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Top 25 Persian Dinner Recipes for 2024 - Must-Try Dishes

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: September 16, 2024

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich and vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine. It’s a beautiful fusion of bold spices, aromatic herbs, and diverse textures that make every dish an experience in itself. Whether it’s the perfectly grilled kebabs, the fragrant rice dishes, or the tender stews simmered to perfection, Persian food is all about balance and depth.

If you’re looking to bring some Persian magic to your dinner table, these 25 Persian dinner recipes are a perfect place to start. I’ve personally tried and tested these, and trust me, they will not disappoint! Let’s dive right into the delicious world of Persian cuisine.

Persian Dinner Recipes

1. Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)

Fesenjan is a rich, tangy stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. The unique combination of flavors is sweet, tart, and savory, making it a Persian favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs
  • 2 cups ground walnuts
  • 1 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, brown the chicken thighs on both sides and set them aside.
  2. Sauté onions until golden, then add ground walnuts and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add pomegranate molasses, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbs: 20g

2. Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice)

Zereshk Polo is a fragrant rice dish topped with tangy barberries and saffron, usually served with chicken or lamb. It’s a beautiful combination of sweet and sour.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup barberries
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Sugar, salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Soak the barberries in warm water and cook the rice until fluffy.
  2. Dissolve saffron in warm water.
  3. In a pan, melt butter, sauté barberries with a pinch of sugar.
  4. Mix saffron water into the rice, and top with barberries before serving.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 50g

3. Tahchin (Persian Baked Rice Cake)

This is a gorgeous layered rice dish with a crispy saffron crust and tender chicken or lamb inside. It’s a showstopper at any Persian dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Parboil rice and set aside.
  2. Marinate chicken with yogurt, saffron, egg yolk, and seasoning.
  3. In a non-stick pan, layer half of the rice, followed by the chicken, then the remaining rice.
  4. Bake for 1 hour at 350°F until the crust is golden and crispy.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 55g

4. Ghormeh Sabzi (Herb Stew)

Ghormeh Sabzi is a Persian herb stew that’s packed with greens like parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek, served with kidney beans and tender beef.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 dried lime

Instructions:

  1. Brown beef and onions, then add herbs and fenugreek.
  2. Add water, kidney beans, and dried lime, and simmer for 2 hours.
  3. Serve with steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbs: 15g

5. Joojeh Kabab (Grilled Saffron Chicken)

Joojeh Kabab is marinated chicken grilled to perfection, with a tangy saffron and lemon flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 onion, grated
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Marinate chicken with onion, saffron, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 4 hours.
  2. Grill the chicken on skewers until fully cooked, about 10 minutes per side.
  3. Serve with saffron rice and grilled tomatoes.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 5g

6. Khoresht Gheymeh (Yellow Split Pea Stew)

Khoresht Gheymeh is a comforting stew made with yellow split peas, beef, and dried lime, flavored with a delicate blend of spices.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 cup yellow split peas
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 dried limes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the beef and onion until browned.
  2. Add turmeric, tomato paste, dried limes, and water.
  3. Simmer for 1.5 hours, then add yellow split peas and cook until tender.
  4. Serve with steamed rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 35g

7. Baghali Polo (Dill and Fava Bean Rice)

Baghali Polo is a fragrant rice dish made with fresh dill and tender fava beans, often served with lamb or chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup fava beans
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Parboil the rice and set aside.
  2. Boil the fava beans until tender.
  3. Layer the rice with fresh dill and fava beans, then steam for 30 minutes.
  4. Mix saffron with a little water and drizzle over the rice before serving.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 54g

8. Kebab Koobideh (Ground Beef Kebab)

This popular Persian dish is made with seasoned ground beef, grilled on skewers for a flavorful and juicy bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, grated
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix ground beef, onion, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Shape the mixture onto skewers and grill until fully cooked, about 10 minutes per side.
  3. Serve with grilled tomatoes and saffron rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 2g

9. Shirin Polo (Sweet Rice with Carrots and Orange)

Shirin Polo is a festive sweet rice dish made with carrots, orange zest, and almonds. It's a perfect side for celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup orange zest, sliced
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Sugar to taste

Instructions:

  1. Parboil the rice and set aside.
  2. Sauté carrots, orange zest, and almonds with butter and a little sugar.
  3. Layer the rice with the carrot-orange mixture and steam for 30 minutes.
  4. Serve with your favorite protein.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 55g

10. Khoresht Bademjan (Eggplant Stew)

This Persian eggplant stew is rich, tangy, and savory, usually served with tender chunks of lamb or beef.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lamb or beef
  • 2 large eggplants, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 dried lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the meat and onions in a pot.
  2. Add tomato paste, dried lime, and water, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  3. Fry the eggplant slices until golden and add them to the stew.
  4. Cook for another 30 minutes and serve with rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbs: 25g

11. Lubia Polo (Green Bean Rice)

Lubia Polo is a hearty dish made with rice, green beans, and seasoned ground beef or lamb.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the meat and onions, then add green beans and cinnamon.
  2. Layer the rice with the meat mixture and steam for 30 minutes.
  3. Serve with yogurt or pickles.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 60g

