15 Persian recipes

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Easy Persian recipes

Persian-style aubergine bake

Try our super-easy layered Persian-inspired aubergine bake with crumbled feta. This vegetarian recipe is a simple and comforting one-pot to make over the winter months. Plus, it's gluten-free, too. Try more great veggie bakes.

Kuku sabzi

This version of kuku (a Persian baked omelette) is a twist on the traditional – potatoes to soften the intensity of the herbs, and dried barberries for their tart bite.

Spiced green bean and tomato rice

Sabrina takes a classic Persian recipe, loobia polow (rice cooked with green beans and meat), and makes it veggie for a showstopping meat-free main.

Winter greens kuku with barberries and pine nuts

Try this herby, spiced kuku sabzi recipe – it's akin to a frittata and is made with leafy greens, nuts and fruit.

Spiced chicken salad with cashews and cucumber

This aromatic chicken salad is perfect for a Middle Eastern dinner party spread. Serve it in a big dish and let everyone dig in.

Rice and vegetable aash with puy lentils

This hearty staple of Persian cuisine is always herb-based but there are many varieties: some with meat, some with barley, rice, tomato or pomegranate molasses. This is Sabrina Ghayour's Western-style version.

Slow-cooked pork, apricot and tamarind stew

Slow-cooked, low-calorie and packed full of the soul-warming flavours of Persia, this recipe is the perfect solution to the chilly winter months. There are more great stew ideas to check out here.

Spiced cod fritters with harissa honey dip

These crunchy fish fritters with sweet and spicy dip make great nibbles for a gathering, or would be right at home as part of a Middle Eastern-style spread.

Smoked aubergine and pepper salad with pomegranate molasses

This recipe for sweet and smokey aubergine salad would make the perfect addition to a Persian feast. Infused with the flavours of Persia, it's a little bit of Middle Eastern magic for you and your friends to enjoy.

Persian-style rice with lamb

Aromatic basmati rice is flavoured with the juices of lamb shoulder, aubergine, plum tomatoes and combined with sultanas and turmeric in this hearty recipe.

Lamb kofta puffs with tahini and tomato sauce

This recipe for flaky puff pastry wrapped around tender lamb koftas is sure to be a hit all year round.

Orange, pecan and cannellini salad with sautéed fennel and golden raisins

Pair this zingy gluten-free salad with some of the other Persian-style dishes here to create an impressive Middle Eastern-style feast.

Persian-style lamb stew

This Persian-inspired lamb stew is really simple and makes for a delicious, warming midweek meal for the family. The pomegranate seeds and mint give it a lovely, fresh flavour. If there are only two of you, freeze the rest.

Persian love cake

Serve this gorgeous Persian love cake for close friends and family – it's wonderfully fragrant thanks to cardamom and nutmeg.

Persian-inspired peach mess with brown sugar almonds

This is a great twist on a classic British eton mess. Different brands of rosewater vary enormously in strength, so add a little at a time and taste as you go, until you’re happy with the flavour.

Doogh ice lollies

The classic savoury Persian yogurt drink gets a new lease of life as a refreshing ice lolly, with mint added for freshness and some honey for sweetness.