There is more to Persian cuisine besides kabob. This page is your one-stop resource for over 60 Persian recipes, from soups to stews, rice dishes to desserts and yes, even Persian kabob!
About Persian food
Whenever I introduce my friends to Persian food, they are always surprised by what I put before them. Persian food tantalizes all of your senses. You smell the saffron and rosewater. You taste the herbs and sumac. You see the bright colors upon your plate.
Persian food is not spicy. It is not a peppery cuisine with chiles or hot peppers. But Persian food does use all kinds of flavors and spices.
A staple of Persian cuisine is rice. It is served alone or as a side dish. It is prepared with saffron, vegetables, meat and/or herbs. We stuff it in our grape leaves and we add it to our soups. We even make a dessert with it!
Some dishes are served for holidays or special events. For example, the shirin polo (sweet rice) pictured below is served at Persian weddings (sofreh aghd).
Most Persian families eat khoresht, or stew, with their rice. Again, Persian stews come in all varieties, usually featuring a vegetable like green beans, okra, eggplant or squash. Our stews use a variety of meats too from beef, lamb, chicken and duck.
Persian kabobs are another popular aspect of Persian food. We skewer everything from beef to lamb, chicken, fish, vegetables… everything.
I have over 60 Persian recipes here on my blog, whether they are traditional recipes or modernized with a twist. I have several recipes and videos showing you how to make some classic Persian recipes in the instant pot, too.
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy
Persian spices
We use all kinds of spices in Persian cooking. They are meant to enhance the meal and not overpower it. Here are a few spices that are common in Persian cooking:
- turmeric (زردچوبه zard chūbeh)
- saffron (زعفران zafarān)
- cinnamon (دار چین dār chīn)
- sumac (سماق somāk)
- cardamom (هل hel)
- cumin (زیره zīreh)
- Persian all spice (ادویه advīeh)
- dried lime (لیمو عمانی limū āmānī)
- rosewater (گلاب golāb)
- Persian hogwood (گلپر golpar)
- fennel seed (رازیانه rāz yāneh)
Persian cuisine also heavily uses herbs, both fresh and dried. They are used both in the cooking process, as well as served with the meal. A tray of fresh sabzi khordan is almost always accompanied with the main meal. And some lavash, with feta and herbs? Heaven!
Some of our favorite herbs include:
- basil (ریحان reyhān)
- mint (نعناع na’nā)
- tarragon (ترخون tarkhūn)
- cilantro (گشنیز gishnīz)
- parsley (جعفری ja’farī)
- green onions (پیازچه piyāzcheh)
- dill (شوید shevid)
- watercress (شاهی shāhī)
- fenugreek (شنبلیله shanbalīleh)
All things sour
Most Persian recipes (excluding desserts) typically contain a sour element to it. The degree of sour involved is up to your own personal taste. In some dishes, there is a sweet and sour element to it. This is usually done using fruits like pomegranate concentrate or dried plums.
Some of the items you see on the list below might be unusual, but don’t knock it ’til you try it! Persians also love their pickles (torshi). From traditional pickled cucumbers to pickled vegetables. Torshi is served with the main dish.
- lemon juice
- vinegar
- dried Persian limes (both whole and powder)
- sour grapes (fresh, pickled or powdered)(pictured below)
- pomegranate concentrate (not to be confused with pomegranate molasses which contains sugar)
- sour cherries
- sour plums (gojeh sabz گوجه سبز)
- green almonds (چغاله بادام chaghaleh badoom)
- bitter orange (نَارَنْج narenj)
- barberries
- Persian yogurt (not the sweet stuff)
- kashk (fermented yogurt with much of the liquid evaporated off)
- tamarind
Persian rice recipes
When we are talking about Persian rice, we are always talking about one specific kind of rice: long grain basmati rice. White rice (chelo) is served as a base for kabob and stews. The rice is usually garnished with some saffron, giving it that bright yellow color.
Other rice dishes (pollo) can contain vegetables, herbs, dried fruits, lentils and meat. These types of rice dishes are served as standing meals or part of a large buffet for parties. These dishes are fragrant and full of all kinds of flavors.
Brown basmati rice can be used instead of white, but the texture is completely different. Brown basmati rice is more sticky than white.
