Yalda, the longest night of the year, is one of the most beautiful Persian celebrations. It brings family and friends together to drive out the darkness and celebrate the light. On this special night, people enjoy not only the company of their loved ones, but also a variety of traditional dishes that make this night unforgettable. Let’s take a look at some of the must-try dishes that are perfect for your Yalda night table. You can find all the recipes on my blog, Labsalliebe! Just click on the image or title to go straight to the recipe. Some recipes are in German, but you can find the english recipe by scrolling down the page.
MUST EAT FOOD FOR YALDA NIGHT
DRINKS FOR YALDA NIGHT
POMEGRANATE MULLED WINE
Drinks are just as important as food on Yalda Night. For a festive start to the evening, I recommend a warm pomegranate mulled wine – the perfect way to start the festivities. The recipe will be shared in the coming days. For those who prefer something more traditional, dugh, the Persian yoghurt drink, is a great option. Either drink will make a wonderful addition to your Yalda Night festivities.
AB HENDEVANEH – WATERMELON LEMONADE
Fresh, fruity and simply irresistible: Ab Hendevaneh is the perfect summer drink and a delightful addition to Yalda Night. This watermelon lemonade combines the sweetness of ripe watermelon with a hint of lime and a splash of rosewater. It’s a drink that not only refreshes, but also captivates with its vibrant colour and exotic aroma. Below, I’ll explain why watermelon is a must at Shabe Yalda.
SNACKS FOR YALDA NIGHT
AJIL-E SHAB-E YALDA – PERSIAN NUT PLATTER
No Yalda night is complete without a selection of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and dried fruits symbolise the richness and fertility of life. Create a beautiful nut platter with a variety of options and serve it as a snack or to accompany dessert. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle dried rose petals on the platter.
MUST-EAT FRUITS FOR SHABE YALDA
On the night of Yalda, it is traditional to enjoy certain fruits that carry deep symbolism and meaning. The most important fruits that should not be missing on this special evening are:
- Pomegranates (Anar): A symbol of fertility, prosperity, and life. Their red seeds represent light and the sun, reminding us of the longest night of the year. I show you how to easily deseed them [here].
- Watermelons (Hendevaneh): Associated with the sun and light, their red color and refreshing taste evoke summer and help dispel the darkness of the night.
- Apples (Sib): Apples symbolize health and beauty. Their sweet, fresh flavor makes them a popular snack during Yalda Night.
- Persimmons (Kaki): With their vibrant orange skin, persimmons represent sunlight and warmth, which gain strength after the winter solstice.
They symbolize hope for the return of light and the shortening of dark winter days.
The combination of these fruits represents overcoming darkness and the hope for more light and growth in the coming year.
SHIRINI SHAB-E YALDA – PISTACHIO CARDAMOM COOKIES WITH POMEGRANATE SEEDS
These delicate little cookies are a true delight for Yalda Night! The combination of finely ground pistachios, a hint of cardamom, and vibrant pomegranate seeds creates not only an irresistible flavor but also a festive look for your table. Perfect as a sweet treat after dinner or with tea – a heavenly way to end the longest night of the year!
COOKIES WITH POMEGRANATE JAM AND YALDA PLAYLIST
What would Yalda night be without sweet treats and festive music? These delicate cookies with pomegranate jam bring the colours and flavours of the celebration to your table and are a real eye-catcher. Pair them with a mood-setting Yalda playlist of Persian classics and contemporary music to make the longest night of the year an unforgettable experience for all the senses!
PANIR HENDEVANEH – WATERMELON-FETA SKEWERS
Fresh, fruity, and so easy to prepare: Panir Hendevaneh is the perfect snack for Yalda Night or a light appetizer. The sweet watermelon combined with salty feta, fresh mint, and crunchy cucumbers creates a flavor contrast that will delight everyone. These skewers are not only delicious but also a visual highlight on your festive table!
SALADS FOR YALDA NIGHT
BEETROOT SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE AND FETA
My pomegranate salad with beetroot and feta combines the vibrant red seeds of pomegranate with the earthy sweetness of beetroot and the creamy tang of feta. The secret? A touch of raspberry vinegar that perfectly balances the flavors. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a taste experience that’s perfect for Yalda or Christmas.
