Craving a change of pace in the kitchen? Persian cuisine may be precisely what you are looking for!
This area of cooking concentrates on well-adjusted flavors and temperatures, and this list of 10 recipes is an excellent way to begin!
1. Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)
Fesenjan is a heartwarming stew enjoyed during the colder months. The key to this dish is pomegranate juice or molasses and ground-up toasted walnuts. Turmeric and cinnamon bring the heat, while lentils add substance.
It may sound odd, but nutty walnuts and the sweet and tart pomegranates come together beautifully in this stew. For a more filling meal, pour this rich stew over some jasmine rice.
2. Persian Saffron Rice
No Iranian meal would be complete without polo, also known as rice, so I’m putting it at the top of this list. Aromatic basmati rice gets a boost from spices and is cooked with oil, yogurt, and eggs, plus layered with barberries that offer a bit of tartness. Saffron, which is both sweet and earthy, but also pricey, is what provides a beautiful golden tint.
Remember, polo wouldn’t be what it is without tahdig, a crispy crust at the bottom of the pot. The taste and hue are wonderful, but the crunchy crust is what truly makes it exceptional.
3. Persian Tea
While green tea may be good for you, chai is the way to go if you want something flavorful and relaxing. Chai, otherwise known as black tea, is a widely consumed beverage for Persians at all times of the day.
Some examples of the tea they use are Ceylon, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and English Breakfast. You will not only learn how to make a wonderful cup of chai, but also how to give it a cool two-toned appearance.
4. Persian Baklava with Walnuts and Rosewater
And now, for my favorite meal course: dessert. I understand why baklava is a popular dessert in Middle Eastern cooking.
Between the toasted nuts and syrup, there are layers of flaky and crispy pastry, offering a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. The addition of brown butter, rose water, and cardamom make it out of this world. While it may seem like a complicated recipe, it’s surprisingly easy with store-bought phyllo pastry.
5. Persian Yogurt Drink
In Persian cuisine, yogurt can be found in lots of dishes, and is commonly used in refreshments. Ayran is a drink consisting of yogurt and salt. The salty and tangy flavor can take some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll never go back.
This rich and creamy drink is the ideal way to wet your whistle during your meal. Even better, it’s a breeze to make. Just grab some salt, water, and yogurt!
6. Shirazi Salad
A must-have in Iranian cuisine is Shirazi salad. Think of it as a Greek salad, but with 10x the flavor! Bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are combined with an olive oil and lime dressing.
Although Shirazi salad is quite simple to make, it is packed with flavor and texture. What sets this salad apart is the herbs and spices used in the dressing. The dressing, which includes fresh dill, mint, cilantro, and parsley, is phenomenal.
7. Persian Rice Cookies
Iranians adore cookies just as much as people in the United States do. You’ll see why after trying these rice cookies. These cookies are commonly prepared during special occasions such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
These cookies are holiday-worthy, thanks to their delicate, crumbly texture and wonderful sweetness. Some variations incorporate oil for moisture, while others add butter for richness. To enhance the flavor, some also include rosewater or cardamom, but the necessary ingredients are sugar, eggs, and rice flour.
8. Mast o Khiar (Persian Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
The yogurt and cucumber based dip, known as Mast o Khiar, is light and refreshingly simple. It’s a flexible dish that can be used with chips and pita bread, or with main courses like kabab koobideh (beef or lamb kebab) and ghormeh sabzi (herb stew).
The deliciousness stems from needing just a couple of ingredients: yogurt and cucumber. Add salt, pepper, and a bit of dried mint, and you’re ready to start dipping.
9. Persian Chicken Kebabs
Who’s going to turn down perfectly grilled chicken skewers? I know I won’t! I always appreciate this Persian dish.
These skewers are special because of the marinade that consists of mayonnaise, garlic, onions, lemon juice, and spices. Soaking for 24 hours allows the chicken to soak in the flavors, for some truly special kebabs. Large chunks of bell peppers and red onions, in addition to the chicken, are placed on the skewers for a more complete dish.
10. Kuku Sabzi
The Persian word for frittata is Kuku. While it can be prepared in several ways, Kuku Sabzi is among the most well-known. Sabzi translates to herbs, which is why this frittata has such a striking green color.
It has a refreshing flavor because of the medley of herbs like dill, cilantro, scallions, and parsley. Additionally, the spices add a nice touch. Chopped cranberries and toasted walnuts add texture and color.