Persian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and aromas that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Iran. From succulent kebabs to aromatic rice dishes, Persian food is a celebration of fresh ingredients and exquisite spices.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Persian cuisine and explore some of the best recipes that will tantalize your taste buds. So get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with mouthwatering dishes that will leave you craving for more. Let's dive in!
1. Iranian Estamboli Polo
Iranian Estamboli Polo is a flavorful and easy-to-make Persian dish that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of rice, green beans, and ground beef creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
The addition of spices like turmeric and cinnamon adds depth to the dish. The crispy potatoes at the bottom of the pot are a delightful surprise. Overall, this recipe is a crowd pleaser and a great option for those who love Persian cuisine.
2. Persian Meat Patties
Persian Meat Patties, also known as Kotlet, are a beloved Persian dish that combines ground beef, grated potatoes, onions, and spices. These crispy and juicy meat patties are a delight to eat. They can be served with bread, pickles, tomatoes, and fries for a traditional experience or enjoyed with rice and Persian pickles for added flavor.
These patties can be fried or baked and can even be made ahead of time for convenience. Overall, Persian Meat Patties are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to satisfy any meat lover.
3. Kabab Tabei
Kabab Tabei is a quick and easy Persian kabob recipe that requires no grill or skewers. Made with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, grated onions, and spices, these pan-seared kebabs are juicy and delicious.
It's a perfect dish to satisfy your Persian food cravings without the need for special equipment. Serve them with Persian Barbari Bread and your favorite sides for a complete meal.
4. Grilled Chicken Kabob (Jujeh Kabab)
The Grilled Chicken Kabob (Jujeh Kabab) is a must-try Persian dish that is incredibly delicious. Marinated with saffron and perfectly grilled, these kabobs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The chicken is marinated with saffron, onion, and other spices, giving it a rich and aromatic taste. The final touch of saffron lemon butter adds a restaurant-style flavor to the dish.
Served with steaming hot saffron rice and grilled vegetables, this kabob is a true delight. Whether you choose boneless chicken thigh meat or drumsticks, the result is a juicy and flavorful kabob that will leave you wanting more. Overall, the Grilled Chicken Kabob (Jujeh Kabab) is a classic Persian dish that showcases the amazing flavors of Persian cuisine.
5. Zereshk Polo Morgh
Zereshk Polo Morgh is a popular Persian dish that combines flavorful saffron rice with tender chicken cooked in a tomato paste sauce. The dish is enhanced with spices like turmeric and barberry, creating a delicious and aromatic meal.
It is often served with a side of salad shirazi or mast o khiar. Zereshk Polo Morgh is a delightful blend of Persian flavors that is sure to satisfy any food lover.
6. Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig
Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig is a must-try dish in Persian cuisine. The fluffy rice is topped with a golden, crispy layer called Tahdig, which adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
This classic recipe uses basmati rice, saffron, and optional potato or flatbread for the Tahdig. It's a delicious and popular dish that showcases the flavors and techniques of Persian cooking.
7. Tahchin Esfenaj
Tahchin Esfenaj is a classic Persian dish that combines saffron rice with chicken, yogurt, and spinach. It is a healthy and gluten-free recipe that can be prepared in a rice cooker or in the oven.
The dish is elegant, festive, and incredibly delicious. With its flavorful marinated chicken, creamy yogurt, and vibrant spinach, Tahchin Esfenaj is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Persian cuisine.
8. Kabab Koobideh
Kabab Koobideh is a beloved Persian dish that has gained national recognition in Iran. Made with a combination of minced beef and lamb, along with onions and various spices, this kebab is a true crowd-pleaser. It is often served with Sangak bread or Iranian rice, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option.
The secret to a flavorful Kabab Koobideh lies in the careful preparation of the minced meat mixture, which is kneaded by hand for a cohesive and sticky texture. Grilling the kebabs over charcoal adds a smoky flavor, while the addition of saffron-infused butter enhances the richness of the dish. Whether enjoyed at gatherings or as a main course, Kabab Koobideh is a must-try Persian delicacy.
9. Persian Dill and Lima Bean Rice – Baghali Polo
Persian Dill and Lima Bean Rice – Baghali Polo is a delightful and flavorful dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Iran. This recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with tender lima beans and fresh dill, resulting in a dish that is both healthy and vegan-friendly.
The highlight of this recipe is the crispy tahdig, a golden crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Whether you choose to use lima beans or fava beans, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the delicious flavors of Persian cuisine.
10. Persian Celery Stew
Persian Celery Stew, also known as Khoresht Karafs, is a flavorful Iranian stew made with celery stalks and a blend of herbs. This easy-to-make dish can be enjoyed with or without meat, making it suitable for both vegetarians and meat lovers.
The stew incorporates spices like turmeric and dried limes, which add a subtle sourness to the dish. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, Persian Celery Stew is a delightful addition to any Persian cuisine repertoire.
11. Persian Rice
Persian Rice, also known as Chelo, is a staple in Iranian cuisine. Made with basmati rice, this dish is known for its fluffy texture and delicate flavor. It is traditionally served with various stews or chicken-based recipes.
