Update Date: September 6, 2024
Do you know what are some traditional Persian side dishes and how they are typically served? Do you know what are popular ingredients in Persian side dishes? Do Iranians have any vegetarian or vegan Persian side dishes? What are some common spices used in Persian side dishes? What are some Persian side dishes that are easy to make at home?
Iran’s rich eating habit surprises anybody who enjoys the taste of Persian dishes. In fact, the Iranian table will never be complete without side dishes such as marinated olives, fresh vegetables, yogurt, cucumber, and similar dishes. Stay with us, please we want to disclose another aspect of Iran’s food culture, hoping to introduce another delicious part of our country.
What Are the Best Persian Side Dishes?
Persian cuisine is known for its excellent flavors, healthy ingredients, and exquisite garnish. Iranians often serve the main dishes with various side dishes, which complement the main. Some of the best Persian side dishes are:
- Zeitoon Parvardeh;
- Borani;
- Mirza Ghasemi;
- Salad Shirazi;
- Khoresh Mast;
- Kuku Sabzi;
- Masto Khiyar;
- Sabzi Khordan;
- Torshi;
- Khiar Shoor;
- Persian Bread.
Zeitoon Parvardeh
Zeitoon Parvardeh, known as Persian marinated olive or olive tapenade, is among the popular Iranian side. The chopped olives are mixed with ground walnuts, pomegranate sauce, and minced garlic, then fresh herbs, such as mint and parsley, are added to create a unique flavor. The mixture is served chiefly with.
Zeitoon Parvardeh is a salty and tangy Persian side dish perfect for grilled meats, Kebab, and stews like Ghormeh Sabzi and rice dishes. The dish is also a popular appetizer at Iranian gatherings and celebrations and goes well with other Persian side dishes like Sabzi Khordan.
Borani
Borani is a tasty Persian side dish including yogurt and vegetables, particularly spinach or eggplant. Borani is a versatile dish with various vegetables, including eggplant, spinach, zucchini, and beets. It shares similarities with the dish raita, an Indian dish made with yogurt and vegetables.
To prepare Borani, you must steam or sauté spinach or eggplant, then mix them with garlic, yogurt, salt, pepper, and sometimes dried mint. It is a popular Middle Eastern vegetable side dish that you can serve as a dip or a side dish.
Borani Esfenaj, or spinach, is a popular type of Borani, which is made with steamed spinach, garlic, yogurt, and walnut and seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried mint. Another delicious Borani is Borani Bademjan, consisting of sautéed eggplant, garlic, yogurt salt, pepper, and dried mint.
Borani is a healthy and nutritious dish, high in protein and fiber. It’s also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet and can be a delicious and refreshing addition to any meal. That’s why Borani is a favorite among Iranians and food lovers worldwide.
Mirza Ghasemi
Mirza Ghasemi is one of the traditional Persian side dishes that belong to the Gilan province of northern Iran. This smoky Persian eggplant side dish is typically served as a side dish or appetizer and is made by grilling or roasting eggplants. Then the soft chopped eggplant is mixed with garlic, tomatoes, and onions.
The mixture is cooked with oil and Persian spices, like turmeric and black pepper, in the next stage. One of the unique features of Mirza Ghasemi is its smoky flavor due to charring the eggplant skin. The local people roast the eggplant over the flame; however, you can grill them on a barbecue.
Mirza Ghasemi is typically served with bread or rice and can be garnished with a fried egg. The dish is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item but can also be served as a side dish or appetizer. It is a healthy and nutritious vegetarian dish and a good source of fiber and antioxidants. If you are vegan, please delete eggs and enjoy this tasty Persian aubergine side dish.
Salad Shirazi
Salad Shirazi or Shirazi Salad is a refreshing Persian salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs. It’s typically dressed with sour grape juice, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Salad Shirazi is a simple yet flavorful side dish that is commonly served with authentic Iranian dishes like Gheimeh Stew (a stew made of split peas, meat, dried lime, tomato paste, spices, and fried eggplants or potatoes)
This simple Persian salad is a healthy and nutritious dish, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a low-calorie side dish and an excellent option for anyone trying to eat healthier. With its bright and vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and simple preparation, it’s no wonder that Salad Shirazi is a favorite among Iranians and food lovers around the world.
Khoresh Mast- Yoghurt Stew
Khoresh Mast, also known as yogurt stew, is a traditional Iranian side dish originating from Isfahan and is made with yogurt, meat, saffron, and sugar. It is typically served with rice and is among the expensive Persian side dishes.
Khoresh Mast is a health-giving dish high in minerals, protein, and vitamins. Overall, Khoresh Mast is a delicious and comforting dish favorite in Iranian cuisine. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s no wonder that Khoresh Mast is a popular side dish in Iran.
Kuku Sabzi
Kuku Sabzi sits in the list of vegetarian Persian side dishes resembling herb frittata or omelet. It includes fresh herbs, such as:
- Parsley;
- Dill;
- Cilantro;
- Scallions.
Other ingredients are eggs, walnuts, and barberries. Mix the chopped herbs with the abovementioned ingredients to make Kuku Sabzi, and then use Persian spices like turmeric to add flavor. At the next stage, pour them into a pan to be fried.
Kuku Sabzi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences. For example, some variations of Kuku Sabzi may include additional ingredients, such as feta cheese or cooked potatoes. The dish can also be served hot or cold, making it an excellent option for any occasion.