COLORFUL TOMATO SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE SEEDS
A salad that delights both the eyes and the palate! This vibrant tomato salad with pomegranate seeds combines the sweet tang of the pomegranate pearls with the fresh taste of juicy tomatoes. Finished with a hint of pomegranate balsamic in the refined dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for Yalda Night or any festive meal. Fresh, light, and full of color!
SALAD-E ANAR BA MORGH – POMEGRANATE CHICKEN SALAD سالاد انار و مرغ
Salad-e Anar ba Morgh (سالاد انار و مرغ) is a delicious Persian salad that beautifully combines chicken and pomegranate. This aromatic blend of tender chicken pieces, sweet pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of savoury and fruity flavours. Often served with a light vinaigrette of lemon juice and mayonnaise, it’s not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a stunning centrepiece on your Yalda table.
SALAD-E PANIR O HENDEVANEH – WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD
A watermelon salad for Shabe Yalda is a refreshing and colorful addition to the traditional dishes of the festive evening. The juicy, sweet watermelon symbolizes the light and warmth of the sun, which will begin to grow again in the coming months. My salad is made with a blend of mint, spring onions, white wine vinegar, and either feta or a pinch of salt, which wonderfully complements the fresh, fruity flavor of the melon.
SOUPS FOR YALDA NIGHT
ASH-E RESHTEH – PERSIAN NOODLE SOUP WITH HERBS
This savory and comforting soup is a classic for Yalda. Ash-e Reshteh is made with fresh herbs, legumes, and noodles – the perfect soul-soother for chilly winter nights. The symbolic noodles represent wishes for a long life and happy new beginnings. Try my recipe!
ASH-E ANAR BA KOOFTEH GHELGHELI – THICK POMEGRANATE SOUP WITH MEATBALLS AND MINT OIL آش انار
Ash-e Anar is one of the most popular soups for Yalda. Made with pomegranate seeds, plenty of fresh herbs, and legumes, it’s not only delicious but also a visual delight. I enhance the soup with pomegranate juice, making it much more flavorful and intense than with water. It’s topped with hot mint oil (Nana Dagh), herbs, and pomegranate seeds. This soup symbolizes fertility and abundance.
MAIN DISHES FOR YALDA NIGHT
KHORESHT-E FESENJAN – LAMB STEW IN POMEGRANATE-WALNUT-SAUCE
Khoresht-e Fesenjan is a true highlight for Yalda night. This traditional Persian dish is made from a delicious blend of ground walnuts and pomegranate paste. The flavor is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory – a true treat that pairs great with rice. Traditionally, Khoresht-e Fesenjan is made with duck, making it a fantastic option for a delicate Christmas meal. Try my recipe!
VEGAN KHORESHT-E FESENJAN
I also have a vegan version of this dish here on the blog. It’s a must-try for this special day and create holiday feelings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a festive meal in Iran.
KOOFTEH ANAR O GERDOO – MEATBALLS IN POMEGRANATE-WALNUT-SAUCE
Koofteh Anar o Gerdoo is a delicious Persian dish made with tender meatballs cooked in a rich pomegranate and walnut sauce. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors creates a truly unique taste experience. These meatballs are perfect for any festive occasion and pair wonderfully with rice. A delightful dish that will bring warmth and flavor to your table!
KHORESHT-E BEH ALOO – QUINCE, PRUNE AND BEEF STEW
This sweet-and-sour sauce with quinces and dried plums is an explosion of flavors. The quinces, dusted with a touch of cinnamon, bring a warm sweetness, while the golden plums offer a slightly tangy contrast. Khoresht-e Beh Aloo pairs perfectly with rice and adds an extraordinary aroma to your table.
DOLMEH KADU HALVAI – STUFFED PUMPKIN olmeh Kadu Halvai – دلمه کدو حلوایی
Dolmeh Kadu Halvai is a traditional Persian dish where pumpkins are stuffed with a delicious mix of rice, herbs, and spices. This sweet and savory combination is served with either a tomato or yogurt sauce, adding a special touch to the dish. The stuffed pumpkin is a popular choice for festive occasions, offering a rich flavor and a blend of vibrant aromas that will surely impress.
ANAR POLO BA MORGH – POMEGRANATE RICE WITH CHICKEN انار پلو با مرغ
Anar Polo is a vibrant rice dish that perfectly matches the festive atmosphere of Yalda. Also known as Nar Polo, this delicious Persian dish is made with either chicken or meat. Pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs make it both a flavorful and visual delight for any table. The topping adds an extra touch of magic. Try the recipe!
