65+ Best Persian Recipes To Try
Jan 25, 2023, Updated Sep 30, 2023
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The best Persian recipes you should try! From the basics to everyday dishes and desserts, you can find all classic Persian recipes here.
Table of Contents
All about Persian cuisine
Persian or Iranian cuisine offers many different dishes with amazing flavors. Persian recipes usually call for pantry staples, check out my Persian pantry guide for details on what you need to make these delicious recipes.
Like many other cuisines, Iranian cuisine offers specific recipes for certain holidays, the most popular being Nowruz. If you’ve never celebrated Nowruz, I have 5 reasons for you to celebrate it this year!
Here you can find all of our Persian recipes, from kitchen basics to breakfast recipes, main dishes with vegetarian options and desserts. Follow along to learn more about my heritage recipes!
Basic Persian recipes
How To Bloom Saffron
Learn how to bloom saffron in 20 minutes. This no fail technique lets you get the most out of saffron and use it in numerous recipes.
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Saffron Syrup
Saffron syrup is easy and ready in 20 minutes. The bright flavor of saffron would elevate any dessert or drink. Follow along to learn more about this simple recipe!
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How To Make Saffron Rice
Learn how to make the best fragrant saffron rice recipe in 30 minutes. It's fluffy with golden vibrant color, making it a unique addition to your table. This Persian deliciousness is simple and made with a handful of ingredients.
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Persian Steamed White Rice – Chelow
Persian rice is the key element of Persian cuisine. This post will help you master the essential Persian rice with a crispy golden crust, known as tahdig.
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Persian Potato Tahdig Recipe
Potato tahdig is a traditional Persian dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with rice, cooked until the bottom forms a crispy golden crust.
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Persian style rice with golden crust
Persian Style Rice with Crispy Golden Crust
Persian Style Rice with Crispy Golden Crust is the base for many Persian Dishes!
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How To Make Persian Tea At Home
Iranians drink tea any time of the day. Persian tea is a national drink that's more than just a beverage. Learn how to make Persian tea at home.
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Advieh (Persian Spice Mix)
Advieh is a Persian spice mix made with several aromatic spices. Warm and flavorful spices such as cardamom, turmeric and cinnamon make the perfect mix for any recipe!
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Persian Cinnamon Mint Refresher
This Persian Cinnamon Mint Refresher will be your new favorite drink to serve at parties. A concentrated syrup infused with mint and cinnamon mixed with sparkling water for the right amount of fizz.
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Persian breakfast recipes
Persian Pumpkin Pancakes – KAKA
Learn How to Make Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast and brunch. These pancakes are fluffy and full of delicious flavors, and are ready in no time!
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Persian Halva Recipe
Persian halva is a classic dessert made with pantry staples that you probably have on hand right now. Perfectly sweet with aromas of rose and saffron (you keep saffron on hand in your kitchen, right?), halva can be served cold or at room temperature.
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SHOLEH ZARD PERSIAN SAFFRON RICE PUDDING
Sholeh Zard Persian Saffron Rice Pudding
Sholeh zard is a Persian saffron rice pudding with exquisite flavors. Saffron and rosewater make this rice pudding extra special, whether served warm or cold.
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Persian Banana Date Shake (Majoon)
Banana date shake is a delicious and healthy shake that's ready in 5 minutes and gives you enough energy for the morning! This Persian style shake is naturally sweetened.
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Persian Spinach and Eggs (Nargesi)
Spinach and eggs, Persian style! This one pan breakfast is easy, healthy and ready in only 20 minutes. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious egg recipe.
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Easy Persian Barbari Bread
Nan barbari is a classic Persian bread that’s easy to make. With a nice crust and soft inside, this recipe results in a tasty homemade bread suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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Sourdough Barbari Recipe
Sourdough barbari is so delicious. The texture and flavor is exactly the same as the ones in Iran. Topped with a simple glaze and sesame seeds, this bread is perfect for breakfast!
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Lavash Bread
This lavash bread recipe is easy, reliable and made with simple ingredients. Lavash is soft and perfect for wraps and sandwiches. Learn how to make lavash at home with this how-to tutorial.