The key to achieving the perfect Persian rice lies in the unique cooking method, which involves washing the rice to remove excess starch and using a non-stick pan. The dish is garnished with saffron-infused rice, adding a beautiful golden color and aromatic taste. Persian Rice is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Iran.
12. Shirazi Salad
Shirazi Salad is a refreshing and vibrant Persian dish that is quick and easy to make. Named after the city in Iran, this salad features diced Persian cucumbers, roma tomatoes, red onion, and optional green pepper, all tossed together with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley.
The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil and lime juice, adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the salad. This versatile dish can be served as a side with Persian meals or alongside mains like chicken and steak. Its simplicity and crisp texture make it a delightful addition to any meal.
13. Eshkeneh
Eshkeneh, or Persian Onion Soup, is a flavorful dish made with onions, eggs, and fenugreek. It can be easily made vegan by omitting the eggs and using olive oil. This soup is popular during Nowruz celebrations and is quick to prepare.
The onions add depth, while fenugreek leaves provide a hint of curry flavor and vibrant color. Eshkeneh is a delicious and versatile soup that showcases the unique flavors of Persian cuisine.
14. Barbari
Barbari is a traditional Persian flatbread that is a must-try for bread lovers. With its origins in Iran, this bread is known for its unique flavor and texture. Made with simple ingredients, Barbari requires a resting time to achieve the perfect consistency.
The recipe also includes a glaze, known as Roomal, which adds a beautiful shine to the bread. Watching a traditional Barbari being made in a bakery in Tehran on YouTube is a delightful experience. Overall, Barbari is a delicious and authentic Persian bread that is worth trying at home.
15. Easy Persian Barbari Bread
Easy Persian Barbari Bread is a delightful Iranian bread topped with sesame seeds. It has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, with a hint of saltiness. This simplified recipe allows you to make this traditional bread at home with ease.
Serve it with Persian yogurt and cucumber, or enjoy it on its own. It's a versatile bread that pairs well with cheese, walnuts, and other Persian dishes. Give this recipe a try for a taste of authentic Persian cuisine.
16. Kotlet
Kotlet is a traditional Persian dish that consists of crispy meat patties with a soft center. This recipe offers a vegetarian twist using chickpeas instead of meat, resulting in a delicious and satisfying alternative. The patties are made with grated potatoes, onions, mashed chickpeas, eggs, flour, parsley, and spices.
They are coated with breadcrumbs and pan-fried until golden brown. Kotlet is a popular childhood favorite in Iran and can be enjoyed on its own or served with bread, pickles, tomatoes, fries, and sauce for a flavorful sandwich.
17. Kabob-e Barg
Kabob-e Barg is a special Persian dish that features filet mignon marinated in a flavorful mixture of onions, garlic, yogurt, saffron, salt, and pepper. The meat is cut thin and skewered on long flat metal skewers.
It is then grilled and basted with a mixture of melted butter and saffron, resulting in juicy and flavorful kabobs. Traditionally served with basmati rice, grilled tomatoes, fresh herbs, feta platter, lavash bread, and salad shirazi, Kabob-e Barg is a must-try Persian delicacy.
18. Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi is a traditional Persian dish consisting of herb rice with fish. It is commonly served during Nowruz, but can be enjoyed any time. The dish features pan-fried fish fillets coated in seasoned flour, paired with flavorful and aromatic rice cooked using the Persian method.
The combination of fresh herbs and crispy rice crust creates a delightful and satisfying meal. Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi is a must-try for those seeking a taste of Persian cuisine.
19. Mast-o-Khiar
Mast-o-Khiar is a traditional Persian recipe that combines yoghurt and cucumber to create a refreshing and versatile dish. It is commonly served as an accompaniment to rice, stews, and grilled meat. The recipe allows for variations, such as adding dried rose petals, shallots, garlic, or mint, to enhance the flavors.
Mast-o-Khiar is best made with thick yoghurt, like Greek yoghurt or Labneh, and any type of cucumber can be used. Overall, Mast-o-Khiar is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that adds a cool and tangy element to any meal.
20. Dolmeh Felfel
Dolmeh Felfel is a delicious Persian dish consisting of stuffed bell peppers. The recipe uses ground lamb, basmati rice, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful filling.
The peppers remain slightly crisp, providing a nice contrast to the meat and rice. This dish can be enjoyed warm as a meal or cold as leftovers. Overall, Dolmeh Felfel is a tasty and versatile Persian recipe.
21. Barberries
Barberries are a crucial ingredient in Persian cuisine, known for their vibrant color and tangy flavor. These small, tart berries add a delightful burst of fruity tartness to a variety of dishes. Whether used in rice, salads, stuffing, kababs, or even desserts like cakes and cookies, barberries bring a unique and distinct taste to any recipe.
They can be soaked in water and used whole or chopped, or sautéed in butter to balance out the tartness. Barberries are particularly popular in Persian rice dishes, such as the famous Jewelled Rice. With their versatility and ability to elevate the flavors of a dish, barberries are a must-have ingredient in any Persian kitchen.
22. Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh)
Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh) is a classic Iranian dish that combines tender meat, tomatoes, and okra in a flavorful stew. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the rich flavors of Persian cuisine.
Whether you're a fan of okra or not, this stew is sure to impress with its aromatic spices and hearty ingredients. Try it for a taste of authentic Persian cooking.
23. Makaroni
Makaroni is a Persian Spaghetti dish that combines a bolognese-style sauce with layers of pasta, creating a crispy bottom known as tahdig. This unique twist on spaghetti is traditionally made with meat sauce, but this recipe offers a vegan option using a delicious vegan bolognese sauce.
The pasta and sauce are cooked separately, then layered in a pot and cooked again together on low heat, resulting in a flavorful dish without overcooking the pasta. The final touch is the crispy top, or tahdig, which adds a delightful texture. Makaroni is a satisfying and flavorful dish that breaks traditional Italian rules but still manages to impress. It pairs well with a refreshing side of Shirazi Salad.
24. Persian Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Persian Cranberry Rice Pilaf is a fragrant and slightly sweet dish that is perfect as a side for Thanksgiving. This rice pilaf is studded with dried cranberries and pistachios, giving it a delightful texture.
The saffron adds a wonderful fragrance to the dish. Overall, this flavorful and unique recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a delicious twist to their Thanksgiving menu.
25. Persian Saffron Milkshake
The Persian Saffron Milkshake is a refreshing and flavorful drink that captures the essence of traditional Iranian ice cream.
Made with real vanilla ice cream, bloomed saffron, milk, rosewater, and cardamom, this milkshake offers a unique floral flavor and a beautiful golden color. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the taste of Iran in a quick and easy beverage.
26. Albaloo Polo Bah Morg
Albaloo Polo Bah Morg is a delicious Persian dish that combines the tartness of sour cherries with the richness of pistachios, slivered almonds, and chicken. It offers a unique blend of flavors that is both savory and slightly sweet.
This dish can be made with or without meat, making it suitable for both meat lovers and vegetarians. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Persian cuisine.
27. Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a traditional Persian dish that features duck legs cooked in a rich sauce made from walnuts and pomegranate molasses. This recipe offers a hack using cranberry juice as a substitute for the molasses. The dish is traditionally garnished with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Fesenjan is believed to have originated near the Caspian Sea and is commonly enjoyed during the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. It can be made with various types of poultry and is best when the meat is tender. While it is better the day after it is made, it does not freeze well. Overall, Fesenjan is a flavorful and unique dish that showcases the richness of Persian cuisine.
28. Persian Dolmeh
Persian Dolmeh is a traditional Iranian dish that features stuffed grape leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, rice, and herbs. Unlike other versions of dolmeh found in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, Persian Dolmeh incorporates ground meat, giving it a unique twist. The filling also includes yellow split peas and barberries, adding depth and texture to the dish.
The use of long grain rice and the par-cooking method ensures a perfectly cooked dolmeh. Served with caramelized onions and garnished with barberries or Persian golden plums, this dish is a delightful combination of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as an appetizer, Persian Dolmeh is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Persian cuisine.
29. Mirch Pasanday
Mirch Pasanday is a flavorful and easy-to-make Persian dish made with slow-cooked beef fillets, onions, and stuffed green chillies. The combination of tender meat and spicy chillies creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
The absence of chilli powder makes it kid-friendly, making it a convenient choice for busy moms. Overall, Mirch Pasanday is a delightful dish that captures the essence of traditional Pakistani cuisine.
30. Koobideh Kabob
Koobideh Kabob is a beloved Persian dish made from ground lamb or beef, or a combination of the two. It is traditionally prepared on skewers and grilled over fire, but can also be cooked in the oven, on the stove, or in an air fryer.
The simplicity of the ingredients, including grated onions, salt, and pepper, allows the incredible flavor of the meat to shine. Whether cooked on skewers or in a pan, Koobideh Kabob is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the artistry of Persian cuisine.
31. Sheermal
Sheermal is a Persian saffron bread that is fluffy, mildly sweet, and aromatic. It is traditionally made with milk and ghee, giving it a light and buttery texture. The bread is delicately flavored with saffron and rosewater, making it a perfect accompaniment to mutton curry or Nihari.
While it can be made with yeast and eggs, an eggless version with baking powder is also possible. Sheermal is a simple bread that is easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or with tea for breakfast. Its origins in Persia and its presence in various countries of the Asian sub-continent make it a popular choice among those who appreciate Persian cuisine.
32. Yufka
Yufka is a thin and delicate Turkish flatbread that can be used in a variety of ways. It is made with basic ingredients like flour, salt, oil, and water, and is rolled very thin before being cooked on a heavy pan.
The result is a golden brown flatbread that can be used as a wrap or as a pastry sheet for desserts. Yufka has a long shelf life and can be softened by spraying it with warm water before serving. Overall, Yufka is a versatile and delicious addition to any Persian food recipe collection.
