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Iran Cuisine

Asia · Southern Asia

70 recipes

Signature Iran Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Abgoosht

A hearty and ancient Persian comfort food, Abgoosht is a rich lamb and chickpea stew traditionally served in two courses: first the flavorful broth as a soup, followed by the mashed solids as a thick, savory paste, often enjoyed with flatbread.

Iran·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Adas Polo

A beloved Persian dish, Adas Polo is a flavorful and comforting rice pilaf studded with tender brown lentils, sweet raisins, and soft dates. It offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a unique and satisfying meal.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 5 minutes

Albaloo Polo

A beloved Persian dish, Albaloo Polo features fragrant basmati rice layered with a vibrant, sweet-sour sour cherry compote and tender, spiced meatballs. The result is a beautiful, jewel-toned rice dish perfect for special occasions.

Iran·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes (plus soaking time)

Ash Reshteh

Ash Reshteh is a hearty and flavorful Persian noodle soup, traditionally enjoyed during Nowruz (Persian New Year). It features a thick broth packed with fresh herbs, legumes, and special reshteh noodles, finished with a tangy whey sauce (kashk) and crispy fried onions and mint.

Iran·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Ash-e Anar

A festive and flavorful Persian pomegranate soup, featuring tender meatballs and a vibrant ruby-red hue. This hearty soup is perfect for special occasions, especially during the Yalda festival.

Iran·Easy·3 hours 30 minutes (including soaking)

Ash-e Jo

A hearty and warming Persian barley soup, packed with tender barley, protein-rich beans, and vibrant greens. Traditionally enjoyed during cooler months, this thick soup is incredibly satisfying.

Iran·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes (plus soaking time)

Ash-e Reshteh

A hearty and traditional Persian noodle soup, Ash-e Reshteh, is a staple for celebrations like Nowruz (Persian New Year). It features a rich broth simmered with tender noodles, protein-rich legumes, and an abundance of fresh herbs. The soup is traditionally finished with a swirl of kashk (a fermented whey product) and a garnish of fried mint and onions.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Ash-e Somagh

A unique and deeply flavorful Persian herb soup characterized by the distinct sourness of sumac. This hearty soup features tender meatballs and is often served with a dollop of kashk (a fermented dairy product).

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Bademjan Shekam Por

An elegant and flavorful Persian dish featuring tender eggplants stuffed with a savory mixture of ground lamb, toasted walnuts, and a tangy pomegranate sauce. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes.

Iran·Easy·55 minutes

Baghali Ghatogh

A classic and comforting dish from the Gilan province of Northern Iran, Baghali Ghatogh features tender fava beans simmered with fragrant dill, garlic, and turmeric, finished with perfectly poached eggs. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian stew, often served with rice or bread.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Baghali Polo

A fragrant and flavorful Persian rice dish featuring tender Basmati rice layered with vibrant green fava beans and a generous amount of fresh dill. Traditionally a spring celebration dish, it's often served with succulent lamb shanks.

Iran·Medium·4 hours 15 minutes

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche

A classic Persian springtime dish featuring fragrant basmati rice infused with fresh dill and tender fava beans, served alongside slow-braised lamb shanks. The rice is known for its fluffy texture and the coveted crispy bottom layer, tahdig.

Iran·Easy·35-40 minutes

Baghali Sabz

A simple and refreshing Persian spring snack featuring tender fava beans steamed in their pods and seasoned with salt. Traditionally enjoyed by squeezing the beans out of the pod and dipping them in vinegar.

Iran·Medium·6 hours 15 minutes (including chilling and freezing)

Bastani Sonnati

An exquisite traditional Persian ice cream, Bastani Sonnati, is a delightful summer treat. This recipe features the aromatic blend of saffron and rosewater, studded with crunchy pistachios, creating a uniquely fragrant and creamy dessert.

Iran·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes (including marinating and steaming)

Chelo Kabab

Iran's national dish - fragrant saffron-scented basmati rice served with succulent grilled ground lamb kebabs. The crispy rice crust (tahdig) is a highly prized element, and the dish is traditionally finished with a raw egg yolk mixed into the hot rice and a sprinkle of sumac.

Iran·Easy·4 hours 30 minutes

Dizi

A hearty and traditional Persian lamb and bean stew, Dizi is unique in its presentation, served in its cooking pot as two distinct courses: first, the flavorful broth, and second, the mashed solids. This dish is a staple of working-class Iranian cuisine and offers a deeply satisfying culinary experience.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Dolmeh Barg

Authentic Persian dolmeh, featuring tender grape leaves generously stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, fragrant herbs, and the subtle sweetness of split peas. Finished with a tangy pomegranate molasses sauce, these dolmeh are a culinary masterpiece.

