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Family Spice

World Cuisine for the Whole Family

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Persian Recipes

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!

Shirin Polo with Raisins | Persian Sweet Rice by FamilySpice.com

Shirin Polo with Raisins | Persian Sweet Rice

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.

Overhead shot of instant pot ash reshteh (Persian noodle soup) garnished with fried onions, kashk, mint and saffron by FamilySpice.com

Instant Pot Ash Reshteh, Persian Noodle Soup

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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)

A variety of brightly colored spices used in Persian recipes by FamilySpice.com

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)

Persian Herb and Feta Platter (Sabzi Khordan) by FamilySpice.com

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 (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
  • green almonds (chaghaleh badoom)
  • sour orange
  • barberries
  • yogurt (not the sweet stuff)
  • kashk (fermented yogurt with much of the liquid evaporated off)
  • tamarind

Fresh ghooreh, Persian sour gapes by FamilySpice.com

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 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 Herbed Rice (Sabzi Polo) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Herb Rice (Sabzi Polo)

Persian kabob recipes

Persian kabob 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!

Using a fan to stoke the hot coals while grilling kabob barg by FamilySpice.com

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 Saffron Rice Pudding - Sholeh Zard by FamilySpice.com

Persian Saffron Rice Pudding - Sholeh Zard

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.

Wheat sprouts grown in a tin pie plate for the sofreh haft seen and nowruz celebrations by FamilySpice.com

 

Overhead shot of several dishes with Persian kuku sabzi and fresh radishes

Instant Pot Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Quiche)

Overhead shot of a plate holding diamond shaped Persian baklava cake

Persian Baklava Cake with Almonds and Rosewater

Overhead shot of Khoresh Gheymeh (Persian Split Pea Stew) made in the Instant Pot and garnished with shoestring potatoes

Instant Pot Khoresh Gheymeh (Persian Split Pea Stew)

Persian Herb Quiche (Kookoo Sabzi) for Nowruz by FamilySpice.com

Persian Herb Quiche | Kookoo Sabzi (Kuku Sabzi)

Overhead shot of a bowl of instant pot ash reshteh (Persian noodle soup) by FamilySpice.com

Instant Pot Ash Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup with Beans and Herbs

Instant Pot Gormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew with Beef) by FamilySpice.com

Instant Pot Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew with Beef)

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. -- FamilySpice.com

Persian Meatballs with Rice and Raisins – Koofteh Berenji

Green Almonds (Chaghaleh Badoom) by FamilySpice.com

The Amazing Almond… In The Raw!

Persian Herb and Feta Platter (Sabzi Khordan) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Herb and Feta Platter (Sabzi Khordan)

Overhead shot of a plate full of Persian dolma (or dolmeh/dolmades), stuffed grape leaves with a bowl of yogurt dip

Persian Dolma (Dolmeh) | Stuffed Grape Leaves with Raisins

Overhead view of a platter of Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies (shirini kishmishi) with a bowl of saffron and a small plate of cookies

Persian Saffron Raisin Cookies (Shirini Kishmishi)

A bowl of Persian cold yogurt soup topped with rose petals, herbs and ice cubes by FamilySpice.com

Persian Cold Yogurt Soup with Raisins (Abdoogh Khiar)

Ajeel (Persian Trail Mix) by FamilySpice.com

Ajeel and Chahr-Shanbeh Souri

Persian Herb Stew with Kale (Khoresteh Gormeh Sabzi ba Kalam-e Peech) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Herb Stew with Kale (Khoresteh Ghormeh Sabzi ba Kalam-e Peech)

Persian Baklava with Raisins, Pistachios, Almonds and Rosewater - by FamilySpice.com

Persian Baklava with Raisins, Pistachios and Almonds

Overhead view of a table with a metal tray of beef cutlet with herbs and radishes around it

Persian Beef Cutlets with Potatoes and Cauliflower (Kotlet)

Salad Olivieh (Persian Potato Salad with Chicken) garnished with radishes and herbs

Salad Olivieh (Persian Potato Salad with Chicken)

Persian Celery Stew with Mint and Rhubarb (Khoreshteh Karafs ba Revas) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Celery Stew with Mint and Rhubarb (Khoresht Karafs ba Revas)

Mirza Ghassemi | Persian Eggs with Eggplant, Turmeric, and Tomatoes by FamilySpice.com

Persian Eggs with Eggplant, Turmeric, and Tomatoes (Mirza Ghassemi)

A plate full of basmati rice with saffron and koobideh kabob with roast tomatoe, sumac, herbs and torshi

Koobideh Kabob (Persian Ground Beef Kabob)

Persian green bean stew with lamb shanks and tomatoes in a white dish by FamilySpice.com

Persian String Bean Stew with Lamb Shanks (Khoresht Loobia Sabz)

Overhead shot of a white bowl full of yogurt and topped with fresh fruit and granola by FamilySpice.com

How to Make Yogurt – For Norouz {Video}

Homemade Holiday Gifts: Cranberry Liqueur with Persian Mint Syrup (Sekanjabin) by FamilySpice.com

Cranberry Liqueur with Persian Mint Syrup (Sekanjabin) | Free Printable

Persian Rosettes | Window Cookies (nan panjareh) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Rosettes | Window Cookies (nan panjareh)

Overhead shot of Persian Bitter Orange Syrup (Sharbat-e Porteghal) by FamilySpice.com