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Persian Quince Jam – Morabba Beh
Persian quince jam – Morabba Beh is a traditional jam.This fragrant fruit gives you such delicious and tangy jam that you can use in your breakfast parfaits with fruit, or just have it with some bread!
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Persian homemade crepe recipe (khagineh)
Khagineh Recipe (Persian Sweet Homemade Crepe)
Khagineh is a unique Persian dessert similar to a crepe topped with date syrup, grape molasses or saffron syrup. Top with pistachios and rose for a beautiful presentation.
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Rosewater cardamom pancakes with saffron syrup
Rosewater Cardamom Pancakes + Saffron Syrup
A classic American recipe with a Persian twist, these rosewater cardamom pancakes with saffron syrup are the love between east and west. The fluffy pancakes with rose and cardamom aroma kissed by saffron syrup, a dream come true!
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Persian appetizers and small bites
Persian pickles with tomatoes (torshi mashhadi)
Persian Pickles with Tomatoes – Torshi Mashhadi
Persian pickles with tomatoes are the perfect addition to any Persian dish. It’s made with crisp and delicious vegetables mixed with homemade tomato sauce and spices.
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Eggplant dip (kashke bademjan)
Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!
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Yogurt beet dip (borani laboo)
Persian Yogurt Beet Dip (Borani Laboo)
Persian beet dip is an eye-popping addition to any spread. The bright color and flavor makes this easy 10-minute yogurt-based dip extra fun. You can use store-bought cooked beets or cook them from scratch.
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Persian yogurt and cucumber dip (mast o khiar)
Mast o Khiar – Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
Mast o Khiar is a traditional Persian yogurt and cucumber dip that is light and flavorful. It's ready in 15 minutes and can be served with main dishes or as an appetizer with some chips or pita bread.
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Persian Appetizer Platter
Persian Appetizer Platter is a great choice for gatherings and parties. This platter is ready in 10 minutes and can be served as an afternoon snack too, it'll be great with a cup of tea!
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Sabzi Khordan (Persian Herb Platter)
Sabzi khordan is a Persian herb platter usually served as an appetizer. Ready in 10 minutes, this abundance of herbs with cheese, walnuts and bread brings so much brightness to any table!
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Spinach yogurt dip (Borani esfenaj)
Borani Esfenaj – Persian Spinach and Yogurt Dip
Borani Esfenaj is a classic Persian spinach yogurt dip that's usually served with bread. With a lot of spinach and garlic, this delicious dip is something you don't want to miss!
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Persian Fava Beans Recipe
Fava beans recipe, Persian style. This is a tasty appetizer or snack that's so easy to make and is flavored with spices and vinegar. Try it while fresh fava beans are still in season. You can also use frozen or dry beans.
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Saffron caramelized onion dip & Yalda spread
Saffron Caramelized Onion Dip
Saffron caramelized onion dip is a classic appetizer with a Persian twist! Flavored with bright saffron, this dip is perfect for Yalda night alongside a spread of fruit, herbs and cheese.
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Cucumber tomato salad (salad shirazi)
Shirazi Salad (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)
Shirazi salad is a Persian cucumber tomato salad that's easy to prepare and packed with flavors. This classic Persian salad can be served with any main dish.
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Marinated olives (zeytoon parvardeh)
Marinated Olives with Walnuts
Marinated Olives made Persian style! Delicious olives marinated with walnuts, pomegranate molasses and herbs make a fantastic combination that is full of flavor!
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Persian chicken and seafood recipes
Persian Style Shrimp and Rice (Meygoo Polo)
Try the classic combination of shrimp and rice with a Persian twist. This dish is packed with delicious and warm Middle Eastern spices! Master this recipe by watching our video and step-by-step tutorial.
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Persian Saffron Chicken
Persian saffron chicken has all the flavors. Golden saffron infuses the chicken with a lot of flavor, paired well with caramelized onion and warm spices.
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Best Fried Fish Recipe (Persian Style)
Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe for fried fish is unique because of its Persian flavors. Brushed with saffron and seasoned with turmeric, this fish recipe works well for any occasion.