12. Mast-o-Khiar (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)

This refreshing yogurt dip with cucumber, mint, and walnuts is a great side dish for Persian meals.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, and walnuts in a bowl.
  2. Season with salt and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 10g

13. Ash Reshteh (Herb and Noodle Soup)

Ash Reshteh is a thick, hearty soup made with herbs, beans, and noodles, traditionally served during Persian New Year.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup kidney beans
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1/4 cup dried mint
  • 1/2 lb noodles
  • 1 onion, fried
  • 1 tbsp kashk (whey)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the beans until tender.
  2. Add chopped herbs, noodles, and fried onions, and cook for another 30 minutes.
  3. Stir in kashk and serve hot.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 55g

14. Sabzi Polo (Herbed Rice)

Sabzi Polo is a fragrant rice dish made with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill, often served with fish or lamb.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Parboil the rice and set aside.
  2. Mix the herbs with the rice and steam for 30 minutes.
  3. Serve with your choice of protein.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 52g

15. Kuku Sabzi (Herb Frittata)

Kuku Sabzi is a traditional Persian frittata packed with herbs and greens, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 bunch dill
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Chop the herbs finely and mix with beaten eggs, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan and pour in the egg mixture.
  3. Cook until set, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbs: 8g

16. Tahdig (Crispy Rice)

Tahdig is the crispy golden crust at the bottom of a pot of Persian rice. It’s crunchy, buttery, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Parboil the rice and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a non-stick pan, add saffron, and layer the rice on top.
  3. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes until the bottom is crispy.
  4. Invert the rice onto a serving plate.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 35g

17. Mirza Ghasemi (Smoky Eggplant Dip)

This smoky eggplant and tomato dip with garlic is a delicious appetizer or side dish served with flatbread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Grill the eggplants until charred, then peel and mash.
  2. Sauté garlic and tomatoes in olive oil, then add the mashed eggplant.
  3. Stir in beaten eggs and cook until set.
  4. Serve warm with bread.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 20g

18. Koofteh Tabrizi (Persian Meatballs)

These large Persian meatballs are stuffed with dried fruits and herbs, simmered in a tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 1/4 cup dried plums
  • 1 onion, grated
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix the beef, rice, grated onion, and seasoning, then shape into large meatballs, stuffing each with dried plums.
  2. Sauté the meatballs in a pot, then add tomato paste, water, and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Serve with flatbread or rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 40g

19. Dolmeh (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Dolmeh is a Persian dish made by stuffing grape leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 20 grape leaves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix the rice, lamb, herbs, and seasoning.
  2. Roll the mixture inside grape leaves and place in a pot.
  3. Add water and olive oil, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  4. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 30g

20. Aloo Esfenaj (Spinach and Prune Stew)

This stew combines spinach, prunes, and lamb for a sweet and savory dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lamb stew meat
  • 1 bunch spinach
  • 1/2 cup prunes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the lamb and onions in a pot.
  2. Add turmeric, water, and prunes, and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. Serve with rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 30g

21. Kashk-e Bademjan (Eggplant Dip with Whey)

This creamy eggplant dip with kashk (whey) is flavored with garlic, onions, and mint, served with flatbread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1/2 cup kashk (whey)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Grill the eggplants until charred, then peel and mash.
  2. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add the mashed eggplant and kashk.
  3. Sprinkle dried mint on top before serving with bread.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 30g

22. Chelo Kebab (Rice and Grilled Meat)

Chelo Kebab is the national dish of Iran, consisting of perfectly cooked basmati rice and grilled meat, often served with butter and grilled tomatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the meat with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked through.
  2. Cook the rice until fluffy and serve with the grilled meat and tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle with melted butter before serving.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 55g

23. Adas Polo (Lentil Rice)

Adas Polo is a delicious, hearty rice dish made with lentils, raisins, and ground meat. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup lentils, cooked
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice and lentils separately.
  2. Brown the ground beef and onions, then mix with raisins.
  3. Layer the rice with the lentil-meat mixture and steam for 30 minutes.
  4. Serve with yogurt.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 60g

24. Khoresht-e Karafs (Celery Stew)

This celery stew is a unique Persian dish made with tender lamb or beef, celery, and mint, simmered to perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lamb or beef
  • 1 bunch celery, chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 1 tbsp dried mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the meat in a pot, then add celery, parsley, and mint.
  2. Add water and simmer for 1.5 hours until tender.
  3. Serve with rice.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 25g

25. Salad Shirazi (Persian Cucumber and Tomato Salad)

Salad Shirazi is a refreshing and simple salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, dressed with lime juice and mint.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cucumbers, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with mint, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss to combine and serve chilled.

Nutrition per serving:

  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 22g

There you have it! Twenty-five delightful Persian dinner recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also transport you to the heart of Persian culture. Trust me, once you start cooking these dishes, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, and your dinner table will never be the same. Enjoy!

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
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