Iran·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Dolmeh Beh

A delightful and aromatic Persian autumn specialty where tender quinces are stuffed with a savory-sweet mixture of ground lamb, rice, split peas, and warm spices, then simmered in a tangy pomegranate sauce until fork-tender and beautifully colored.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Dolmeh-ye Felfel

Tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and yellow split peas, simmered in a tangy sweet-sour sauce. A classic Persian comfort food.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Dolmeh-ye Kalam

Tender cabbage leaves generously filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, then simmered in a delightful sweet and sour tomato-based sauce. A classic Persian comfort food.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Dolmeh-ye Sib

A delightful and aromatic Persian specialty, Dolmeh-ye Sib features tender apples stuffed with a savory mixture of ground lamb, rice, and split peas, simmered in a sweet and tangy pomegranate sauce. This dish is particularly cherished during the autumn season when apples are at their freshest.

Iran·Easy·5 minutes

Doogh

A traditional and incredibly refreshing savory Persian yogurt drink, Doogh is a fizzy, mint-infused beverage that perfectly complements rich and spicy dishes, especially kebabs. It's a national favorite for a reason!

Iran·Medium·4 hours 15 minutes (including freezing)

Faloodeh

Faloodeh is a traditional Persian frozen dessert made from thin vermicelli noodles soaked in a sweet, rose water-infused syrup. It's a refreshing and ancient treat, particularly popular in the city of Shiraz.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Fesenjan

A rich and deeply flavorful Persian stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a luxurious sauce made from ground walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour notes, making it a celebrated centerpiece for special occasions.

Iran·Medium·3 hours 5 minutes

Fesenjān

A rich and festive Persian stew featuring tender chicken simmered in a luxurious sauce made from ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. This dish is a classic for special occasions, balancing sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Iran·Medium·3 hours

Gheymeh

A classic and comforting Persian khoresh (stew) made with tender lamb, yellow split peas, and the unique tangy flavor of dried limes. Traditionally topped with crispy shoestring potatoes (French fries).

Iran·Medium·4 hours 15 minutes

Ghormeh Sabzi

Ghormeh Sabzi is a deeply flavorful and aromatic Persian herb stew, featuring tender beef simmered with a rich blend of sautéed herbs, tangy dried limes, and hearty kidney beans. It's a staple of Iranian cuisine, celebrated for its unique earthy and sour notes.

Iran·Easy·8.5 - 10.5 hours

Halim

A hearty and nourishing Persian wheat porridge, slow-cooked with tender lamb and turkey, traditionally enjoyed as a substantial winter breakfast. The long cooking process breaks down the wheat and meat into a smooth, comforting texture.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Havij Polo

A festive and visually stunning Persian rice dish, Havij Polo features fluffy basmati rice layered with sweet, julienned carrots, fragrant orange zest, and a hint of saffron. It's often served at celebrations and weddings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Iran·Easy·6 hours 25 minutes (minimum, including marinating)

Joojeh Kabab

Tender and juicy Persian chicken kebabs, marinated in a vibrant blend of saffron, lemon, and yogurt, then grilled to perfection. A quintessential summer favorite, often served with fluffy rice and grilled tomatoes.

Iran·Medium·6 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)

Kabab Barg

Kabab Barg is a highly prized Persian kebab made from thinly sliced, marinated beef fillet. The tender meat is threaded onto flat skewers and grilled to perfection, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. It's often considered the king of Iranian kebabs.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling and resting)

Kabab Koobideh

Kabab Koobideh is the quintessential Persian ground meat kebab, renowned for its incredibly juicy and flavorful texture. Typically made with lamb, this dish is considered the king of Persian kebabs, best enjoyed grilled and served with traditional accompaniments.

Iran·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Kashk-e Bademjan

A rich and flavorful Persian appetizer featuring smoky, mashed eggplant blended with tangy kashk (fermented whey), caramelized onions, and aromatic mint. This dish offers a complex balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making it a truly addictive and bold start to any meal.

Iran·Easy·8 hours 45 minutes (including soaking)

Khorak-e Loobia

A comforting and hearty Persian home-style stew featuring tender white beans simmered in a rich tomato and turmeric sauce, infused with the aromatic essence of dill. This dish is a staple in Iranian households, often served as a side or a light main course with rice.

