These recipes have a special place in my heart.
They remind me of those cozy family gatherings and the vibrant flavors that make Iranian food so unique.
So, let’s get started on this flavorful journey together, shall we?
1. Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a rich and hearty stew that’s perfect for special occasions.
To make this, you’ll need chicken, ground walnuts, and pomegranate molasses.
Cook the chicken until it’s tender, then add the ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses to create a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce.
It’s traditionally served over saffron rice, and the combination is simply divine.
I remember making this for my best friend’s birthday—she couldn’t stop raving about it!
2. Kebab Koobideh
Kebab Koobideh is a staple in Iranian cuisine, made with ground lamb or beef mixed with onions and spices.
The key is to knead the meat mixture well so that it sticks together on the skewers.
Grill them until they’re juicy and slightly charred.
Serve with rice, grilled tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.
It’s a dish that always brings back memories of summer BBQs with my family.
3. Tahdig
Tahdig is the crispy, golden crust at the bottom of the rice pot, and it’s absolutely irresistible.
To make it, you’ll need to parboil your rice, then layer it in a pot with oil and saffron water.
Let it cook slowly until the bottom turns golden and crispy.
It’s often the most fought-over part of the meal, and for good reason.
The first time I made a perfect Tahdig, I felt like a culinary genius!
4. Gormeh Sabzi
Gormeh Sabzi is a fragrant herb stew made with fresh herbs, kidney beans, and lamb.
The secret is to use a generous amount of parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek leaves.
Sauté the herbs until they’re fragrant, then add the meat, beans, and dried limes.
Simmer until everything is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
This dish always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen—it’s pure comfort food.
5. Zereshk Polo
Zereshk Polo is a beautiful and flavorful rice dish made with barberries, saffron, and chicken.
Cook the rice with saffron for a vibrant yellow color, then stir in the tart barberries and sautéed chicken.
The sweet and sour notes of the barberries make this dish truly unique.
I once made this for a potluck, and it was the first dish to disappear!
6. Ash Reshteh
Ash Reshteh is a thick and hearty noodle soup loaded with herbs, legumes, and noodles.
It’s perfect for a cold day or when you need something nourishing.
The key ingredients are parsley, cilantro, spinach, and mint, along with chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans.
Top it off with fried onions, garlic, and a dollop of kashk (fermented whey) for a truly authentic experience.
I love making this when I need a pick-me-up—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
7. Baghali Polo
Baghali Polo is a fragrant rice dish made with dill and fava beans, often served with lamb or chicken.
Cook the rice with fresh or dried dill and tender fava beans.
Serve it with a succulent lamb shank or chicken, and you’ve got a meal fit for a king.
This dish always reminds me of family gatherings and celebrations.
8. Khoresht-e Bademjan
Khoresht-e Bademjan is a delicious eggplant stew made with tomatoes, lamb, and spices.
Fry the eggplants until they’re golden, then simmer them with tomatoes, meat, and a blend of spices.
The result is a rich and flavorful stew that pairs perfectly with rice.
I made this for a dinner party once, and everyone was asking for the recipe!
9. Sabzi Polo
Sabzi Polo is a herb-infused rice dish that’s often served with fish.
It’s made with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill.
Cook the rice with the herbs until it’s fragrant and fluffy.
Serve it with fried fish and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
This dish is traditionally served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and it’s a favorite in my family.
10. Tahchin
Tahchin is a stunning layered rice dish with a crispy golden crust.
It’s made by layering saffron rice with marinated chicken and then baking it until it’s perfectly crispy on the outside.
The first time I made Tahchin, I was so nervous, but it turned out beautifully, and everyone was impressed!
11. Kashk-e Bademjan
Kashk-e Bademjan is a flavorful eggplant dip made with fried eggplants, onions, garlic, and kashk (fermented whey).
It’s a popular appetizer, often served with flatbread.
The creamy texture and savory flavor make it addictive.
12. Joojeh Kebab
Joojeh Kebab is marinated chicken kebabs grilled to perfection.
The marinade is made with yogurt, lemon juice, saffron, and spices.
Grill the chicken until it’s juicy and slightly charred.
Serve with rice and grilled vegetables.
This dish always takes me back to summer picnics with friends and family.
13. Khoresht-e Gheimeh
Khoresht-e Gheimeh is a hearty split pea stew made with beef, yellow split peas, and dried limes.
The dried limes give the stew a unique tangy flavor.
Serve it with rice and a side of pickles for a comforting meal.
I remember the first time I tried this dish—I was instantly hooked.
14. Mirza Ghasemi
Mirza Ghasemi is a smoky eggplant and tomato dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Grill the eggplants until they’re charred, then mix them with tomatoes, garlic, and eggs.
The smoky flavor of the eggplants is absolutely irresistible.
I made this for a friend once, and she couldn’t believe how good it was!
15. Kuku Sabzi
Kuku Sabzi is a Persian herb frittata made with loads of fresh herbs and eggs.
It’s packed with parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives. Cook it until it’s golden and set, then cut it into wedges.
It’s a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
This dish always reminds me of springtime and fresh herbs from the garden.
16. Khoresht-e Fesenjan
Khoresht-e Fesenjan is a rich and flavorful stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is truly unique.
Serve it with saffron rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
I made this for my parents once, and they couldn’t stop praising it!
17. Shirin Polo
Shirin Polo is a festive sweet rice dish made with carrots, orange peel, and nuts.
The rice is cooked with saffron and layered with sweetened carrots and orange peel.
Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios for a beautiful presentation.
This dish is often served at weddings and celebrations, and it’s one of my favorites.
18. Bamieh
Bamieh is a savory okra stew made with tomatoes, beef, and spices.
The okra adds a unique texture and flavor to the stew.
