Persian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and diverse ingredients, which are often combined in unique and unexpected ways. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, these dishes are sure to impress.
- Kabab Koobideh
Kabab Koobideh is a classic Persian dish made with ground beef or lamb that is seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices, then formed into long, cylindrical skewers and grilled. To make this dish, mix together 1 pound of ground meat, 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Shape the mixture into long, thin cylinders around skewers, then grill until cooked through.
- Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a rich and savory stew made with chicken, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. To make this dish, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot, then add 1 chopped onion and cook until softened. Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cook until browned. Add 2 cups of ground walnuts, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 cup of pomegranate molasses, then simmer for 1 hour until the sauce has thickened.
- Gheymeh
Gheymeh is a hearty stew made with lamb, split peas, and tomatoes. To make this dish, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot, then add 1 chopped onion and cook until softened. Add 1 pound of diced lamb and cook until browned. Add 1 cup of split peas, 2 cups of water, 2 chopped tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, then simmer for 2 hours until the peas are tender.
- Zereshk Polo
Zereshk Polo is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with saffron rice, barberries, and chicken. To make this dish, rinse 2 cups of basmati rice in cold water, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice, then cook in a pot of boiling water until tender. In a separate pot, cook 1 pound of chicken thighs until browned, then add 1 cup of barberries and cook for 5 minutes. Layer the rice and chicken mixture in a serving dish, then drizzle with melted butter and saffron water.
- Kashk e Bademjan
Kashk e Bademjan is a creamy and tangy dip made with eggplant, walnuts, and whey. To make this dish, cook 2 chopped eggplants in a pan with oil until tender. Mash the eggplants with a fork, then add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup of whey. Mix well, then serve with warm bread.
- Kookoo Sabzi
Kookoo Sabzi is a flavorful and herb-filled omelette made with fresh greens and spices. To make this dish, mix together 6 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill, 1/2 cup of chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick pan, then pour in the egg mixture and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is a thick and hearty soup made with beans, noodles
, and herbs. To make this dish, start by soaking 1 cup of red kidney beans in water overnight. Drain the beans, then add them to a large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of lentils and 1 cup of chickpeas, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour until the beans are tender. In a separate pan, fry 1 chopped onion with oil until golden brown. Add 2 cups of chopped herbs, including spinach, parsley, cilantro, and green onions, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the herb mixture to the soup pot, then add 1 cup of chopped reshteh (Persian noodles) and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve hot with a dollop of yogurt.
- Dolmeh
Dolmeh is a popular Persian appetizer made with stuffed grape leaves. To make this dish, blanch 1 jar of grape leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of cooked rice, 1/2 cup of ground beef, 1/2 cup of chopped herbs, including mint, parsley, and dill, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Take one grape leaf and place a tablespoon of the rice mixture in the center, then fold the leaf around the filling and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and rice mixture. Place the stuffed grape leaves in a pot and add 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour until the grape leaves are tender.
- Gheymeh Bademjan
Gheymeh Bademjan is a flavorful stew made with lamb, eggplant, and split peas. To make this dish, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot, then add 1 chopped onion and cook until softened. Add 1 pound of diced lamb and cook until browned. Add 1 cup of split peas, 2 cups of water, 2 chopped tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, then simmer for 1 hour until the peas are tender. In a separate pan, cook 2 chopped eggplants until golden brown, then add them to the stew pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Baghali Polo
Baghali Polo is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with dill, fava beans, and saffron rice. To make this dish, rinse 2 cups of basmati rice in cold water, then soak in salted water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice, then cook in a pot of boiling water until tender. In a separate pan, cook 1 cup of shelled fava beans until tender, then add 1 cup of chopped fresh dill and cook for 5 minutes. Layer the rice and fava bean mixture in a serving dish, then drizzle with melted butter and saffron water.
In conclusion, Persian cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and flavorful dishes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can enjoy these top 10 Persian cuisines in the comfort of your own home.
What is so special about Persian cuisine
Persian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here are some reasons why Persian cuisine is considered special:
- Use of herbs and spices: Persian cuisine incorporates a variety of herbs and spices, such as saffron, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, which give the dishes a distinct and flavorful taste.
- Emphasis on fresh ingredients: Persian cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Diversity of dishes: Persian cuisine includes a wide variety of dishes, from hearty stews and soups to grilled meats and flavorful rice dishes.
- Special cooking techniques: Persian cuisine employs unique cooking techniques, such as slow cooking and grilling over open flames, which add depth and complexity to the flavors.
- Cultural significance: Persian cuisine has a rich history and cultural significance, and is often shared with friends and family during gatherings and celebrations.
Overall, Persian cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and cultural traditions, which makes it a truly special and unique culinary experience.