Persian rice can be made traditionally in a non-stick pot or in a rice cooker. Only certain rice cookers create the crispy crust everyone fights for. This crust, tadigh, can be made with rice, potatoes, onion slices, pieces of lavash or even tortillas.
Persian kebab recipes
Persian kebab recipes, like the rest of Persian cuisine, are not super complicated. But they are full of flavor and that is thanks to its preparation and marinades. This is our version of barbecue!
Marinades vary on the type of meat you are using, so chicken kabob marinade (for joojeh kabob) is different from the filet marinade (for kabob barg). And Persian ground beef kabob (kabob koobideh) has no marinade at all.
All Persian kabobs are cooked directly over fire not over a grate. The meat never touches a grate or pan when grilled, this way it has direct contact with the heat. The skewers lie directly across the grill, so make sure your skewers are long enough!
Also, we use these wide skewers so that the meat doesn’t fall off while cooking.
Persian dessert recipes
Desserts are always a welcome sight after a wonderful meal, but Persian desserts are absolutely incredible. Like the main dishes, Persian desserts excite all of your senses. The use of saffron, cardamom and rosewater make for an incredible treat.
There is a lot of French influence in Persian sweets, but with a touch of exotic. From saffron rice pudding to cakes baked with rosewater, there’s baklava, cookies and rosettes. So many varieties to choose from and you won’t be disappointed.
And one thing you always find in a Persian house for dessert: fresh fruit. A fruit bowl is always sitting on my counter and you bet that it is filled with seasonal fruits when we have guests coming over.
Persian New Year (Nowruz)
The first day of spring marks the first day of the Persian New Year, known as nowruz (aka norouz/noruz). This celebration is over 3000 years old and is celebrated in many parts of the middle east, besides Iran. It is a beautiful holiday celebrated by Muslims, Jews, Christians and Baha’i from this area.
There are many traditions celebrated for this holiday, and of course many foods. The foods for nowruz are also listed below with other Persian recipes. I have written an extensive post if you want to learn more about nowruz and the foods for nowruz.
Persian Recipes
There is more to Persian cuisine besides kabob. Here is a collection of over 60 incredible Persian recipes, from soups to stews, rice dishes to desserts and yes, even Persian kabob!
Persian Egg Dishes
Persian Eggs with Eggplant, Turmeric, and Tomatoes (Mirza Ghassemi)
This Persian eggs with eggplant, turmeric, and tomatoes recipe is a dish originating from the northern part of Iran and is called Mirza Ghassemi.
Persian Herb Quiche | Kookoo Sabzi (kuku sabzi)
This kookoo sabzi is an aromatic quiche filled with six different herbs and greens. It's a staple dish to celebrate the first day of Spring and the Persian New Year (Nowruz).
Persian Herb Quiche with Herbs, Chard and Kale (kuku sabzi)
Kuku Sabzi is a traditional egg dish filled with herbs for the Persian New Year (Noruz), the first day of spring. This version also includes heart healthy Swiss chard and kale.
Instant Pot Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Quiche)
This Instant Pot Kuku sabzi (or kookoo sabzi) is an aromatic crustless quiche filled with different herbs and greens. It’s a staple dish to celebrate the first day of Spring and the Persian New Year (Nowruz). You can make it on the stove top, in the oven or in the instant pot pressure cooker.
Leftover Mashed Potato Quiche | Kookooyeh Sib Zamini
Use up those leftover mashed potatoes in this Persian dish: Leftover Mashed Potato Quiche with saffron and tarragon, or in farsi: Kookooyeh Sib Zamini.
Persian Fingerling Potato Quiche with Chives (Kookoo Sibzamini)
The Persian kuku is similar to a quiche, but is a little more dense. This recipe for Persian Fingerling Potato Quiche with Chives (Kookoo Sibzamini) is a twist of the traditional Persian version and uses sliced potatoes instead of mashed.
Persian Appetizers
Persian Dolmeh | Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat and Pomegranate
Whether for an appetizer or a light lunch, these stuffed grape leaves with meat and pomegranate (Persian Dolmeh) are both delicious and satisfying. Find more of my pomegranate recipes.
Persian Dolma Stuffed Grape Leaves with Raisins (or Dolmeh/Dolmades)
Persian dolma (or dolmeh/dolmades) comes in all varieties of stuffing and vessels. These stuffed grape leaves with raisins are meatless and offer a a wonderful sweet and sour combination.
