15 Mouthwatering Iran Inspired Recipes for 2024 Food Lovers

Iran has always fascinated me, not only because of its rich history and breathtaking landscapes but also for its incredible food. Every dish is like a journey through time, filled with unique flavors, aromatic spices, and vibrant colors. When I think about the meals that have truly left a mark on me, so many of them have been Iran inspired recipes that are just bursting with character.

These are dishes that bring family and friends together, filling kitchens with warmth and homes with the scent of saffron, sumac, and rose water. If you're looking to add some Persian flair to your cooking, here are 15 recipes that will transport you straight to Iran with every bite.

1. Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)

A sweet and tangy dish that’s rich in flavor and history. This stew is typically served over a bed of fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 2 cups walnuts, ground
• 1 ½ cups pomegranate molasses
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions until golden. Add chicken and brown on all sides.
2. Add ground walnuts, pomegranate molasses, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 480 | Protein: 26g | Fat: 32g | Carbs: 24g

2. Khoresht-e Bademjan (Eggplant Stew)

A hearty, comforting stew that brings out the best in eggplant.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fry eggplants until golden, set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic. Add meat, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in tomatoes and simmer for 1 hour. Add eggplants and cook for another 30 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 16g

3. Tahchin (Persian Baked Rice Cake)

This crispy rice cake is both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 2 cups yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp saffron
• 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt, eggs, saffron, and salt. Stir in cooked rice.
2. Layer the rice mixture in a baking dish, adding chicken in the middle.
3. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until golden and crispy.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 400 | Protein: 22g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 55g

4. Ash-e Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)

A thick, hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup red kidney beans
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cups spinach, chopped
• 200g Persian noodles

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic. Add lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, and water. Cook until soft.
2. Add noodles and spinach. Cook for 10 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 280 | Protein: 16g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 46g

5. Kebab Koobideh (Ground Meat Kebabs)

A Persian barbecue classic, packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 tsp sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and form into long kebabs.
2. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 250 | Protein: 22g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 2g

6. Sabzi Polo (Herb Rice)

Fragrant and fresh, this rice dish is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup dill, chopped
• 1 tsp saffron
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil rice until partially cooked, drain.
2. Mix herbs with rice. Layer in a pot, adding saffron water.
3. Steam for 30 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 320 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 68g

7. Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice)

A tart and vibrant rice dish perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• ½ cup barberries
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp saffron
• Sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil rice until partially cooked, drain.
2. Sauté barberries in butter with a pinch of sugar. Stir into rice with saffron water.
3. Steam for 20 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 350 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 68g

8. Mirza Ghasemi (Smoked Eggplant)

A smoky, garlicky eggplant dish with a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast eggplants until charred, peel and mash.
2. Sauté garlic and tomatoes. Add eggplant and cook until thickened.
3. Crack eggs on top and stir until cooked.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 180 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 18g

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

A fragrant, sweet rice dish that's often served during celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 1 orange zest
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 tsp saffron

Instructions:

1. Boil rice until partially cooked, drain.
2. Sauté orange zest, carrot, almonds, and raisins. Mix with rice and saffron water.
3. Steam for 20 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 360 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 70g

10. Kuku Sabzi (Herb Frittata)

Packed with fresh herbs, this Persian frittata is light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup dill, chopped
• 6 eggs
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour into a greased pan and cook over medium heat until set.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 200 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 7g

11. Baghali Polo (Rice with Fava Beans)

A springtime favorite, full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup fava beans, shelled
• 1 cup dill, chopped
• 1 tsp saffron
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil rice until partially cooked, drain.
2. Mix rice with fava beans, dill, and saffron water.
3. Steam for 30 minutes.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 340 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 70g

12. Joojeh Kebab (Saffron Chicken Skewers)

A simple yet flavorful grilled chicken dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp saffron
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, saffron, olive oil, salt, and pepper for 1 hour.
2. Grill on skewers until cooked through.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 250 | Protein: 28g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 2g

13. Torshi (Pickled Vegetables)

Tangy and full of flavor, these pickles are the perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cauliflower, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch vegetables, then pack into jars.
2. Pour vinegar over the vegetables, adding salt and garlic.
3. Seal and let sit for at least one week before eating.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 40 | Protein: 1g | Fat:

0g | Carbs: 9g

14. Gheymeh (Yellow Split Pea Stew)

A hearty and savory stew that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and meat until browned.
2. Add turmeric, split peas, and tomatoes. Simmer for 1 hour until peas are tender.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 350 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 30g

15. Halim (Wheat and Meat Porridge)

A rich and comforting porridge that’s slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb or beef, cubed
• 1 cup wheat berries
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook wheat berries in water until tender.
2. Sauté onions and meat. Add to wheat with cinnamon and salt. Cook until the mixture thickens.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 400 | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 45g

Each of these dishes brings a taste of Iran to your kitchen, and I hope you’ll love them as much as I do! Enjoy cooking, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist to these classic recipes!