Embracing the rich flavors and aromas of Persian cuisine, you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of Iran without ever leaving home.
The diversity of this culinary world is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, with each dish showcasing fresh ingredients combined with exquisite spices that elevate every bite to new heights. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey through the best Persian recipes, highlighting the flavors and techniques that make them truly exceptional.
Iranian Estamboli Polo
Taking inspiration from traditional Iranian recipes, Estamboli Polo is a mouth-watering and accessible dish that excels in both its simplicity and complexity. The harmonious blend of fluffy rice, tender green beans, and savory ground beef creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
The aromatic spices like turmeric and cinnamon add an authentic touch to the dish, while the crunchy potatoes at the bottom of the pot serve as a delightful surprise, elevating the overall dining experience.
Persian Meat Patties
Wrapped in a delicate balance of flavors and textures, Persian Meat Patties, also known as Kotlet, have captured the hearts of many with their unique blend of ground beef, grated potatoes, onions, and spices. These crispy and juicy meat patties are not only a delight to eat but can be easily paired with various accompaniments such as bread, pickles, tomatoes, and fries for a traditional experience, or served with rice and Persian pickles for an added layer of flavor.
Whether you prefer the crunch of fried patties or the lighter option of baked ones, they can even be made ahead of time for added convenience. As a result, Persian Meat Patties are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to satisfy any meat lover’s cravings.
Kabab Tabei
For those who crave the authentic taste of Persian cuisine but lack access to traditional cooking methods, Kabab Tabei is an excellent solution. This effortless recipe requires no grill or skewers, yet still yields incredibly juicy and flavorful kebabs. A key factor in its success lies in the well-balanced mixture of ground meat, finely grated onions, and a blend of aromatic spices that infuse each bite with deep flavor.
Grilled Chicken Kabob (Jujeh Kabab)
Creating culinary masterpieces from traditional dishes is an art form that requires precision and creativity. The Grilled Chicken Kabob, also known as Jujeh Kabab, is a quintessential Persian recipe that embodies this concept perfectly. With its tender, juicy chicken marinated in a mixture of saffron, onion, and other spices, the dish exudes a rich and aromatic flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
The addition of saffron lemon butter adds a touch of elegance to the kabob, elevating it to restaurant-quality status. Paired with fluffy saffron rice and grilled vegetables, this delightful combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you opt for boneless chicken thigh meat or drumsticks, the result is consistently juicy and full of flavor, leaving you craving for more.
As a testament to the versatility of Persian cuisine, the Grilled Chicken Kabob (Jujeh Kabab) remains an iconic dish that showcases the culture’s deep appreciation for bold flavors and aromas.
Zereshk Polo Morgh
Laden with the rich aromas of saffron, turmeric, and barberry, Zereshk Polo Morgh is a quintessential Persian dish that skillfully combines tender chicken cooked in a tomato paste sauce with flavorful saffron rice. The result is a delightful culinary experience that is both aromatic and deliciously satisfying.
This iconic dish is often served alongside other traditional Persian accompaniments like salad shirazi or mast o khiar, which perfectly complement the intricate flavors of Zereshk Polo Morgh. Its unique blend of Persian spices and ingredients makes it an absolute treat for food enthusiasts.
Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig
Making its way into the hearts of food enthusiasts, Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig is a culinary gem in the realm of Persian cuisine. The fluffy rice provides a light foundation for the star of the dish: a golden, crispy layer called Tahdig that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
This classic recipe leverages the distinct flavor and texture of basmati rice, combined with the subtle essence of saffron, and even offers optional accompaniments such as potato or flatbread to enhance the Tahdig’s crispy exterior. The end result is a delicious and widely popular dish that aptly demonstrates the rich flavors and expert techniques characteristic of Persian cooking.
Tahchin Esfenaj
Highlighting the simplicity and elegance of Persian cuisine, Tahchin Esfenaj is a classic dish that brings together the rich flavors of saffron rice, marinated chicken, creamy yogurt, and fresh spinach. This healthy and gluten-free recipe can be easily prepared in a variety of ways, including using a rice cooker or baking it to perfection in the oven.
Kabab Koobideh
Sophisticated and deeply rooted in Iranian cuisine, Kabab Koobideh has earned its place among the country’s most beloved dishes. Comprising a harmonious blend of minced beef and lamb, onions, and an array of spices, this kebab is renowned for its ability to satisfy even the most discerning palates. It typically accompanies Sangak bread or Iranian rice, making it an exemplary representation of Persian culinary versatility.
