Best Nowruz Recipes

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Check out our awesome Nowruz recipes for the Persian New Year! From classics such as ash reshteh and sabzi polo to sweets such as raisin cookies, we have everything you need for an authentic Nowruz celebration!

Check out our best Nowruz recipes that you can make for the Persian New Year! From classics such as ash reshteh and sabzi polo to sweets such as raisin cookies, we have them all here for you to try!


 

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz is the vernal equinox, which is the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere and usually falls on March 21st or the previous/following day depending on where you live. This marks Persian New Year and is celebrated by many around the world. A key part of Nowruz celebrations is making the dishes that are specific to this special time of year. Make sure to check out our Persian pantry essentials and get ready for Nowruz!

Nowruz Main Dishes

Stuffed Fish with Pomegranates and Walnuts – Persian Style

4.88 from 16 votes

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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This stuffed fish is a new way to serve fish! It is stuffed with a delicious pomegranate and walnut mixture and is perfect for any occasion.

Best Fried Fish Recipe

Fried fish recipe Persian style.
5 from 9 votes

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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Fried fish recipe Persian style.

Sabzi polo (Persian herb rice)

Sabzi Polo is a delicious Persian Herb Rice that is usually served with fish for the new year. Sabzi Polo has a crispy lettuce Tahdig that's hard to resist!

Grilled Branzino

5 from 29 votes

Mediterranean Grilled Branzino Recipe

This grilled branzino recipe with a Mediterranean twist is a must-try! The fish is marinated with a herb and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with a bright tomato herb relish. Trust me, there's a feast of flavors in every bite.
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This grilled branzino recipe with a Mediterranean twist is a must-try! The fish is marinated with a herb and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with a bright tomato herb relish. Trust me, there's a feast of flavors in every bite.

Simple Roasted Branzino Recipe

Roasted branzino with aromatics and spices! This simple branzino recipe comes together in no time and is perfect as a weeknight dinner or to impress your guests. Roasting a whole branzino is a lot easier than what you might think. The lemon adds a lot of flavor to the fish, you can serve it with rice, potatoes or a fresh salad.
5 from 4 votes

Simple Roasted Branzino Recipe

Roasted branzino with aromatics and spices! This simple branzino recipe comes together in no time and is perfect as a weeknight dinner or to impress your guests.
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Roasted branzino with aromatics and spices! This simple branzino recipe comes together in no time and is perfect as a weeknight dinner or to impress your guests. Roasting a whole branzino is a lot easier than what you might think. The lemon adds a lot of flavor to the fish, you can serve it with rice, potatoes or a fresh salad.

Ash Reshteh (Persian noodle soup)

Ash reshteh
4.84 from 62 votes

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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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.

Joojeh kabab

4.75 from 89 votes

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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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.

How To Make Saffron Rice

Front shot of saffron rice.
4.53 from 17 votes

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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Front shot of saffron rice.

Persian Steamed White Rice – Chelow

5 from 32 votes

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 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.

Tahdig Recipe – Persian Crispy Rice

How to make tahdig Persian crispy rice.
5 from 9 votes

Tahdig Persian Crispy Rice

Learn how to make the best crispy tahdig at home with this easy tutorial. This Persian classic is easier than you might think, just follow my tips and your tahdig will come out perfect every time.
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How to make tahdig Persian crispy rice.

Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken

4.72 from 50 votes

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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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.

Best Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

5 from 6 votes

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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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.

Ghormeh Sabzi – Persian Herb Stew

4.83 from 76 votes

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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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.

Persian Chicken with Saffron

4.65 from 31 votes

Persian Chicken with Saffron

Persian Chicken and Saffron is a traditional dish that can be served with several different side dishes. This amazing dish is made with the golden spice and is bursting with enchanting flavors from a land far far away.
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Persian Chicken and Saffron is a traditional dish that can be served with several different side dishes. This amazing dish is made with the golden spice and is bursting with enchanting flavors from a land far far away.

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.
4.77 from 21 votes

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 Savory Saffron Cake - Tahchin is a very delicious traditional Persian rice dish full of saffron and other great flavors. Usually served with chicken, this tahchin recipe is surprisingly easy to make!

Persian Dill Rice with Peas

4.76 from 29 votes

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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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.

Nowruz Sides and Basics

Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

4.93 from 63 votes

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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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!

Sabzi Khordan (Herb Platter)

5 from 7 votes

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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Sabzi khordan on a black backdrop.

Kuku Sabzi (Persian herb frittata)

kuku sabzi.
5 from 20 votes

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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Kuku Sabzi is a Persian Herb Frittata that can be baked in the oven and is topped with barberries and walnuts. It's a great recipe to use up all the herbs!

How To Bloom Saffron

4.69 from 35 votes

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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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.

Mast o Khiar – Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

4.97 from 30 votes

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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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.

Zeytoon Parvardeh – Marinated Olives with Walnuts

4.80 from 48 votes

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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Marinated Olives made Persian style! Delicious olives marinated with walnuts, pomegranate molasses and herbs make a fantastic combination that is full of flavor!

Salad Shirazi (Persian Cucumber Tomato Salad)

4.84 from 65 votes

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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Salad shirazi is a classic Persian salad made with 3 ingredients.

Nowruz Cookies and Treats

Qottab (Walnut filled pastry)

Qottab Persian walnut filled pastry.
4.87 from 15 votes

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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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!

Shirini Keshmeshi (Persian raisin cookies)

5 from 25 votes

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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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!

Nan Panjereh (Persian rosettes)

4.96 from 23 votes

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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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!

Persian Cardamom Muffins – Cake Yazdi

4.81 from 26 votes

Persian Cardamom Muffins – Cake Yazdi

Persian Cardamom Muffins – Cake Yazdi is a traditional Iranian/Persian recipe for delicious muffins that are filled with Persian flavors. The combination of rose water and cardamom is always great.
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Persian Cardamom Muffins – Cake Yazdi is a traditional Iranian/Persian recipe for delicious muffins that are filled with Persian flavors. The combination of rose water and cardamom is always great.

How To Make Persian Tea At Home

5 from 22 votes

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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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.

Pofaki Gerdooyi (Persian Walnut Cookies)

Persian walnut cookies also called pofaki gerdooyi are perfect for Nowruz Persian New Year.
4.93 from 13 votes

Pofaki Gerdooyi Persian Walnut Cookies

Pofaki gerdooyi is a classic Nowruz (Persian New Year) cookie recipe that can be ready in 30 minutes. These cookies are very easy to make and naturally glute-free!
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Pofaki gerdooyi Persian walnut cookies on a plate.

Persian Coconut Cookies (Shirini Nargili)

4.91 from 11 votes

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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5 from 1 vote

Best Nowruz Recipes

Check out our awesome Nowruz recipes for the Persian New Year! From classics such as ash reshteh and sabzi polo to sweets such as raisin cookies, we have everything you need for an authentic Nowruz celebration!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients 

  • Check out each recipe for complete list of ingredients

Instructions 

  • Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions.
  • Sample menu: Kuku sabzi, Sabzi polo with stuffed fish followed by Shirini keshmeshi and a cup of Persian tea.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I have been enjoying your recipes so much! Every one of them is delicious and has easy to follow directions. I also appreciate the beautiful photos so I know what each dish is supposed to look like. Thank you so much for sharing!