Iran·Medium·3 hours

Khoresh Bademjan

A rich and comforting Persian stew featuring tender lamb, sweet fried eggplant, and a savory tomato base, enhanced with the bright tang of sour grape juice. A true classic for any table.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Khoresh Gheimeh

A classic and comforting Persian stew featuring tender lamb, yellow split peas, and the unique tangy flavor of dried limes, traditionally served with rice and topped with crispy shoestring fries.

Iran·Medium·3 hours

Khoresh Karafs

A fragrant and refreshing Persian stew featuring tender lamb, crisp celery, and a vibrant blend of fresh herbs. This light yet flavorful dish is a delightful departure from heavier stews.

Iran·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Khoresh-e Karafs

A deeply flavorful and aromatic Persian stew featuring tender lamb, a generous amount of celery, and a unique tangy profile from dried limes and fresh herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting winter meal.

Iran·Medium·3 hours

Khoresh-e Khalal Bademjan

A rich and aromatic Persian stew featuring tender lamb, sweet-tart notes from grape molasses, and the delightful crunch of slivered almonds and fried eggplant. This dish is a classic comfort food, perfect for special occasions or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Khoresh-e Rivas

A delightful and tangy Persian stew featuring tender lamb, fresh herbs, and the unique tartness of rhubarb. This dish is a springtime specialty, traditionally enjoyed when rhubarb is at its peak.

Iran·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)

Kofta Kebab

Tender and flavorful Middle Eastern spiced meat skewers, featuring ground lamb mixed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, then shaped onto flat skewers and grilled to perfection. Traditionally served with lavash bread and fresh accompaniments.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Koofteh Berenji

Koofteh Berenji are tender, flavorful meatballs made with a unique combination of ground lamb and rice, simmered in a rich tomato broth. This dish offers a delightful alternative to traditional bulgur-based koofteh, resulting in a softer texture and a comforting, hearty meal.

Iran·Challenging·3 hours 15 minutes

Koofteh Tabrizi

Koofteh Tabrizi is a magnificent Azerbaijani specialty from the city of Tabriz, Iran. It features a large, tender meatball made from a mixture of ground lamb, rice, and split peas, encasing a flavorful filling of hard-boiled eggs, walnuts, and dried plums. This dish is often served during special occasions and celebrations, showcasing its rich flavors and impressive presentation.

Iran·Easy·50-55 minutes

Kotlet

Delicious and comforting Persian meat and potato patties, seasoned with aromatic spices. A beloved everyday dish perfect for any meal.

Iran·Easy·45-50 minutes

Kotlet-e Morgh

Delicious and easy Persian chicken cutlets, also known as Kotlet-e Morgh, are made with ground chicken, mashed potatoes, and aromatic spices. These flavorful patties are pan-fried to a golden crisp and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer. They are often enjoyed in sandwiches or as a side dish.

Iran·Easy·1 hour 30 minutes

Kuku Bademjan

A flavorful and versatile Persian frittata made with roasted eggplant, eggs, and aromatic spices. Kuku Bademjan is delicious served hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for a light meal, appetizer, or picnic.

Iran·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes

Kuku Sabzi

Kuku Sabzi is a vibrant and flavorful Persian herb frittata, often described as a dense herb cake bound together with eggs. It is a traditional and essential dish served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, symbolizing renewal and growth.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Loobia Polo

A beloved Iranian comfort food, Loobia Polo is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish layered with tender green beans, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. The fluffy basmati rice absorbs the delicious flavors, creating a satisfying and aromatic meal.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Lubia Polo

A beloved Persian comfort food, Lubia Polo is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish featuring tender green beans and savory ground meat, often enhanced with the warm notes of turmeric and the luxurious aroma of saffron. This homestyle classic offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

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Iran·Easy·3 hours 55 minutes

Mahicheh

Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in an aromatic broth infused with Persian spices, dried limes, and a hint of cinnamon. A deeply comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy meal.

Iran·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Mirza Ghasemi

A beloved Northern Persian specialty from the Gilan province, this dish features smoky grilled eggplant mashed with sautéed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and enriched with eggs. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian dish, perfect served with fresh bread.

Iran·Medium-Hard·2 hours 30 minutes

Morasa Polo

Morasa Polo, meaning 'jeweled rice', is a visually stunning and fragrant Persian rice dish, often served at weddings and celebrations. It features fluffy Basmati rice layered with sweet and tart candied orange peel, vibrant barberries, and crunchy slivered almonds and pistachios, all infused with the aroma of saffron.

Iran·Easy·4 hours 40 minutes (including marinating)

Morgh Zaferani

A classic Persian dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of saffron, yogurt, and lemon juice, then baked to a beautiful golden hue. This dish is aromatic, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion.