Persian Trail Mix (Ajeel)
Ajeel is a Persian mixture of dried fruits with roasted nuts and seeds, very similar to trail mix and it is also served during the celebrations of Chahârshanbe Sûrî.
Persian Herb and Feta Platter (Sabzi Khordan)
Whether for breakfast, appetizer or snack a Persian Herb and Feta Platter (Sabzi Khordan) will tantalize all of your senses.
How to Make Yogurt
Have you ever wanted to know how to make yogurt? It's very easy and super cost effective. So why not give it a try?
Persian Yogurt with Cucumber (Mast-o Khiar)
This popular mediterranean yogurt dish can be found in many variations, depending on the region. The Greeks have tzatziki, for example, and the Persians have this version.
Persian Eggplant Dip with Yogurt (Borani-e Bademjoon)
Keep things cool and exotic with this ridiculously easy to make Persian Eggplant Dip with Yogurt and Mint (Borani-e Bademjoon).
Yogurt Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)
Keep cool and snack healthy with this easy to prepare Persian Yogurt Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj). It also makes a fabulous last minute appetizer.
Persian Cold Yogurt Soup with Raisins (Abdoogh Khiar)
Need to cool off from the summer heat? This Persian cold yogurt soup (Abdoogh Khiar) can be made as thick or as thin as you like and is filled with cucumbers, raisins, walnuts and herbs. Sponsored by Sun-Maid Raisins.
Persian Eggplant Dip (Kashkeh Bademjoon)
This is a healthier version of Persian Eggplant Dip (Kashkeh Bademjoon) which uses baked eggplant and not fried. But don't worry - it certainly does not skimp on flavor!
Salad Olivieh (Persian Potato Salad with Chicken)
Salad Olivieh is a Persian potato Salad studded with peas, dill pickles, eggs and chicken. It makes a wonderful appetizer or lunch.
Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Shirazi Salad
Don’t let the simplicity of this classic Persian cucumber and tomato salad, Shirazi Salad, fool you. It is full of flavor and makes a colorful and healthy side dish to any meal.
Persian Pickled Eggplant with Pomegranate (torshi bademjan ba anar)
Persians love their pickled vegetables and this pickled eggplant with pomegranate (torshi bademjan ba anar) is thick, incredibly delicious and super easy to make.
Persian Mint and Cucumber Cooler (Sekanjabin)
Sekanjabin is a Persian sweet and sour mint syrup that can be a dip for crisp lettuce or can be mixed with water and cucumbers to make a refreshing drink.
Persian Soups
Ashe Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)
Celebrate spring and Norouz, the Persian new year, with this traditional Persian noodle, Ashe Reshteh, a vegetarian soup made with beans, lentils and herbs.
Instant Pot Ash Reshteh - Persian Noodle Soup with Beans and Herbs
Commemorating the first day of spring and the Persian new year, got a little easier with this recipe for Instant Pot Ash Reshteh, Persian Noodle Soup with Beans and Herbs.
Instant Pot Abgoosht (Persian Meat and Potato Soup)
Abgoosht (or dizi) is a beloved Persian meat and potato soup that uses inexpensive cuts of meat and ingredients. Although associated as a peasant's meal, it is quintessential Persian comfort food that can now be made easily in the Instant Pot.
Persian Pomegranate Soup (Ash Anar)
This hearty, Persian Pomegranate Soup (Ash Anar) will nurture your soul with spinach, yellow split peas and just a tang of pomegranate.
Persian Meals
Persian Meatballs with Rice and Raisins - Koofteh Berenji
Koofteh Berenji are Persian meatballs that are tender and mixed with an assortment of fresh herbs and rice, stuffed with raisins, and simmered in a simple tomato broth.
Persian Beef Cutlets with Potatoes and Cauliflower (Kotlet)
These Persian beef cutlets (kotlet) with potatoes and cauliflower is updated to include some healthy cauliflower into this family friendly dish.
Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets (Persian Kotlet)
This lightened up air fryer turkey cutlets are a twist to the traditional beef kotlet, which is usually pan fried. If you are looking to cut the fat, this recipe uses ground turkey and is air fried until golden and crispy.