Persian Dill and Lima Bean Rice – Baghali Polo
Laden with the rich aromas and flavors of Iran, Baghali Polo, also known as Persian Dill and Lima Bean Rice, is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the country’s deep-seated love affair with fragrant basmati rice. This harmonious union of tender lima beans and fresh dill results in a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a healthy and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional meals.
The crowning glory of this recipe lies in its crispy tahdig, a golden crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to each bite, elevating the overall dining experience to new heights. Whether you decide to use lima beans or fava beans as your primary ingredient, this dish is an absolute must-try for anyone eager to explore the bold flavors of Persian cuisine and experience its unique charm.
Persian Celery Stew
Flavorful and aromatic, Persian Celery Stew, also known as Khoresht Karafs, has been a staple in Iranian cuisine for generations. This traditional dish is characterized by its use of celery stalks and a unique blend of herbs, making it a versatile option that can be enjoyed with or without meat, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Persian Rice
Sophisticated in its simplicity, Persian Rice, also known as Chelo, is a staple dish in Iranian cuisine, prized for its delicate flavor and fluffy texture. Traditionally served with various stews or chicken-based recipes, this iconic dish showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. The key to achieving the perfect Persian rice lies in its unique cooking method, which involves washing the rice to remove excess starch and utilizing a non-stick pan to prevent clumping.
Furthermore, garnishing the dish with saffron-infused rice not only adds a beautiful golden color but also imparts an aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the underlying flavors of the rice.
Shirazi Salad
Fresh and flavorful, Shirazi Salad is a quintessential Persian dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its ease of preparation and mouth-watering taste. Named after the city in Iran, this salad showcases a colorful medley of diced vegetables such as Persian cucumbers, roma tomatoes, red onion, and optional green pepper, all perfectly balanced by an abundance of fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley.
The dressing, expertly blended with extra virgin olive oil and lime juice, infuses the salad with a delightful tanginess and zest that complements its crunchy texture. This versatile dish is commonly served as a side to traditional Persian meals or paired with modern favorites like grilled chicken and steak. Its simplicity and refreshing quality make it an excellent addition to any meal.
Eshkeneh
Rooted in traditional Persian cuisine, Eshkeneh, or Persian Onion Soup, boasts an impressive combination of ingredients including onions, eggs, and fenugreek leaves. A simple modification to make it vegan-friendly is replacing the eggs with a suitable alternative and using olive oil instead of other oils. This vibrant soup has gained popularity during Nowruz celebrations due to its ease of preparation and quick cooking time.
The pungency of the onions contributes significantly to the flavor profile, while the fenugreek adds an aromatic and slightly bitter note, along with a burst of color.
Barbari
Vastly popular among bread enthusiasts, Barbari is a traditional Persian flatbread that deserves to be tried by anyone with a passion for baking. Its origins date back to Iran, where it’s prized for its distinctive flavor and texture. To achieve the perfect consistency, this bread requires a period of resting time during preparation.
Easy Persian Barbari Bread
Delighting in the simplicity of traditional Iranian bread, Easy Persian Barbari Bread is a true delight to make and enjoy at home. Topped with sesame seeds, it boasts a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that’s perfectly balanced by a hint of saltiness. This streamlined recipe makes it possible for anyone to create this beloved bread in the comfort of their own kitchen, without sacrificing any of its authentic flavors or textures.
Kotlet
Renowned for its crispy exterior and soft interior, Kotlet has been a staple of Persian cuisine for generations. This traditional dish gets a vegetarian makeover in this recipe by substituting meat with chickpeas, resulting in a mouth-watering alternative that’s both satisfying and healthy.
The patties are crafted from grated potatoes, sautéed onions, mashed chickpeas, eggs, flour, fresh parsley, and an assortment of aromatic spices, all carefully combined to create a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
Kabob-e Barg
Understanding the intricacies of traditional Persian cuisine, Kabob-e Barg stands out as a beloved dish that showcases filet mignon’s rich flavor profile. The meat is meticulously marinated in a harmonious blend of onions, garlic, yogurt, saffron, salt, and pepper, allowing its tender fibers to absorb the aromatic flavors.