MORGH-E SHEKAM POR – STUFFED ROASTED CHICKEN
Stuffed chicken, prepared with a mix of plums, raisins, walnuts, and aromatic spices, is an absolute delicacy. It’s incredibly delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Ideal for larger Yalda gatherings, it will surely impress your guests.
KHORESHT-E KADU HALVAI – PUMPIN AND CHICKEN PAN خورش کدو حلوایی
My Khoresht-e Kadu Halvai, with its warm yellow-orange tones, is a feast for the eyes, fills your stomach with comfort, and nourishes the soul. It’s definitely a quick and easy one-pan comfort meal you should try. This sweet-savory pumpkin sauce is a wonderful change for Yalda.
TAHCHIN – SAFFRON RICE CAKE
Tahchin is a crispy saffron rice cake that’s perfect for festive occasions. Whether made with chicken or as a vegetarian dish, Tahchin is always a showstopper and a true delight. The recipe will be available soon!
DESSERTS FOR THE YALDA NIGHT
SHOLEH ZARD – PERSIAN SAFFRON RICE PUDDING
Another highlight that has to be on your Yalda table is Sholeh Zard, the Persian saffron rice pudding. Its golden-yellow color symbolizes light and hope. Garnished with aromatic saffron, rose water, cinnamon, and pistachios, Sholeh Zard is a heartwarming dessert. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead. Here’s the recipe!
KAKA KADU – PERSIAN PUMPKIN PANCAKES
These pancakes are incredibly fluffy, mouthwateringly delicious, and also healthy, as they are traditionally gluten-free and low carb. The batter is made with rice flour, rice milk, eggs, pumpkin puree, a hint of rose water, cardamom, and for some crunch, crunchy walnuts. A perfect treat for any occasion!
DESSER-E KADU HALVAI – BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN SAFFRON-CINNAMON SYRUP
Desser-e Kadu Halvai (دسر کدو حلوایی) is an irresistible Persian dessert, where butternut squash is cooked in a sweet saffron-cinnamon syrup. The combination of the squash’s natural sweetness and the warm, aromatic spices creates a heavenly flavor experience. A true highlight for lovers of Persian cuisine.
BAKLAVA CHEESECAKE
If you really want to impress your guests, serve my Baklava Cheesecake. This festive combination of traditional Baklava and creamy cheesecake is sure to wow everyone. With a mix of crispy phyllo dough, nutty layers, and a delicate cheesecake filling, this dessert is a true flavor experience.
CAKE SIB – PERSIAN APPLE CAKE WITH PISTACHIOS کیک سیب
Cake Sib is a delightful Persian apple cake made with a fragrant blend of fresh apples, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. The tender apples and soft, moist texture of the cake are elevated by the addition of pistachios, making it a special treat. Finished with a light glaze, this cake is the perfect dessert for festive occasions or a sweet indulgence with a cup of tea. The combination of apples, pistachios, and spices makes Cake Sib a true highlight of Persian baking.
POMEGRANATE BUNDT CAKE
Imagine a fluffy, moist bundt cake, sprinkled with vibrant pomegranate seeds, bringing a touch of the Orient in every slice. Is your mouth watering yet? Then keep reading – because this Pomegranate Bundt Cake isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly easy to make!
YAKH DAR BEHESHT-E ANAR – PERSIAN POMEGRANATE GRANITÉ یخ در بهشت انار
Yakh Dar Behesht-e Anar, meaning “Pomegranate Granité in Paradise,” is a refreshing Persian dessert perfect for hot days or festive occasions. This delicious granité is made from fresh pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon juice, giving it a fruity, tangy flavor. Ideal as a light, refreshing end to a festive meal. A true paradise for pomegranate lovers!
MAKE YOUR YALDA NIGHT UNFORGETTABLE
Yalda night is the perfect opportunity to spoil your loved ones with delicious dishes and create lasting memories. Get inspired by the recipes on my blog, Labsalliebe, and bring a piece of Persian culture to your table with these traditional and creative ideas.
Which dishes are a must for your Yalda night? Share your ideas and let’s celebrate together!
Yalda Mobarak!
Susan
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