Decadent Persian feasting is a recurring setting in Esther’s story as she uses her feasts to communicate with her husband and triumph over the evil Haman. To this end, I chose to make a rich and bright Persian recipe, Moraba ye Haveej, a sweet and savoury carrot jam, fit for a queen and her table. Carrots give a beautiful texture and a healthy dose of vitamin C and beta carotene. This is a recipe that can be canned and used year round as a punchy jam or accompaniment to salty cheeses or flatbreads. It can also be used as a sweet and savory hamantaschen filling.

Adapted from Feeding Women of the Bible, Feeding Ourselves by Kenden Alfond, Turner Publishing (to be published on March 10 2020)