16 Great Persian Recipes shows how much variety you get from one simple pattern: a pot of rice, a rich khoresh stew, and plenty of herbs. Typical Iranian main dishes combine rice with meat, vegetables, and nuts, with fresh and dried herbs like parsley, fenugreek, mint, and coriander used in generous amounts. On many “iconic dishes” lists, you see plates of chelow (plain saffron rice) topped with kebabs or served alongside slow-cooked stews, plus bowls of ash reshteh noodle soup and herb-packed dishes built around the same pantry. For this group of 16 recipes, the focus stays on those everyday combinations rather than just one famous dish.

At the core of 16 Great Persian Recipes are the stews that many writers describe as the heart of Iranian home cooking. Ghormeh sabzi, often called a national dish, uses lamb or beef, red kidney beans, and a large amount of fried herbs with dried limes for a deep, slightly citrusy flavor. Fesenjan (khoresh-e fesenjan) slow-cooks chicken in a thick sauce of ground walnuts and pomegranate, usually described as sweet-sour and rich. Lists of popular khoresh dishes also highlight gheimeh with yellow split peas and potatoes, plus eggplant-based stews such as khoresh bademjan, all of which are commonly served over steamed rice.

Grilled plates and rice itself form another strand of 16 Great Persian Recipes. Chelow kabab—grilled lamb, beef, or chicken served with saffron rice, butter, and grilled tomatoes—is frequently described as a symbol or national dish of Iran. Many guides also point to tahdig, the crisp, golden crust from the bottom of the rice pot, as one of the most prized parts of the meal, whether it is made from rice alone or layered over bread or potatoes. Herbed rice dishes like sabzi polo and herb-heavy kuku sabzi frittata appear in round-ups of traditional foods, showing how often mixed greens are treated as the main event rather than a side.

The pantry that supports 16 Great Persian Recipes is fairly compact but distinctive: saffron, turmeric, dried limes, sumac, rosewater, pomegranate products, nuts, and plenty of fresh herbs are repeatedly named as key ingredients. With that base in place, you can build full menus at home—one night centred on chelow kabab, another on ghormeh sabzi or fesenjan with tahdig, another on ash reshteh and a simple herb-and-yogurt side. The recipes in this post are chosen to reflect what Persian and travel sources describe most often: rice-and-stew plates, herb-forward mains, grilled meats, and a few rice or egg dishes that turn the same staples into something completely different.

16 Quick and Easy Persian Recipes

1. Persian Vegan Lentil Fesenjān Recipe

This Persian recipe is a plant-based variation of the classic Fesenjān, featuring lentils instead of meat while maintaining its signature deep, rich flavors. The dish consists of a thick, velvety stew made from slow-cooked lentils, ground walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. The lentils provide a hearty texture, absorbing the tangy and slightly sweet notes of the pomegranate while balancing the creamy consistency of the walnuts. This Persian recipe vegetarian dish is often served over fluffy saffron-infused rice, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.

2. Persian Khoresh Ghormeh Sabzi Recipe

This Persian food recipe is a slow-cooked herb stew that is rich in flavor and texture. The dish consists of finely chopped fresh herbs, kidney beans, and tender meat, traditionally simmered to perfection. The key to achieving the authentic taste of this Persian recipe is the combination of fresh parsley, cilantro, and fenugreek, which infuse the dish with a distinct aroma and deep green color. Dried limes, known for their bold citrus flavor, are an essential component, providing a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the stew.

3. Persian Lubia Polo Recipe

This Persian food recipe is a fragrant, one-pot rice dish layered with green beans, tomatoes, and seasoned ground meat. The combination of tender vegetables, aromatic spices, and saffron-infused rice creates a well-balanced and flavorful meal. The key to achieving the best texture is properly layering the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld as they cook together. The dish is known for its crispy tahdig, the golden crust that forms at the bottom of the pot, adding an irresistible crunch to each serving.

4. Persian Recipes for Shirazi Salad Recipe

This Persian recipe is a simple yet flavorful salad made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, all tossed in a citrusy dressing. The key to achieving the perfect texture is ensuring that all the ingredients are uniformly chopped, allowing the flavors to blend evenly. The salad is refreshing and light, making it an excellent complement to a variety of Persian dishes. The dressing, typically made with fresh lemon juice or sour grape juice and a touch of olive oil, enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables without overpowering them.

5. Persian Jujeh Kabab Recipe

This Persian recipe chicken dish consists of succulent, saffron-marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection over an open flame or charcoal. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, allowing for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. The marinade is a key element of this Persian food recipe, as it tenderizes the meat while infusing it with aromatic spices. Yogurt, lemon juice, saffron, and onions work together to create a balanced blend of acidity and richness, ensuring each piece of chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

6. Persian Mast o Khiar Dip Recipe

This Persian  recipe is a creamy yogurt-based dip that combines the refreshing flavors of cucumbers, dried mint, and garlic to create a light yet flavorful dish. The yogurt provides a rich and tangy base, while the cucumbers add a crisp texture that balances the creaminess. This Persian recipe is known for its cooling effect, making it an excellent side dish to accompany grilled meats, rice dishes, or warm bread. The addition of dried or fresh herbs enhances the aroma, giving the dip a fresh and vibrant taste.