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Pomegaranate chicken (morgh nardooni)
Pomegranate Chicken, Persian Style (Morgh Nardooni)
This pomegranate chicken is tangy and savory with a lot of flavor. Juicy chicken cooked in pomegranate juice makes this Persian classic a family favorite!
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Grilled chicken wings – Persian style
Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe Persian Style
Persian grilled chicken wings recipe is so unique. The chicken wings are marinated in a saffron yogurt mixture, making them tender and delicious.
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Pomegranate walnut stew (khoresh fesenjan)
Fesenjan (Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew)
Fesenjan is a classic Persian stew made with walnuts, pomegranate molasses and usually chicken. It’s sweet and sour with a rich nutty flavor thanks to the walnuts. The key to a delicious fesenjoon is to cook it low and slow for a few hours. Serve with Persian rice or pour it over tahdig and enjoy.
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Grilled saffron chicken kebab (Joojeh kabab)
Joojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab)
Joojeh kabab is a classic chicken kebob recipe from Iran. Chicken pieces are smothered in a delicious saffron chicken kebob marinade and have such delicious flavor thanks to saffron and lemon.
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Kabob Koobideh Recipe
Kabob Koobideh is a popular Persian kabob recipe that's so juicy and delicious. Made with minced meat and onion, this kabob recipe is famous for good reason. If you follow my detailed tutorial, you'll learn how to make the perfect koobideh every time.
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Kabob Torsh – Persian Pomegranate Walnut Kabobs
Kabob Torsh – Persian Pomegranate Walnut Kabobs
Kabob Torsh is a unique Iranian dish made with juicy beef marinated in pomegranate molasses, walnuts and herbs. This marinated beef kabob from northern Iran is usually served with rice.
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Barberry rice with chicken (Zereshk polo morgh)
Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken
Zereshk polo morgh is one of the most famous dishes in Persian cuisine. It's full of wonderful flavors such as saffron, turmeric and barberry.
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Stuffed fish with pomegranates and walnuts
Persian Style Branzino Recipe
This delicious branzino recipe with Persian flavors will impress anyone! Learn how to make a whole roasted branzino at home perfectly every time using these tips and notes.
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Chenjeh Recipe
Chenjeh is a classic Persian kabob that's so juicy and tender. Made with a simple marinade, this kabob is packed with lots of flavor!
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Persian beef and lamb recipes
Braised lamb shanks (Mahicheh)
Best Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
Try the best braised lamb shank recipe ever written! Lamb shanks are slow cooked in a rich spiced sauce until fall-off-the-bone-level fork tender! Serve this restaurant-quality dish with rice, potatoes or even risotto.
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Eggplant stew (Khoresh Bademjan)
Khoresh Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Stew)
Khoresh bademjan is a delicious Persian eggplant stew that's served with rice. This Persian stew is usually served with rice and tahdig. Learn how to make this easy Persian recipe with this recipe and step-by-step video tutorial.
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Persian lentil rice (adas polo)
Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice
Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice is perfect for a weeknight meal. Rice and lentils served with delicious beef and raisins make the perfect healthy meal!
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Albaloo Polo (Persian Sour Cherry Rice)
Albaloo Polo (Persian Sour Cherry Rice)
Albaloo polo is a traditional Persian rice dish with sweet and sour flavors. The vibrant color and bright flavors of this dish come from the sour cherries mixed with rice and topped with saffron rice, pistachios and almonds
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Persian sausage and potato skillet (sosis bandari)
Sosis Bandari – Persian Sausage and Potatoes
Sosis Bandari, is a bold, flavorful one-pan dish that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Packed with tender potatoes, juicy sausage, and aromatic spices, it’s a comforting meal bursting with Persian flair. Give it a try!
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Persian Stuffed Potato Patties
These stuffed potato patties are the perfect weeknight dinner. Creamy mashed potatoes are stuffed with a tasty beef filling and seared to perfection.
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Split chickpea stew (khoresh gheimeh)
Khoresh Gheimeh Recipe (Persian split chickpea stew)
Khoresh gheimeh is a Persian stew made with lamb and split chickpeas. Learn how to make gheimeh recipe with a step-by-step tutorial and video.