Koobideh Kabob (Persian Ground Beef Kabob)
My mother-in-law took the time to teach me (and my little girl) how to make Koobideh Kabob (ground beef kabob) on the grill, in the oven or on the stove!
Air Fryer Kebab Koobideh
You don’t need skewers and a grill to enjoy kabob koobideh. Now you can make air fryer ground beef kebabs with minimal mess and fuss.
The Kebab Burger
This kebab burger, fashioned after a traditional Persian Ground Beef Kabob (Koobideh) is robust, refreshing, and ready for your table in (half the time) of a regular beef kabob.
Ground Beef Jerky (Koobideh Kabob Jerky)
Homemade beef jerky is super easy to make. Ground beef jerky is just as flavorful as its steak counterpart, but is more economical. And this recipe tastes just like Persian koobideh kabob.
Kabob-e Barg (Filet Mignon Kabob)
Persian Filet Mignon Kabob (Kabob-e Barg) is typically something special that you can only enjoy in a Persian restaurant. But with this recipe, you can create this at home.
Persian Chicken Kabob (Joojeh Kabob or Kabob-eh Morgh)
Persian Chicken Kabob (Joojeh Kabob or Kabob-eh Morgh) is incredibly moist and flavorful because of it's saffron, onion and yogurt marinade.
Dry Rub Chicken Kabobs in the Oven
Create delicious chicken kabobs in the oven with this fabulous Persian inspired dry rub chicken seasoning that tastes amazing without a long marinate time!
Persian Chicken Wings
These Persian chicken wings are baked to crisp perfection and slathered with a tangy spice rub that will make you think you’re eating kabab that you slaved over for hours. This recipe comes together quickly, requires no long marinating time and will bring smiles to all of your guests.
Persian Tahchin (Baked Saffron Rice)
Tahchin is a delicious and aromatic Persian rice dish made with saffron. This Persian Saffron Rice Cake includes a layer of shredded chicken and is garnished with barberries (zereshk), pistachios and almond slivers.
Albaloo Polo (Sour Cherry Rice)
Albaloo Polo is a fragrant and beautiful rice dish made with sour cherries and topped with saffron rice, almonds and pistachios. It is a sweet and sour dish that can be served with these fabulous lamb meatballs, chicken or even ham.
Persian Herb Rice (Sabzi Polo)
Sabzi Polo (Persian Herbed Rice ) is a truly symbolic dish to celebrate the first day of spring, the first day of the Persian New Year (Nowruz).
Basmati Rice with Cabbage (Kalam Polo)
This Persian basmati rice with cabbage (kalam polo) is full of flavor, scented with saffron and features a crispy onion crust (tadigh).
Lubia Polo
Lubia polo is a delicious Persian green bean rice dish made with tomatoes, green beans and chunks of beef stew meat. It can easily be prepared vegetarian style.
Persian Sweet Rice (Shirin Polo)
Shirin Polo is a Persian basmati rice dish traditionally served at weddings and other social occasions. Studded with candied carrots, orange peel, raisins, almonds and pistachios it makes one beautiful meal or a unique side dish to chicken, fish or any roast.
Persian Basmati Rice Recipe with Saffron and Potato Crust
This Persian basmati rice recipe with saffron and potato crust isn't as intimidating as one would think especially with these detailed step-by-step instructions and how-to video.
Persian Herb Stew with Kale (Khoresteh Ghormeh Sabzi ba Kalam-e Peech)
Khoresteh ghormeh sabzi is a classic Persian stew made with fresh green herbs like parsley, cilantro, fenugreek and scallions. This version adds some healthy green kale to the mix.
Instant Pot Gormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew with Beef)
This recipe for Instant Pot Gormeh Sabzi serves up the classic Persian herb stew without waiting all day for it to be ready.
Persian String Bean Stew with Lamb Shanks (Khoresht Loobia Sabz)
Persian string bean stew with lamb shanks (khoresht loobia sabz) is a staple dish in the Persian household, combining string beans and tomatoes with beef, lamb or chicken. Sponsored by Wolf Gourmet.
Persian Okra Stew (Khoreshteh Bamieh)
A wonderful way to showcase okra is to cook up this delicious Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh) made with beef or lamb and tomatoes.
Persian Celery Stew with Mint and Rhubarb (Khoresh Karafs ba Revas)
Mint and parsley are used as the base for this classic Persian stew. And with the addition of rhubarb, this Persian Celery Stew (Khoresh Karafs ba Revas) has even more flavor and tang.