7. Persian Kashk & Kadoo Recipe

This Persian recipe features sautéed zucchini combined with rich, tangy kashk, a fermented whey product, creating a smooth and flavorful dish. The zucchini is typically sliced and fried until golden brown, developing a slightly caramelized taste that enhances its natural sweetness. Kashk is then drizzled over the zucchini, adding a creamy, tangy element that balances the flavors. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, garlic, and dried mint, all of which contribute to its aromatic and savory profile.

8. Persian Tachin Recipe

This Persian recipe is a saffron-infused baked rice dish with a golden, crispy crust and a tender, flavorful interior. The key feature of Tachin is its tahdig, the crunchy, golden layer formed at the bottom of the dish during baking. The rice is typically mixed with yogurt, egg yolks, and saffron, which give it a rich texture and a deep, aromatic flavor. This dish can be made as a Persian recipe chicken version, where seasoned chicken is layered within the rice, or as a vegetarian option with vegetables such as eggplant or spinach.

9. Persian Ayran Recipe

This Persian recipe is a refreshing yogurt-based drink made by blending yogurt with water and a touch of salt. The result is a smooth, slightly tangy beverage with a light and airy texture. The drink is often served chilled, making it an excellent companion to rich and flavorful Persian meals. It is simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients, but the key to achieving the perfect consistency is blending the yogurt thoroughly until it becomes frothy and well-aerated.

10. Persian Kuku Sabzi Recipe

This Persian recipe is a flavorful herb-based frittata made with finely chopped greens and eggs, creating a dish that is both aromatic and nutrient-rich. The key feature of Kuku Sabzi is its high ratio of herbs to eggs, resulting in a deep green color and a soft, tender texture. The herbs, which typically include parsley, cilantro, dill, and scallions, are finely chopped and evenly mixed with the eggs to ensure a well-balanced flavor. Some variations include walnuts for added crunch and barberries for a touch of tartness.

11. Persian Iranian Estamboli Polo Recipe

This Persian recipe is a flavorful rice dish made with fragrant spices, tomatoes, and either vegetables or meat, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. The rice is carefully cooked to achieve a fluffy texture, with each grain remaining separate while absorbing the rich flavors of the other ingredients. The dish can be made as a Persian recipe chicken version, where tender pieces of chicken are layered with the rice, or as a vegetarian option with green beans, potatoes, or other vegetables.

12. Persian Baklava Recipe

This Persian recipe is a layered pastry dessert made with thin sheets of dough, finely chopped nuts, and a sweet, aromatic syrup. The dough is carefully stacked with layers of butter or oil, creating a crispy and flaky texture when baked. The nut filling, often a combination of pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, is finely ground and seasoned with cardamom or cinnamon, adding depth to the flavor.

13. Persian Ash Reshteh Recipe

This Persian recipe is a thick and hearty noodle soup made with legumes, herbs, and aromatic seasonings. The dish has a rich, creamy texture due to the combination of slow-cooked beans and the addition of thick noodles, which absorb the flavors of the broth. The soup is often garnished with fried onions, dried mint, and a tangy fermented whey sauce, giving it a balance of savory and slightly sour flavors.

14. Persian Chai Tea Recipe

This Persian food recipe is a fragrant and well-balanced tea made by brewing black tea leaves with hot water to create a deep, rich flavor. The tea is prepared using loose-leaf black tea, which allows the flavors to fully develop during the steeping process. The strength of the tea can be adjusted based on the amount of tea leaves used and the steeping time, resulting in a bold or mild brew.

15. Persian Zereshk Polo Recipe

This Persian food recipe is a flavorful rice dish that combines fluffy, aromatic rice with tangy barberries, creating a well-balanced combination of savory and slightly tart flavors. The rice is cooked until each grain remains separate and is infused with saffron, giving it a golden color and a fragrant aroma. The barberries, which are small, red, and naturally tart, are gently sautéed to enhance their flavor and provide a contrast to the richness of the rice.

16. Persian Nan-e Berenji Recipe

This Persian cookie recipe is a delicate and fragrant rice flour cookie with a light, crumbly texture. The dough is made using rice flour, which gives the cookies a soft, melt-in-the-mouth consistency. A key characteristic of these cookies is their subtle sweetness, which is enhanced by the addition of aromatic ingredients such as rosewater. The cookies are typically shaped into small rounds and are often decorated with poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top for added texture.