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Persian Meat Patties- Kotlet
Persian meat patties aka Kotlet are tasty patties that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are easy to make and so delicious to eat!
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Dolmeh (Persian style stuffed grape leaves)
Persian Dolmeh Recipe
Dolmeh is a traditional Persian/Iranian dish and a family favorite. This version of stuffed grape leaves is made with meat, rice and herbs.
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Ghormeh Sabzi – Persian Herb Stew
Ghormeh Sabzi is among the most essential Persian recipes. It is often considered to be the national dish of Iran and its rich, aromatic flavor is celebrated in Persian communities around the world. Consisting of flavorful herbs and lamb, ghormeh sabzi is a cornerstone of Persian cuisine.
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Persian Celery Stew – Khoreshte Karafs
Persian celery stew also known as khoresht karafs is a delicious Iranian stew made with celery stalks and herbs. This easy Persian stew can be made vegetarian as well.
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Kabab tabe i (Persian pan kebab)
Kabab Tabei – Persian Pan Kebab
Kabab Tabei is a delicious dish that you can make if you like to have kebabs but you don’t want to use a grill or you don’t have one. It’s simple and can be ready in an hour with a handful of ingredients!
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Lubia Polo Recipe (Persian Green Bean Rice)
Lubia polo is a classic Persian green bean rice recipe that's flavored with warm and aromatic spices. Follow along to learn how to make this tasty recipe using my step-by-step recipe and tips.
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Persian vegetarian recipes
Mushroom barley soup (soup e jo)
The Best Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
This mushroom barley soup requires just a handful of ingredients, yet is packed with vegetables and so much flavor. Inspired by Persian soup-e jo, a bowl of this soup is an ideal meatless meal you can prepare and enjoy at home.
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One pot tomato rice (dami gojeh farangi)
Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi
Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!
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Fried potatoes and onions (do piazeh aloo)
Fried Potatoes and Onions Persian Style (Do Piazeh Aloo)
An easy recipe for fried potatoes and onions with a Persian twist. Do piazeh aloo is an Iranian vegan dish that you can make in no time with just a few ingredients. It's packed with so much flavor thanks to turmeric and spices.
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Potato patties (kuku sibzamini)
Persian Potato Patties (Kuku Sibzamini)
These potato patties are crispy on the outside and creamy and soft on the inside. Serve these homemade potato patties as an appetizer or a light meal.
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Persian noodle soup (Ash Reshteh)
Ash Reshteh Recipe (Persian Noodle Soup)
Ash Reshteh is a popular Iranian soup that’s simple, easy and very flavorful. This vegetarian Persian soup is made with herbs, legumes and caramelized onion, perfect for any day of the year.
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Savory saffron rice cake (tahchin)
Persian Savory Saffron Cake – Tahchin
Tahchin is a classic Persian dish made with saffron rice and chicken layered and baked to perfection. Follow my recipe to learn how to make this classic savory saffron rice cake that'll be a showstopper at any gathering.
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Persian Eggplant Soup – Ash-e Bademjan
Persian eggplant soup is a delicious Persian recipe that's very simple to make. This easy Persian soup is vegetarian and gluten free.
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Eggplant and tomatoes (mirza ghasemi)
Mirza Ghasemi Persian Smoked Eggplants and Tomatoes
Mirza Ghasemi is a Persian eggplant and tomato dish that’s very flavorful. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is super easy to make and everyone will ask for seconds!
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Dill rice with peas (shevid polo)
Persian Dill Rice with Peas
Dill rice with peas is a vegan Persian recipe that is made in one pot with only 5 ingredients. This simple, aromatic side dish is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for any occasion and you can serve it with chicken, beef or seafood.
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Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Frittata)
Kuku sabzi is a classic Persian herb frittata that's easy and delicious. This dish is made with lots of herbs, making it the perfect addition to your rotation.
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Persian cold yogurt soup (abdoogh khiar)
Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar
Stay cool this summer with this Persian Cold Yogurt Soup – Abdoogh Khiar. This tasty yogurt soup is made with simple, natural and healthy ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes.
