29 Persian Recipes for Holidays and Everyday

There’s just something magical about Persian cuisine. When you think about the food of Iran, classics like tahdig—that deep, golden-brown crust that forms on the bottom of the traditional steamed rice—immediately come to mind. Classic Persian recipes often call on bold ingredients: aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron, floral rose water, and tangy pomegranate molasses. It’s no secret that Persian food is packed with big flavors, but thanks to the region’s abundant use of fresh herbs, it has a way of feeling both comforting and fresh.

Whether cooking a feast to celebrate Nowruz (the Persian New Year) or you’ve simply arrived here looking to expand your dinner horizons, these Persian recipes deliver incredible flavor and satisfaction.