgh (آردور پنیر و تخم‌مرغ) — Cheese and Egg Appetizer

• 6Eggs, large (cold from fridge for easier timing)
• 4 cupIce water (for shocking eggs after boiling)
• 180 gFeta cheese (crumbled; choose Persian-style feta if available)
• 80 gMozzarella cheese (shredded; for better melt and stretch)
• 2 tbspOlive oil, extra-virgin (plus 1 tsp for brushing bread if desired)
• 0.5 tspSalt (reduce to 1/4 tsp if feta is very salty)
• 0.5 tspBlack pepper (freshly ground)
• 20 gFresh dill (finely chopped)
• 20 gFresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 10 gFresh chives (finely sliced)
• 240 gBarbari bread (cut into 12 small rectangles; or use lavash crisps)
• 120 gCrackers (plain, sturdy crackers as an alternative to bread)

Instructions

1. 1

   Hard-boil the eggs: Place 6 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 2.5 cm. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat, then cover, turn off heat, and rest 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to 4 cups ice water for 5 minutes to stop cooking and prevent gray yolks.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) with a rack in the upper third. Line a baking tray with parchment. Peel the cooled eggs, then slice each egg lengthwise into 3 thick slices (about 1.5 cm). Arrange slices in a single layer on the tray, keeping them close but not overlapping.

3. 3

   Make the cheese topping: In a bowl, combine 180 g crumbled feta and 80 g shredded mozzarella. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt (or 1/4 tsp if your feta is salty). Mix until the cheese is evenly moistened and clumps slightly.

4. 4

   Top and bake: Spoon about 1 heaped teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto each egg slice, pressing lightly so it adheres. Bake at 220°C for 6–8 minutes until the mozzarella melts and the feta edges lightly blister. For more color, broil 30–60 seconds, watching constantly.

5. 5

   Finish with herbs: While hot, sprinkle the baked egg bites with 20 g dill, 20 g parsley, and 10 g chives. Let rest 2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and the herbs perfume the topping. Taste one and adjust with an additional 1/8 tsp pepper if needed.

6. 6

   Serve: Warm 240 g barbari bread briefly in the oven for 2 minutes, or serve with 120 g sturdy crackers. Arrange the egg-and-cheese bites on a platter and drizzle with the remaining tray juices. Serve immediately while the cheese is still soft and glossy.