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Persian dessert recipes
Raisin cookies (shirini keshmeshi)
Persian Raisin Cookies (Shirini Keshmeshi)
These Persian raisin cookies are ready in 30 minutes and are perfect for any day of the year. They're buttery and crispy around the edges, and so soft on the inside!
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Walnut filled Persian pastry (qottab)
Walnut Filled Persian Pastry – Qottab
Qottab is a Persian pastry filled with walnuts is a delicious traditional treat from Iran. Delicate and flaky dough is filled with a combination of walnuts and cardamom – making this the perfect Persian dessert!
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Persian Love Bundt Cake
You will fall in love with this Persian Love Bundt Cake. Not only because it’s filled with aromatic rosewater and cardamom, but also because it’s full of love!
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Cardamom Rose Hot Chocolate – Iran in a cup
Rich Cardamom Rose Hot Chocolate is a delicious cozy drink for cold winter evenings. Quality chocolate melted in milk and infused with Middle Eastern ingredients makes for a dreamy drink.
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No churn saffron ice cream (Bastani sonnati)
Bastani Sonnati Persian Saffron Ice Cream
Bastani Sonnati is a classic Persian saffron ice cream with delectable flavors of rosewater and cardamom. This is an easy no churn ice cream that doesn't require an ice cream maker.
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Faloodeh Recipe (Persian Rose and Lime Granita)
Faloodeh Recipe (Persian Rose and Lime Granita)
Faloodeh is a classic Persian dessert with bright lime and rose flavors! This frozen granita-like dessert is made with rice vermicelli and is absolutely delicious! Follow my instructions to learn how to make this easy Persian frozen dessert at home using a handful of ingredients.
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Persian rosettes (nan panjereh)
Nan Panjereh – Persian Rosettes
Nan Panjereh – Persian Rosettes is a traditional Persian cookie that is crisp and light. Once you find the technique, it is easy and fun to make!
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Cake Yazdi – Persian Cardamom Muffins
Cake Yazdi brings the rich essence of cardamom and the floral notes of rose water in every bite. Easy to bake and incredibly moist, these Persian muffins are a must try.
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Persian Love Muffins
Saffron and rosewater are a delightful combination in these Persian love muffins. They're soft, delicious, and have a truly unique flavor.
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Kachi – Persian Halva Pudding
Kachi is a Persian Halva pudding that is full of saffron and rose water flavor. It’s easy to make and very delicious. It’s a taste of the Middle East!
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Persian Saffron Milkshake
Take a delicious trip to Iran with this Persian Saffron Milkshake that tastes like traditional Iranian ice cream without the hassle!
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Shirini Nargili (Persian Coconut Cookies)
Shirini Nargili (Persian Coconut Cookies)
Shirini nargili are Persian coconut cookies made with a handful of ingredients. These cookies are naturally gluten-free and don't need any chilling time.
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Best Persian Recipes To Try
The best authentic Persian recipes you should try! From the basics to everyday dishes and desserts, you can find all the classic Persian recipes here.
Ingredients
- Check out each recipe for the list of ingredients
Instructions
- Follow each recipe for complete instructions.
- Make ahead: You can make many of these recipes ahead of time. Details are mentioned in each recipe.
- Storage: Many of these dishes can be stored in an airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Hello,
CONGRATULATIONS to you.
Such a wonderful, well explained, great pictures recipe book. I can’t even imagine how long you to write the recipes, taking great pictures, wonderful tips which includes your tips and your experiences.
Cooking Persian food is a complex art. I’m. Not persian I’m Hungarian but I have a great respect to their culture, their food and persian people.
MY HATS OFF FRONT OF YOU> WONDERFUL JOB>
many thanks.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, hope you try and enjoy the recipes!
This is a great compilation of Persian recipes! So delicious
So many tasty Persian recipes! The eggplant dip is calling my name!
FANTASTIC collection of recipes! I think I want to try the saffron rice and raisin cookies first – ooh and the bundt cake! Can’t wait!
Thanks for this list. I want to try all of them!