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10 Popular Persian Recipes from Iran You Must Try

There are cuisines that taste good, and then there are cuisines that feel like a warm hug. Persian cuisine clearly belongs to the second category. It is sensual, aromatic, deeply rooted in tradition, and full of delicate details that make every dish something truly special. Saffron, pomegranate, dried limes, fresh herbs, and slow-simmered stews tell stories of family, hospitality, and time. This blog post is a small culinary journey through 10 Popular Persian Recipes from Iran You Must Try. These are meals that regularly appear on Iranian family tables and are also deeply loved around the world. Perfect for anyone eager to try something new and fall in love with a different food culture.

Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice with Dates & Raisins

The first bite of Adas Polo – Persian Lentil Rice with Dates & Raisins – sparks magic in your kitchen. Steamy rice hugs tender lentils, sweet dates and juicy raisins pop with flavor, and caramelized onions fill the air with the warm, soulful aroma of Persian spices. I love it the vegan way, and in this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how to make it—but you can also top it with fried eggs, meatballs, ground beef, or chicken if you like. This sweet-and-savory dish comforts your soul, delights your taste buds, and wraps chilly fall or winter evenings in pure joy. Persians, known for their rich culinary heritage, prepared Adas Polo with rice, fruits, and meat as far back as the 13th century. Even today in Iran, it brings people together and fills both plate and heart with pure happiness. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Zereshk Polo ba Morgh – Saffron Rice with Barberries & Chicken Meatballs

Close your eyes and imagine this: your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly steamed saffron rice, while ruby-red barberries sparkle in the light and the scent of warm butter drifts through the air. In that moment, you truly experience the essence of Persian hospitality. Zereshk Polo ba Morgh stands as one of the most beloved classics of Persian cuisine – a dish that carries the taste of home, warmth, and family gatherings across generations. Even today, it remains a centerpiece on festive tables, cherished because of its unique balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Now, I give this traditional recipe a fresh twist. Instead of chicken drumsticks, I shape tender little saffron chicken meatballs. As a result, Zereshk Polo is lighter, more modern, and still bursting with flavor. At the same time, it is much easier to enjoy on a busy weeknight. In this way, you experience the full magic of saffron rice with barberries, but in a new and surprisingly simple version. So, if you want to try Zereshk Polo ba Morgh …

Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans

PERSIAN LAMB SHANKS FOR EASTER OR NOWRUZ Celebrate Easter with a delicious oriental dish: Baghali Polo ba Mahiche – Braised Lamb Shanks with Dill Rice and Fava Beans. This dish consists of slow cooked lamb shanks infused with Advieh Khoresti spices, served alongside fragrant dill rice and fava beans. The blend of coriander, aniseed, dried rose petals, saffron, nutmeg, pepper, and cumin (Advieh Khoreshti) creates a festive flavor perfect for Easter or Nowruz. While not excessively laborious, this dish does require patience as the lamb shanks simmer for at least 2-3 hours until they are tender and almost falling off the bone. To ensure availability, please order lamb shanks in advance from your butcher. This slow braising process guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Take advantage of the simmering time to prepare your starter and dessert for a complete and satisfying Easter feast. Watch preparationsvideo on Instagram

Anar Polo ba Morgh – Pomegranate Rice with Chicken انار پلو با مرغ

Rice is a staple food in Persian cuisine that we prepare artfully. We have a long tradition of preparing rice, as seen in our various rice dishes. The preparation of rice sometimes has a festive character, so we prepare different rice dishes for specific celebrations. My dish today is one of them, which I prepared for the longest night of the year – Shab-e Yalda (شب یلدا). Anar Polo ba Morgh – Rice with chicken fillet and pomegranate انار پلو با مرغ is also called Nar Polo and is a delicious Persian dish that is prepared either with chicken or meat. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram

Kalam Polo Shirazi – Cabbage Rice with Meatballs

Lately, the weather has been dull, chilly, and rainy. Are you craving some comfort food that feels like a warm hug for both your body and soul, just like sun rays on a gloomy day? Kalam Polo Shirazi – Saffron Herb Rice with Pointed Cabbage and Meatballs, is a simple, tasty, and popular Persian rice dish. “Kalam” means cabbage, and “polo” is our beloved rice. You can make Kalam Polo with white cabbage or kohlrabi, but I enjoy the taste of pointed cabbage. I recently got a lovely pointed cabbage from the farmer’s market. Watch Preparation Video on Instagram

Valak Polo ba Mahi – Wild Garlic Rice with Marinated Salmon

Finally, it’s wild garlic time, and you can only find it on the market a few weeks of the year, so I prepared several Persian recipes with wild garlic. I made Valak Polo today, a traditional Persian Rice Dish with Wild Garlic, Sumac, and Saffron. We serve Chicken or meatballs with this dish in Iran. I prefer to fish with Valak Polo, so I made it with salmon in a lemony marinade. The marinade is to die for and consists of rose petals, ground dried lime, bay leaves, sumac, cinnamon, grated zest of a lemon, lemon juice, and lemon pepper tossed in olive oil. Salmon tastes best when you marinate it for about 2 hours. If you like wild garlic, you might also like my creamy One Pot Past with green asparagus and wild garlic, as I also show you the place near my home where wild garlic grows. Watch Video on Instagram (Wild Garlic Rice Preparation) Watch Video on Instagram (Marinated Salmon Preparation)

Mash polo – Rice with Mung Beans and Meatballs ماش پلو

Mash polo rice with mung beans and meatballs ماش پلو is a typical dish from the city of Isfahan. It is also known as Kate Mash or Dampokhte Mash. You need for mashpolo mung beans, rice, saffron and dried dill. Soak the mung beans overnight or for at least 4 hours in water, which makes them cook faster. Mash Polo is a delicious vegetarian and vegan dish by itself. I served meatballs as a side dish along with it, feel free to serve chicken, fish or even fried eggs instead. Give it a try with a topping of caramelized onions, raisins, cinnamon and walnuts. A tahdig of lava bread completes the delicious dish. If you like Adas Polo you will also like Mash Polo.

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