Persian Salmon Stew with Cilantro and Tamarind (Ghalieh Mahi)
Fresh herbs are always used in Persian cooking, especially in this Persian Salmon Stew with Cilantro and Tamarind, known as Ghalieh Mahi.
Persian Eggplant Stew with Sour Grapes (khoresh bademjan ba ghooreh)
Persian Eggplant Stew (khoresh bademjan ba ghooreh) is a classic Persian stew made with fresh eggplant, tomatoes, yellow split peas and pickled sour grapes.
Persian Green Almond Stew (Khoresh Chaghaleh Badoom)
Persian Green Almond Stew (Khoresh Chaghaleh Badoom) is a real special meal made with parsley, mint, beef, dried lemons and green almonds (available in the spring).
Persian Green Plum Stew (Khoresh Gojeh Sabz)
This Persian Green Plum Stew (Khoresh Gojeh Sabz) celebrates a Persian favorite, sour green plums, that are only available in the spring.
Persian Butternut Squash Stew (Khoresht Kadoo)
Celebrate fall and the Persian holiday, Mehregan, with Persian Squash Stew (Khoresht Kadoo), made with butternut squash, yellow split peas and dried sour plums.
Fesenjoon: Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew (khoresh fesenjan)
Fesenjoon is a Persian stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranates. It can be made with chicken or duck, or you can leave the meat out and keep it vegan.
Instant Pot Khoresh Gheymeh (Persian Split Pea Stew)
Ingredients for Khoresh Gheymeh (Persian Split Pea Stew) made in the Instant Pot and garnished with shoestring potatoes by FamilySpice.com
Persian Beverages
Persian Bitter Orange Syrup | Sharbat-e Porteghal
Before supermarkets were around, Persians would make this sweet and sour bitter orange syrup. They would keep it in their refrigerators and add it to water to make a refreshing orange drink during the spring and summer months.
Doogh (Persian Yogurt Drink)
Refreshing and delicious, Doogh is a traditional Persian drink made with yogurt, seasoned with mint and can be made with water or club soda.
Persian Desserts
Persian Saffron Rice Pudding (Sholeh Zard)
Sholeh Zard is a Persian saffron rice pudding made with basmati rice, sugar, rosewater and saffron. It is garnished with cinnamon, pistachios and almonds.
Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies (Shirini Kishmishi)
These golden and aromatic Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies (shirini kishmishi) are not only swoon-worthy to serve to your friends and family, but also very simple to make.
Buttery Saffron Raisin Pound Cake
Fresh ground saffron is not just for paella! It makes this buttery saffron raisin pound cake aromatic, exotic and delectable!
Persian Rosettes | Window Cookies (nan panjareh)
These Persian Rosettes, nan panjareh (window cookies), are delicate treats. Similar to funnel cakes, they are deep fried and dusted with powdered sugar. And during the winter months, they look like snowflakes, don't they?
No-Churn Persian Ice Cream with Saffron and Rose Water (Bastani)
Try a bit of the exotic with this No-Churn Persian Ice Cream with Saffron (bastani) and Rose Water. It’s easy to make at home and WITHOUT an ice cream machine.
Persian Baklava Cake with Almonds and Rosewater
This Persian Baklava Cake gives you all the flavor you love in small cake-like bars and without the fuss of phyllo: almonds, pistachios and rosewater.
Persian Baklava with Raisins, Pistachios and Almonds
Persian baklava (baghlava) is made with pistachios and almonds, and sweetened with a rosewater sweet syrup. This version also includes raisins.
White Rose Cake
This White Rose Cake is baked with aromatic rose water and full of very edible pesticide-free rose petals inside and out.
Pomegranate with Golpar
This simple snack of pomegranate with golpar, Persian Hogwood, is a Persian favorite mixing in sweet and sour together.
Sour Cherry Jam (Moraba Albaloo)
If you are lucky enough to find sour cherries in the market, be sure to scoop them up and make this Sour Cherry Jam, Moraba Albaloo.
Homemade Quince Jam
Quince is under appreciated here in the US, but this easy to make and aromatic ruby red quince jam will soon make you a quince lover out of you!
PS If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback.
You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up for my eMail list, too!