Iran·Easy·42-45 minutes

Nan-e Berenji

Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Persian rice cookies infused with the fragrant aroma of rose water. Perfect for enjoying with tea.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Noon Barbari

Noon Barbari is a classic Persian leavened flatbread, characterized by its thick, chewy interior and a slightly crisp crust, often baked in a distinctive oval shape with prominent ridges. It's a staple for breakfast, perfect for dipping or topping.

Iran·Easy·1 hour 45 minutes

Polo ba Morgh

A beloved Persian comfort food, this dish features fragrant basmati rice infused with saffron, served alongside tender, flavorful chicken. It's a simple yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Iran·Hard·4 hours

Qeymeh Nesar

A magnificent and royal Persian dish from Qazvin, featuring tender braised lamb, fragrant basmati rice adorned with candied orange peel, and a generous scattering of toasted pistachios and almonds. This dish is a true celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for special occasions.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Reshteh Polo

Reshteh Polo is a beloved Persian dish, traditionally served during Nowruz (Persian New Year), symbolizing good fortune and the weaving of life's journey. This recipe features fluffy basmati rice layered with crispy fried noodles, sweet dates, and plump raisins, all steamed to perfection. The dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying textural contrast.

Iran·Medium·2 hours

Sabzi Polo ba Mahi

A fragrant and flavorful Persian New Year (Nowruz) essential, featuring fluffy basmati rice infused with fresh green herbs, served alongside perfectly fried fish. The dish is often crowned with a golden saffron-butter drizzle.

Iran·Easy·20 minutes

Salad Shirazi

A refreshing and essential Persian side salad, Salad Shirazi features finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, tossed with a zesty lime and mint dressing. It's known for its vibrant colors and crisp texture.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Shirin Polo

A celebratory Persian sweet rice dish, also known as 'Jeweled Rice' (Shirin Polo), adorned with vibrant candied orange peel, slivered almonds, pistachios, and often served at weddings and special occasions. It balances sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Iran·Medium·1 hour 50 minutes

Sholeh Zard

A fragrant and comforting Persian rice pudding, Sholeh Zard, is traditionally made with fragrant basmati rice, infused with the luxurious aroma of saffron and rose water, and sweetened to perfection. It's often prepared as a votive offering during religious ceremonies, symbolizing devotion and gratitude.

Iran·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Tah-chin-e Mahi

A beloved Caspian specialty, Tah-chin-e Mahi is a fragrant and flavorful Persian rice cake featuring a crispy, golden saffron-infused rice crust encasing tender pieces of seasoned fish. It's a delightful combination of textures and aromas.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Tahchin

An elegant and festive Persian rice cake, Tahchin features layers of fragrant saffron-infused rice and tender chicken, baked to a delightful golden crispiness at the bottom. It's a showstopper main course.

Iran·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Tahchin ba Morgh

A beloved Persian dish, Tahchin ba Morgh is a fragrant saffron rice cake with a tender chicken filling, characterized by its incredibly crispy, golden-brown bottom crust. It's a visually stunning and flavorful centerpiece for any meal.

Iran·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Tahchin-e Morgh

A showstopping Persian saffron rice cake featuring a crispy, golden crust of parboiled rice mixed with yogurt and egg yolks, layered with tender, spiced chicken, and barberries. This dish is a true centerpiece for any festive occasion.

Iran·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes

Tahdig

Tahdig is the coveted crispy, golden rice crust found at the bottom of a pot of Persian rice. It's a textural delight, offering a satisfying crunch that is often the most sought-after part of the meal.

Iran·Easy·2 weeks (minimum for pickling)

Torshi Makhloot

A vibrant and tangy Persian mixed vegetable pickle, Torshi Makhloot is an essential condiment served with almost every meal. This recipe focuses on a classic blend of vegetables and herbs, pickled in vinegar for a complex flavor that improves with age.

Iran·Medium-Advanced·2 hours 30 minutes

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh

A beloved Persian dish featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with saffron and jeweled with tart, slightly sweet barberries, served alongside tender chicken pieces braised in a rich saffron-infused sauce. The crispy rice crust, known as tahdig, is a highly prized element.

Iran·Easy·24 hours (minimum marinating time)

Zeytoon Parvardeh

A vibrant and flavorful Northern Iranian appetizer featuring briny green olives marinated with crunchy walnuts, tangy pomegranate molasses, aromatic garlic, and the unique spice of golpar. This dish is best prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

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