Nowruz & Persian Bitter Orange Syrup | Sharbat-e Porteghal

Shirin Polo with Raisins | Persian Sweet Rice by FamilySpice.com

Shirin Polo with Raisins | Persian Sweet Rice

Overhead view of Persian Mashed Potato Quiche with herbs on a serving plate with a piece cut out (Kookooyeh Sib Zamini) by FamilySpice.com

Leftover Mashed Potato Quiche | Kookooyeh Sib Zamini

Persian Butternut Squash Stew (Khoresht Kadoo) for Mehregan by FamilySpice.com

Persian Squash Stew (Khoresht Kadoo) for Mehregan

Closeup of a jar of Sour Cherry Jam (Moraba Albaloo) by FamilySpice.com

Love, Memories and Sour Cherry Jam (Moraba Albaloo)

Over head shot of a plate full of Persian Chicken Kabob (Joojeh Kabob or Kabob-eh Morgh) with basmati rice

Persian Chicken Kabob (Kabob-eh Morgh)

A slice of kuku sabzi (Persian herb quiche) by FamilySpice.com

Norouz Twist on Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Quiche with Herbs, Chard and Kale)

Pomegranate with Golpar by FamilySpice.com

Pomegranate with Golpar

Vodka and Mint Fizz with Sekanjabin (Persian Mint Syrup) by FamilySpice.com

Salut! Vodka and Mint Fizz with Sekanjabin (Persian Mint Syrup)

Persian Saffron Rice Pudding - Sholeh Zard by FamilySpice.com

Persian Saffron Rice Pudding – Sholeh Zard

Pickled Eggplant and Vegetables with Pomegranate (torshi-yeh bademjan va anar) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Pickled Eggplant with Pomegranate (torshi bademjan ba anar)

A bowl of Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew (Fesenjoon) over brown rice next to half a pomegranate

Fesenjoon: Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew (khoresh fesenjan)

How to Make Persian Basmati Rice with Saffron and Potato Crust -- by FamilySpice.com

Persian Basmati Rice Recipe (Chelo) with Saffron and Potato Crust

Persian Mint & Cucumber Cooler (Sekanjabin) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Mint and Cucumber Cooler (Sekanjabin)

Persian Yogurt with Cucumber (Mast-o Khiar) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Yogurt with Cucumber (Mast o Khiar)

Top View of No Churn Persian Ice Cream with Saffron and Rose Water (bastani) in a glass bowl by FamilySpice.com

No Churn Persian Ice Cream with Saffron and Rose Water (Bastani)

A White Rose Cake for Spring by FamilySpice.com

A White Rose Cake for Spring

Saffron Raisin Pound Cake by FamilySpice.com

Buttery Saffron Raisin Pound Cake

Persian Green Almond Stew (Khoresh Chaghaleh Badoom) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Green Almond Stew (Khoresh Chaghaleh Badoom)

Persian Yogurt and Mint Drink (Doog) by FamilySpice.com

Doogh (Persian Yogurt Drink) and Sizdah Bedar

Overhead shot of Persian Salmon Stew with Cilantro and Tamarind (Ghalieh Mahi) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Salmon Stew with Cilantro and Tamarind (Ghalieh Mahi)

Everything you need to know about saffron by FamilySpice.com

10+ Saffron Recipes

A platter of basmati rice with saffron, cabbage and fried onion crust by FamilySpice.com

Basmati Rice with Cabbage (Kalam Polo)

Cactus Quinoa Salad with Feta by FamilySpice.com

Quinoa Salads: Cactus Quinoa Salad with Feta

Persian Fingerling Potato Quiche with Chives (Kookoo-yeh Sib-Zamini) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Fingerling Potato Quiche with Chives (kookoo sibzamini)

Overhead shot of a platter full of Persian dolma (or dolmeh/dolmades), stuffed grape leaves, tomatoes, onions and peppers with a bowl of yogurt dip - FamilySpice.com

Persian Dolmeh | Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat and Pomegranate

Persian Okra Stew (Khoreshteh Bamieh) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Okra Stew (Khoresh Bamieh)

A blue bowl with spinach borani by FamilySpice.com

Yogurt Spinach Dip (Borani Esfenaj)

Persian Eggplant Stew (khoresh bademjan ba ghooreh) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Eggplant Stew with Sour Grapes (khoresh bademjan ba ghooreh)

Overhead shot of a bowl of ashe reshteh, Persian noodle soup for norouz by FamilySpice.com

Persian New Year and Ash Reshteh

Persian Herbed Rice (Sabzi Polo) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Herb Rice with Fish (Sabzi Polo ba Mahi)

Side view of Persian eggplant dip garnished with fried onions, mint and olive oil on a blue dish by FamilySpice.com

Persian Eggplant Dip (Kashke Bademjan)

Close up of kabob barg on skewers getting grilled over hot coals by FamilySpice.com

Kabab Barg (Filet Mignon Kabob)

Persian Pomegranate Soup (Ash-e Anar) by FamilySpice.com

Persian Pomegranate Soup (Ash Anar)

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Laura Bashar
Hi, I’m Laura! I’m a certified professional cook and cookbook author living in San Diego sharing 500+ recipes from all over the world, including Persian recipes. Whether I'm cooking over a campfire or in my kitchen, I make meals fresh, delicious and beautiful. More about me…

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