After being thinly cut and carefully threaded onto long flat metal skewers, it undergoes the grilling process, where it’s lavishly basted with a mixture of melted butter and saffron, yielding juicy and succulent kabobs. Typically served alongside basmati rice, grilled tomatoes, fresh herbs, feta platter, lavash bread, and salad shirazi, Kabob-e Barg is an essential culinary experience for those eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine.
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
Renowned throughout Iran, Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi is a beloved traditional dish that perfectly balances the flavors of herb rice with succulent fish. Typically served during Nowruz celebrations, this culinary masterpiece can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The preparation involves pan-frying fish fillets coated in a seasoned flour mixture, which are then paired with aromatic and flavorful rice cooked using the ancient Persian method.
Mast-o-Khiar
Wrapped in the simplicity of its ingredients, Mast-o-Khiar offers a depth of flavors and textures that make it an essential part of traditional Persian cuisine. This versatile recipe combines yoghurt and cucumber to create a refreshing accompaniment to rice, stews, and grilled meat. The flexibility of Mast-o-Khiar lies in its ability to adapt to various tastes with the addition of ingredients like dried rose petals, shallots, garlic, or mint, which elevate the flavors to new heights.
Dolmeh Felfel
Nestled within traditional Persian cuisine lies a treasured dish known as Dolmeh Felfel, a culinary masterpiece that showcases the art of stuffing bell peppers to perfection. A delicious blend of ground lamb, basmati rice, and an array of spices is carefully prepared to create a savory filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. The peppers retain their subtle crunch, providing a delightful textural contrast to the richness of the meat and rice combination.
Whether enjoyed warm as a satisfying meal or served chilled as leftovers, Dolmeh Felfel remains a crowd-pleaser, offering an unparalleled taste experience that is both authentic and versatile.
Barberries
Making up a significant portion of Persian cuisine, barberries are renowned for their striking appearance and zesty flavor profile. These compact, tangy berries inject a vibrant burst of fruity tartness into an array of dishes, making them a staple across various culinary applications. Whether they’re incorporated into rice, salads, stuffing, kababs, or even sweet treats like cakes and cookies, barberries impart a distinct and unique taste to any recipe.
Barberries can be rehydrated in water and used whole or chopped, or sautéed with butter to temper their tartness. Notably, they’re extremely popular in Persian rice dishes, such as the iconic Jewelled Rice. With their versatility and capacity to elevate flavors, barberries are an indispensable ingredient in any Persian kitchen.
Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh)
Elevating your culinary experience is easy when you try Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh), a traditional Iranian dish that brings together tender meat, juicy tomatoes, and slimy okra in a richly flavored stew. This mouth-watering meal is a testament to the bold flavors of Persian cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new culinary horizons.
Makaroni
Nestled between Eastern and Western culinary traditions, Makaroni is a Persian Spaghetti dish that defies conventional norms by merging the richness of bolognese-style sauce with layers of pasta, thereby creating a crispy bottom known as tahdig. This creative fusion is traditionally made with meat sauce, but this recipe presents a vegan alternative using a delectable and rich vegan bolognese sauce.
The key to achieving the perfect balance in Makaroni lies in cooking the pasta and sauce separately before layering them in a pot and cooking them together on low heat, thus preventing overcooking of the pasta. As a result, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors without compromising on texture. The crowning glory is the crispy top, or tahdig, which adds an irresistible crunch to each bite.
Makaroni is a delectable and satisfying dish that not only pushes the boundaries of traditional Italian cuisine but also leaves a lasting impression. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing side of Shirazi Salad, complementing its bold flavors with a soothing contrast.
Persian Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Discovering new flavors and recipes can be an exciting part of any holiday celebration, and the Persian Cranberry Rice Pilaf is no exception. This fragrant and slightly sweet dish is specifically designed as a side for Thanksgiving, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. The combination of dried cranberries and pistachios adds a delightful texture to each bite, while the saffron brings an aromatic fragrance that elevates the entire dish.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply add some variety to your menu, this flavorful and unique recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Persian Saffron Milkshake
Often, traditional desserts from around the world are reimagined as refreshing drinks by simply blending them with ice cream and other ingredients. The Persian Saffron Milkshake is one such example, where the classic flavors of Iranian ice cream are transformed into a revitalizing milkshake. Made with rich vanilla ice cream, saffron that has been allowed to bloom in hot water, milk, rosewater, and a hint of cardamom, this drink offers an intricate floral flavor and a stunning golden hue.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to taste the essence of Iran in a convenient and refreshing beverage.
