This is the ultimate guide to the best traditional Persian recipes. Plus, an introduction to the spices and flavor combinations that define Persian cooking. I want to help you successfully cook and enjoy the incredible flavors of classic Persian food!
Jump to:
An introduction to Persian food
Persian recipes are all about balance. Every dish is designed to contain a balance of flavors that complement one another – you will see meat, fruit, dried herbs, and nuts combined in unique ways. The dishes are well-flavored and spiced, but not 'spicy'.
Some ingredients are staples in a Persian pantry, like dried limes, saffron, rice, pomegranate molasses, and Persian 7 spice, called Advieh. If you're looking to stock up on these, I recommend checking out your local Middle Eastern market. The prices will be much less expensive there than buying them online.
Garm and sard in Persian cooking
We have a concept in Persian cuisine that some foods are warming (garmi) and others are cooling (sardi). These categories don't necessarily refer to the flavor or the spice level of the food, but rather the essence.
The idea is that too much of either would trigger a negative reaction from our bodies. The goal is to eat Garm and Sard foods in balanced proportions to create harmony in the body. You see this harmony thoughtfully created in many Persian recipes.
Listen to Modern Persian Podcast interviewing me about Garm & Sard here!
A tradition of entertaining
Showing love for others through food is an important part of Persian culture, and there's always an abundance of amazing food and Persian recipes at a Persian dinner party!
Entertaining others in your home and showing your appreciation and hospitality through food is a valued tradition.
Persian Jewish vs non-Jewish recipes
Some Persian recipes look very different in Jewish and non-Jewish homes. This is because many Jewish people keep a kosher diet, so they cannot eat dairy products (such as yogurt or butter) and meat in the same dish.
Kosher doesn’t have to mean dairy-free, but it’s often helpful to have recipes where the dairy is already removed. Many traditional Persian recipes have dairy in them, such as rice made with butter or yogurt, and kosher households often substitute oil for butter.
🍚Persian rice dishes
Persian rice recipes are beautiful, complex, layered dishes that are a staple at every meal. I always recommend starting by making Persian rice with saffron, as it's a fundamental dish served in every Persian home.
1.
Persian Rice with Saffron
2.
Adas Polo - Persian Lentil Rice
3.
Baghali Polo - Persian Dill Rice
4.
Shirin Polo aka Morasa or Javaher Polo
5.
Albaloo Polo bah Morg - Sour Cherry Rice with Chicken
🍢Persian kabob
These are the most popular dishes ordered in Persian restaurants and for good reason. Persian kabob are tender, juicy, and arguably the most flavorful meat you will ever try.
6.
Joojeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabob)
7.
Grilled Koobideh - Persian Ground Beef Kabob
8.
Persian Kabob Barg with Lamb
🍨Persian desserts
Persian desserts are sweet, refreshing, and full of delicate flavors like rose and saffron. You'll often see cookies, sweets, and fruit served as dessert in Persian homes, with plenty of tea to go along with them!
9.
Bastani - Saffron and Rose Ice Cream
10.
Saffron Zulbia
11.
Faloodeh - Persian Rose & Lime Granita
12.
Persian Bamieh
🍳Persian breakfast
Traditional Persian breakfasts are usually enjoyed freestyle – meaning you can choose what you want to eat and combine several Persian recipes and dishes to create the perfect combo. All the dishes served at breakfast are filling, setting you up with energy for your day.
13.
Iranian Adasi
14.
Persian Tea Eggs
15.
Sangak
16.
Noon Barbari
17.
Cardamom Quince Jam
18.
Sour Cherry Syrup
19.
Sarsheer
🍲Persian stews & soups
Hearty stews and soups are dishes at the heart of Persian cooking. Many meals I grew up eating were classic Persian stew recipes, simmering in a huge pot on the stove and making the house smell amazing. These recipes are guaranteed to deliver spectacular flavor.
20.
Ghormeh Sabzi
21.
Khoresh Beh - Persian Quince & Plum Beef Stew
22.
Gondi
23.
Khoresh Bademjan
24.
Fesenjoon
25.
Ash Reshteh
26.
Koufteh - Persian Meat & Rice Dumpling Soup
27.
Khoresh Gheymeh
☕️Persian tea & drinks
Classic Persian tea is always flowing in Persian households and served to guests with little cookies and treats like zulbia. Aside from tea, there are many delicious Persian drinks to quench your thirst.
28.
Persian Tea
29.
Gol Gav Zaban
30.
Sekanjabin – 9 recipes, served 12 ways
31.
Doogh
Become a Pro in Persian Cooking!
I put together these easy-to-navigate guides to help anyone of any skill level learn the basics for Persian recipes and general cuisine.
I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m up to.
Leave a comment & rate the recipe