Serve it with rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
The first time I tried Bamieh, I was a bit skeptical about the okra, but I ended up loving it!
19. Dolmeh
Dolmeh are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
The filling is seasoned with herbs like dill, mint, and parsley.
Roll the grape leaves tightly and cook them until they’re tender.
Serve them with a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy and delicious appetizer.
20. Abgoosht
Abgoosht is a traditional lamb and chickpea stew that’s hearty and flavorful.
Cook the lamb with chickpeas, potatoes, and tomatoes until everything is tender.
Mash some of the ingredients together to create a thick, rich broth.
Serve it with bread and fresh herbs.
21. Loobia Polo
Loobia Polo is a savory rice dish made with green beans, tomatoes, and beef.
Cook the rice with the green bean mixture until it’s fragrant and flavorful.
Serve it with a side of yogurt for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and always hits the spot.
22. Khoresht-e Alu
Khoresht-e Alu is a sweet and tangy stew made with plums and lamb.
The plums add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory lamb.
Serve it with saffron rice for a delicious and unique meal.
23. Mast-o Khiar
Mast-o Khiar is a refreshing yogurt and cucumber salad that’s perfect as a side dish.
Mix yogurt with diced cucumbers, dried mint, and a pinch of salt.
It’s cool, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
24. Khoresht-e Mast
Khoresht-e Mast is a unique yogurt stew made with lamb and saffron.
The yogurt gives the stew a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Serve it with rice for a comforting and delicious meal.
The first time I tried this dish, I was surprised by how much I loved it!
25. Naan-e Barbari
Naan-e Barbari is a thick and chewy Persian flatbread that’s perfect for dipping.
The dough is brushed with a mixture of water and flour before baking, which gives it a unique texture.
Serve it warm with cheese or yogurt.
I love making this bread—it’s so satisfying to watch it bake!
26. Sholeh Zard
Sholeh Zard is a fragrant saffron rice pudding that’s sweet and aromatic.
Cook the rice with saffron, sugar, and rose water until it’s thick and creamy.
Garnish with slivered almonds and cinnamon.
This dessert is often made for special occasions, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.
27. Khoresht-e Karafs
Khoresht-e Karafs is a savory celery stew made with lamb and herbs.
The celery adds a nice crunch and flavor to the stew.
Serve it with rice for a delicious and comforting meal.
I was hesitant to try this at first, but it quickly became one of my favorites.
28. Torshi
Torshi are tangy pickled vegetables that are a common side dish in Iranian cuisine.
Mix your favorite vegetables with vinegar, garlic, and spices.
Let them sit for a few days to develop their flavor.
They’re perfect for adding a bit of zing to your meal.
My mom used to make huge batches of torshi every fall—it was a family tradition.
29. Bastani Sonnati
Bastani Sonnati is a traditional Persian ice cream flavored with saffron, rose water, and pistachios.
It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
The first time I tasted this ice cream, I was blown away by the unique flavors.
30. Adas Polo
Adas Polo is a hearty rice dish made with lentils, raisins, and caramelized onions.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply delightful.
Serve it with a side of yogurt for a complete meal.
31. Khoresht-e Bamieh
Khoresht-e Bamieh is a delicious okra stew made with tomatoes and lamb.
The okra adds a unique texture and flavor to the stew.
Serve it with rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
32. Salad Shirazi
Salad Shirazi is a refreshing salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
It’s dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal. It’s always a hit at summer picnics!
33. Khoresh-e Beh
Khoresh-e Beh is a sweet and tangy stew made with quince and lamb.
The quince adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory lamb.
Serve it with rice for a delicious and comforting meal.
34. Kashk-e Bademjan
Kashk-e Bademjan is a flavorful eggplant dip made with fried eggplants, onions, garlic, and kashk (fermented whey).
It’s a popular appetizer, often served with flatbread.
The creamy texture and savory flavor make it absolutely addictive.
35. Zereshk Polo
Zereshk Polo is a beautiful and flavorful rice dish made with barberries, saffron, and chicken.
Cook the rice with saffron for a vibrant yellow color, then stir in the tart barberries and sautéed chicken.
The sweet and sour notes of the barberries make this dish truly unique.
I once made this for a potluck, and it was the first dish to disappear!
36. Khoresht-e Rivas
Khoresht-e Rivas is a tangy and savory rhubarb stew made with lamb.
The rhubarb adds a unique tartness that balances the rich flavors of the lamb.
Serve it with rice for a delicious and unique meal.
37. Shole Zard
Shole Zard is a fragrant saffron rice pudding that’s sweet and aromatic.
Cook the rice with saffron, sugar, and rose water until it’s thick and creamy.
Garnish with slivered almonds and cinnamon.
This dessert is often made for special occasions, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.
38. Khoresht-e Albaloo
Khoresht-e Albaloo is a sweet and tangy stew made with sour cherries and lamb.
The cherries add a delightful tartness that pairs perfectly with the savory lamb.
Serve it with rice for a delicious and unique meal.
39. Khoresh-e Bamieh
Khoresh-e Bamieh is a savory okra stew made with tomatoes, lamb, and spices.
The okra adds a unique texture and flavor to the stew.
Serve it with rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
The first time I tried Bamieh, I was a bit skeptical about the okra, but I ended up loving it!
40. Sabzi Polo
Sabzi Polo is a herb-infused rice dish that’s often served with fish.
It’s made with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill.
Cook the rice with the herbs until it’s fragrant and fluffy.
Serve it with fried fish and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
This dish is traditionally served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and it’s a favorite in my family.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these authentic Iranian recipes.
Each dish is a journey into the rich culinary traditions of Iran, filled with vibrant flavors and cherished memories.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress.