Albaloo Polo Bah Morg
Often considered one of the most iconic dishes in Persian cuisine, Albaloo Polo Bah Morg offers an exquisite combination of flavors that tantalize the palate with every bite. The tartness of sour cherries perfectly complements the richness of pistachios and slivered almonds, while chicken adds a layer of depth to this delectable dish.
One of the unique aspects of this recipe is its versatility – it can be prepared with or without meat, making it an ideal option for both meat enthusiasts and vegetarians who want to experience the authentic taste of Persian cuisine.
Fesenjan
Beneath its rich and complex flavor profile, Fesenjan reveals its traditional Persian roots in every bite. This beloved dish features duck legs slow-cooked in a luscious sauce crafted from walnuts and pomegranate molasses, but don’t worry, we’ve got a clever hack to substitute the molasses with cranberry juice for an equally delicious twist.
The classic Fesenjan garnish typically consists of a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley leaves, adding a pop of color and freshness to each serving. Born near the shores of the Caspian Sea, Fesenjan has gained popularity around the world, particularly during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah when it’s often served as a centerpiece for family gatherings.
Interestingly, this recipe adapts well to various types of poultry, but it’s essential to choose meats that remain tender and juicy. While its flavors intensify with time, Fesenjan is best enjoyed on the second day after preparation, and unfortunately, it doesn’t freeze particularly well. Nonetheless, its unique blend of Persian spices and ingredients makes it a true standout in the culinary world, worthy of exploration by adventurous foodies and enthusiasts alike.
Persian Dolmeh
Renowned in Iranian culinary tradition, Persian Dolmeh boasts a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern counterparts. Unlike other versions of dolmeh, this dish incorporates ground meat, which adds a unique twist to the classic recipe. The filling is also distinguished by the inclusion of yellow split peas and barberries, introducing an exciting depth and texture to the dish.
Mirch Pasanday
Laced with aromatic spices and succulent beef fillets, Mirch Pasanday is a quintessential Persian dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. This delectable recipe features slow-cooked meat, sautéed onions, and stuffed green chillies coming together in perfect harmony. The tender texture of the beef pairs exquisitely with the spicy kick from the chillies, resulting in a mouth-watering experience that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
One of its standout features is the absence of chilli powder, making it an ideal choice for families and children who prefer milder flavours. This aspect also makes Mirch Pasanday a convenient option for busy parents, as they can rest assured that their kids will enjoy the meal without any concerns about spice levels.
Koobideh Kabob
Elevating the flavors of Persian cuisine, Koobideh Kabob is a cherished dish made from ground lamb or beef, often combined with each other. Traditionally, this popular recipe is prepared on skewers and grilled over an open flame, yet it can also be cooked in the oven, on the stovetop, or even in an air fryer for a healthier twist. The straightforwardness of its ingredients, such as grated onions, salt, and pepper, allows the rich taste of the meat to take center stage.
Whether grilled on skewers or pan-fried, Koobideh Kabob is a mouth-watering and fulfilling dish that exemplifies the culinary expertise of Persian cuisine.
Sheermal
Among the many delicious breads from the Middle East, Sheermal stands out as a distinct and flavorful option. Traditionally made with milk and ghee, this saffron-infused bread boasts a light and buttery texture that is both fluffy and mildly sweet. The delicate flavor of rosewater adds an extra layer of depth to the bread’s aroma, making it a perfect match for rich and savory dishes like mutton curry or Nihari.
Although yeast-based recipes are common, Sheermal can also be made using baking powder as a substitute, allowing for an eggless version that is just as enjoyable. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare at home, and its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on its own or paired with tea for breakfast. The fact that it has origins in Persia and is widely available in many Asian sub-continent countries only adds to its popularity among those who appreciate Persian cuisine.
Yufka
Not only does Yufka make an excellent flatbread, but its delicate texture and flavor also make it suitable for use in various culinary applications. Its composition includes fundamental ingredients such as flour, salt, oil, and water, which are carefully combined to create a dough that is then rolled out extremely thinly before being cooked on a heavy pan. This results in a golden brown flatbread that can be utilized either as a wrap or as a pastry sheet for desserts.
One of the notable advantages of Yufka is its relatively long shelf life, allowing it to remain edible for an extended period without spoiling quickly. Furthermore, this Turkish flatbread can be easily softened by simply spraying it with warm water before serving, making it a convenient addition to any meal or dessert.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
