23 Delicious Persian Recipes

Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh, or Persian saffron chicken, is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a special meal! Tender chicken is simmered with aromatic spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, then infused with rich saffron for a vibrant taste. Paired with fluffy basmati rice topped with sweet barberries and a refreshing Shirazi salad, this dish is an elegant balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. It’s an unforgettable recipe that brings the authentic taste of Persian cuisine straight to your table!

Ghormeh Sabzi is a beloved Persian herb stew that’s bursting with vibrant flavors! Made with tender beef, fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and spinach, and tangy dried limes, this slow-cooked dish develops rich and aromatic flavors over time. The addition of kidney beans makes it hearty, and it pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice. It’s a comforting and delicious way to explore Persian cuisine, sure to impress at your next meal!

Kabob Koobideh is a Persian classic that’s perfect for your next summer BBQ! These juicy, smoky beef kebabs are seasoned with a blend of paprika, sumac, turmeric, and a hint of saffron, creating an irresistible flavor. The meat is shaped around skewers and grilled to perfection, then brushed with buttery saffron for a rich finish. Serve them up with saffron rice and grilled veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and onions for a truly delicious Persian feast!

Persian honey-glazed chicken with jeweled rice is a stunning, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for impressing at dinner! The chicken is seasoned with warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, then drizzled with honey for a sweet, caramelized finish. It’s paired with fluffy basmati rice, mixed with dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and fragrant spices. Topped with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!

Tahchin is a delicious Persian savory rice cake, made with layers of fragrant saffron rice, tender chicken, and a yogurt mixture, then baked to perfection. The result is a golden, crispy crust with a tender interior, beautifully complemented by sweet barberries and slivered nuts on top. It’s a perfect dish to impress guests at any gathering, with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.

Persian stuffed onions, or Dolmeh Piaz, is a delightful twist on traditional dolma, featuring tender onion layers filled with a savory blend of spiced minced meat, rice, and vegetables. These tasty rolls are simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender, making them an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy dinners. Plus, they can be prepped in advance and frozen, so you can whip them up whenever you’re craving something special. Serve with lavash bread or fresh herbs, and enjoy a taste of Persian comfort food!

Fesenjan is a rich Persian stew made with tender duck or chicken legs simmered in a luscious sauce of ground walnuts and tangy pomegranate molasses. This comforting dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a thick, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. The optional garnish of pomegranate seeds adds a burst of color and freshness, making it a showstopper for any dinner.

Shirazi salad is a vibrant and refreshing Persian dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! With just a handful of simple ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley, this salad is ready in just 15 minutes. Drizzled with a zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried mint, it’s the perfect colorful accompaniment to any meal. Whether served right away or allowed to marinate for extra flavor, this salad is sure to brighten up your table!

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these juicy Persian chicken kabobs, perfect for a quick and delicious 30-minute dinner! Marinated in a heavenly saffron and lemon blend, these kabobs are incredibly tender and bursting with flavor. You can grill, roast, or sauté them to perfection, and they pair wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice and a refreshing salad.

Kuku sabzi is a delightful Persian frittata packed with vibrant greens like spinach, cilantro, and parsley, making it a flavorful and healthy dish that’s more about the veggies than the eggs. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy its incredible flavor, whether on its own or as a picnic treat. Once you try this colorful and herbaceous dish, you’ll be hooked!

Discover the vibrant flavors of zeytoon parvardeh, a Persian dish featuring marinated olives that’s sure to impress! This quick and easy recipe combines pitted green olives with a delicious blend of walnuts, garlic, fresh mint, and pomegranate molasses, creating a unique and irresistible taste. Perfect for a snack or as an appetizer, this delightful dish adds a wonderful twist to any meal. Let the olives chill for a couple of hours, and you’ll have a flavorful treat that everyone will love!

Get ready to warm your soul with ash reshteh, a hearty Persian soup packed with greens, beans, and noodles! This delightful dish is a celebration of flavors, featuring unique ingredients like reshteh noodles and kashk, a tangy yogurt that adds richness to the soup. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this filling and nutritious bowl of goodness brings people together, especially during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. With a mix of vibrant herbs and spices, ash reshteh is a must-try for anyone looking to savor authentic Persian cuisine!

Shirin polo, often called jeweled rice or javaher polo, is a stunning Persian dish that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds! This aromatic rice is mixed with a colorful array of sweet fruits and nuts, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings. With its fragrant saffron and hints of citrus, shirin polo not only tastes divine but also brings a touch of elegance to your table.

Persian meatballs, or koofteh, are a mouthwatering blend of juicy ground lamb or beef mixed with crunchy pistachios, sweet dried cherries, and fragrant Middle Eastern spices. These tender meatballs come together in just 30 minutes and cook to perfection in a rich, savory sauce. Pair them with rice for a delicious, comforting meal that’s packed with unique flavors.

Fesenjan, or Persian pomegranate chicken, is a rich and tangy stew that combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce of pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts. The sauce simmers for two hours, blending the sweetness of pomegranate with warm spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and nutmeg. Serve this flavorful dish topped with fresh pomegranate arils for a pop of color and extra zing!

Persian-style lamb chops, or lamb shashlik, are a delicious way to elevate your dinner game! Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and saffron, these chops become tender, juicy, and packed with vibrant flavor. After a quick sear and a short roast in the oven, they’re ready to serve with a beautiful golden hue.

Makaroni is a Persian twist on spaghetti, blending rich ground beef, tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles for a comforting and flavorful dish. Layers of al dente spaghetti and savory meat sauce are cooked together until a delicious crispy crust forms at the bottom, giving it that signature Persian touch. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners!

Persian love cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread treats with a dreamy blend of lemon zest, cardamom, and rose water. Each cookie is dipped in smooth white chocolate and sprinkled with chopped pistachios and delicate dried rose petals, making them as pretty as they are delicious.

Nan-e-Barbari is a traditional Persian flatbread that’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and topped with nigella seeds for a burst of flavor. The secret to its signature golden crust is a quick homemade glaze that’s brushed on before baking. It’s perfect for dipping, wrapping, or enjoying on its own—fresh out of the oven.

Persian Love Cake is a beautifully fragrant dessert that will captivate your senses! It’s infused with delicate flavors like rose water, lemon, and cardamom, creating a moist and tender cake with a uniquely aromatic twist. Topped with a sweet rose glaze, crunchy pistachios, and delicate rose petals, this cake is as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to a taste of Persian-inspired sweetness!

Ranginak is a delightful Persian dessert that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Sweet Medjool dates are stuffed with walnuts, sprinkled with fragrant cardamom, and covered in a rich, buttery flour mixture that’s toasted to perfection. After a quick chill in the fridge, it’s topped with ground pistachios and optional dried rose petals for a beautiful finish. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of Persian sweetness to their dessert lineup!

Bastani Sonnati, or Persian ice cream, is a dreamy treat made with rich saffron, fragrant rose water, and crunchy pistachios. This easy homemade version lets you create a luxurious dessert without any special equipment. Simply blend high-quality vanilla ice cream with saffron-infused water, rose water, and chopped pistachios, then freeze to perfection.

Indulge in the sweet, fragrant delight of sholeh zard, a Persian saffron rice pudding that will elevate your dessert game! This creamy treat combines basmati rice with aromatic spices like cardamom and the luxurious essence of saffron, all sweetened to perfection with sugar and a splash of rose water. Topped with crunchy slivered almonds and optional garnishes like cinnamon, pistachios, and dried rose petals, it’s not just a dish, it’s a celebration of flavors and colors. Whether served warm or chilled, sholeh zard is the perfect way to impress your friends and family with a taste of Persian tradition!