Easy Iranian Food Recipes You Must Try at Home Today

Iranian cuisine, also known as Persian food, is a treasure of flavors, aromas, and colors. It is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home with a few basic ingredients. Whether you are new to Persian cooking or already love Middle Eastern food, exploring easy Iranian food recipes can bring joy and variety to your dining table.

In this article, we will explore easy Iranian food recipes you must try at home today, step by step. From fragrant rice dishes to hearty stews, from kebabs to refreshing side dishes, you’ll find recipes that are simple yet authentic. Best of all, these recipes don’t require complicated tools or hard-to-find ingredients—you can easily make them in your own kitchen.

Why Try Iranian Food at Home?

Before we jump into recipes, let’s understand what makes Iranian food special.

• Balanced flavors – Iranian dishes are rarely too spicy or too sweet. Instead, they strike a perfect balance with herbs, mild spices, and fresh ingredients.
• Nutritious and wholesome – Many recipes include rice, vegetables, herbs, lentils, and lean meats, making them filling yet healthy.
• Cultural richness – Each dish tells a story of Persian history, traditions, and hospitality.
• Simple to prepare – With the right guidance, you can easily recreate authentic flavors at home without professional cooking skills.

Now, let’s dive into the easy Iranian food recipes you must try today.

1. Persian Rice (Chelo) – The Heart of Every Meal

Rice is the star of Iranian cuisine. Almost every meal includes a rice dish. The beauty of Persian rice is its fluffy texture and the golden crispy crust at the bottom called Tahdig.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp oil or butter
• A pinch of saffron (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash rice several times until water runs clear.
2. Boil water, add rice and salt, cook for 5–6 minutes until half-cooked.
3. Drain rice and rinse with cool water.
4. In a pot, add oil, then a thin layer of rice for tahdig (optional: add thin potato slices).
5. Add remaining rice on top in a pyramid shape.
6. Cover with lid, cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes.
7. Mix saffron with a little rice for garnish.

Why try it?
Chelo is simple, fluffy, and goes well with any stew, kebab, or grilled dish.

2. Khoresh Gheimeh – Comforting Yellow Split Pea Stew

This is one of the most loved Iranian stews. It combines split peas, tender meat, tomato, and dried lime for a tangy taste. Often served with rice, it’s both hearty and easy to cook.

Ingredients:

• 300g lamb or beef (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 dried limes (pierced)
• Salt, turmeric, black pepper
• Potato (for fries garnish)

Directions:

1. Fry onion with turmeric until golden.
2. Add meat, sauté until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste and dried lime.
4. Add split peas and 3 cups of water.
5. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours.
6. Fry potato sticks for garnish.

Why try it?
Khoresh Gheimeh is filling, flavorful, and a perfect dish for family dinners.

3. Joojeh Kabab – Persian Chicken Skewers

Iranian kebabs are famous worldwide. Joojeh Kabab (chicken kebab) is juicy, tender, and easy to prepare at home, even without a grill.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast or thighs (cubed)
• 1 onion (grated)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• A pinch of saffron (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Mix onion, lemon juice, yogurt, saffron, salt, and oil.
2. Marinate chicken for at least 4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
3. Thread onto skewers.
4. Grill or bake until golden.

Why try it?
Quick, healthy, and delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners.

4. Mast-o-Khiar – Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

This refreshing side dish is a must-try. Similar to Greek tzatziki, it’s creamy, cool, and pairs beautifully with rice or bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 cucumber (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp dried mint
• Salt, pepper
• Optional: raisins, walnuts

Directions:

1. Mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, and seasoning.
2. Garnish with raisins or walnuts if desired.

Why try it?
It’s light, cooling, and ready in under 10 minutes.

5. Fesenjan – Walnut and Pomegranate Stew

A festive dish that’s rich, nutty, and tangy. Traditionally made with duck or chicken, Fesenjan is one of Iran’s most beloved recipes.

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken
• 2 cups walnuts (ground)
• 1 cup pomegranate molasses
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt, pepper, turmeric

Directions:

1. Fry onion with turmeric.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in ground walnuts and water.
4. Simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add pomegranate molasses, cook for another 30 minutes.

Why try it?
Fesenjan is sweet, sour, and savory—a true taste of Persian tradition.

6. Ash Reshteh – Persian Noodle Soup

This thick, herb-filled soup is perfect for cozy evenings. It includes beans, herbs, and noodles, topped with fried onion and mint.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 cup kidney beans
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill)
• 200g Persian noodles (or linguine)
• 2 tbsp yogurt or kashk (fermented whey)

Directions:

1. Cook beans until soft.
2. Fry onion with turmeric.
3. Add herbs, beans, and noodles to pot.
4. Simmer until thick.
5. Top with yogurt or kashk.

Why try it?
A filling and nutritious soup full of flavor.

7. Persian Salad Shirazi

A simple yet iconic salad from Iran, made with cucumber, tomato, and onion. It’s refreshing and the perfect side for rice and kebabs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, dried mint

Directions:

1. Mix cucumber, tomato, and onion.
2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and mint.
3. Chill before serving.

Why try it?
It’s crisp, light, and refreshing—perfect for summer meals.

8. Kuku Sabzi – Persian Herb Frittata

This green, herby frittata is loaded with parsley, cilantro, dill, and spinach. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, spinach)
• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt, pepper, turmeric

Directions:

1. Chop herbs finely.
2. Beat eggs, mix with herbs and seasoning.
3. Heat oil in pan, pour mixture, cook until set.

Why try it?
Kuku Sabzi is healthy, protein-rich, and ideal for breakfast or dinner.

Tips for Cooking Iranian Food at Home

• Use fresh herbs – Parsley, mint, cilantro, and dill are widely used.
• Balance flavors – Iranian food is about harmony, not overwhelming spice.
• Invest in saffron – A little saffron adds authentic Persian aroma.
• Serve with bread or rice – Most dishes are meant to be enjoyed with one of these staples.

Conclusion: 

Cooking Iranian food at home is easier than it looks. With these easy Iranian food recipes you must try at home today, you can enjoy authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. From rice and stews to kebabs and salads, each recipe is full of taste, nutrition, and tradition.

So, the next time you want something different yet simple, try making one of these recipes. You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also experience the warmth of Persian hospitality at your dining table.

FAQS