Masto Khiyar
Masto Khiyar, or cucumber and yogurt dip, is among the easy Persian side dishes made with yogurt, garlic, raisin, walnut, cucumbers, and dried mint. It is an excellent option for the hot summer days.
To make Masto Khiyar, mix the grated cucumbers with yogurt, salt, dried mint pepper, garlic, and other ingredients. Masto Khiyar can be served in various ways, such as a dip for vegetables or chips, a spread for bread, or a side dish for grilled meats or rice dishes.
Sabzi Khordan- Persian Vegetables
Sabzi Khordan, also known as a fresh herb platter, is a popular side dish typically served with meals. This Persian vegetable side dish consists of fresh herbs and vegetables, such as:
- Basil;
- Parsley;
- Cilantro;
- Radishes;
- and scallions.
To prepare Sabzi Khordan, the herbs, and vegetables are washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. This easy Persian side dish is an excellent Persian side dish for traditional Iranian foods such as Abgoosht. The fresh and flavorful herbs and vegetables help balance the main dish’s richness, making it a refreshing and delicious combination.
Torshi- Pickled Vegetables
Torshi is one of the best Persian appetizers made by pickling vegetables and fruits in a vinegar and salt solution. The word “torshi” originates from the Persian word “torsh,” which means sour. Iranians have various types of TorshiTorshi, which vary based on the selected vegetable or fruit. Some common types of Persian TorshiTorshi include:
- Pickled garlic;
- Pickled eggplant;
- Pickled cauliflower and carrots;
- Sour cherries.
To make TorshiTorshi, you must wash and then chop the fresh vegetables or fruits into small pieces. Then add them to a jar with a lid and season with a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices. After several days or weeks, depending on the recipe, TorshiTorshi is ready to come to your lunch table.
Khiar Shoor
Khiar Shoor is among the tastiest Persian side dishes made by pickling cucumbers, pepper, and garlic in vinegar and salt. “khiar” means cucumber in Persian, and “shoor” means salty.
To make Khiar Shoor, cucumbers are first washed, added to a glass jar or other container with a lid, and covered with vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like mint and dill. After one month, it becomes ready to eat.
Khiar Shoor is a healthy and nutritious condiment, as cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and the pickling process adds beneficial probiotics to the dish.
Persian bread
Persian bread, known as Nan, is a traditional flatbread popular in Iranian cities. It is a necessary item on the table of Iranians that goes well with stews, kebabs, or other main dishes.
Persian bread is made from a simple dough with flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is kneaded and raised before being shaped into flat rounds or long loaves. The tiny pieces of dough are baked in a traditional oven until golden brown and crispy outside.
Persian bread has a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other types of bread. It has a slightly chewy texture and a soft, pillowy interior. The crust is crispy and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, thanks to the addition of sesame seeds.
Some types of bread in Iran are:
- Barbari;
- Sangak;
- Lavash;
- Tafton.
In addition to Barbari bread, several other types of bread are popular in Iranian cuisine. One of the most common is Sangak, a whole wheat flatbread that is made using a particular type of stone oven. Another popular type of bread is lavash, a thin, unleavened flatbread resembling a tortilla.
Taftoon is another type of Iranian bread that is similar to lavash but is thicker and has a softer texture. It is often served alongside stews and other saucy dishes.
In addition to these traditional pieces of bread, many modern variations of Iranian pieces of bread incorporate different flavors and ingredients. For example, some bakeries may offer pieces of bread with herbs, spices, or even dried fruits and nuts.
Overall, bread is an integral part of Iranian culture and cuisine, and there are many different types of loaves of bread to explore and enjoy. Whether you prefer the chewy texture of Sangak, the crispy crust of Barbari, or the softness of cartoon, Iranian bread is a delicious and essential part of any meal.
A Piece of Joy with Persian Side Dishes
In this article, we tried to introduce some famous Persian side dishes and help you find proper answers to the question, “What to serve with Persian rice?” Iranians have a comprehensive list of tasty side dishes that you may enjoy with your meal, so if you are looking for more tasty items or want to learn about Persian side dishes recipes, please visit our store.
In our store, you can find various cookbooks about Persian cuisine, desserts, and side dishes in English and Persian versions to help you cook and learn from Persia. In our books, you can find Persian appetizer recipes and make them like native chefs.
Above all, if you have any questions concerning Persian side dishes, Persian cookbooks, or our online classes, please feel free to contact us. We are all ears to hear your constructive comments helping us appear stronger. Stay with us for new explorations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Common Persian Side Dishes?
Some typical Persian side dishes include Shirazi salad, Mast-o-Khiar, Mirza Ghasemi, Torshi, and Sabzi Khordan.
Are Persian Side Dishes Vegetarian?
Many Persian side dishes are vegetarian, as vegetables and herbs are prominent in Persian cuisine. However, some dishes may contain meat or dairy products like Khoresh Mast.
Can I Make Persian Side Dishes Ahead of Time?
Yes, many Persian side dishes can be made and stored in the refrigerator. Some dishes, such as Torshi, benefit from being made beforehand to allow the flavors to mix thoroughly.
Which Dishes Go Well with Persian Side Dishes?
Persian side dishes are often served with main dishes, such as kebabs and stews. Some popular Iranian foods include Chelo Kebab (grilled meat with saffron rice), Ghormeh Sabzi (herb stew with meat and beans), and Tahchin (baked saffron rice with chicken or lamb).
Are Persian Side Dishes Spicy?
Persian cuisine could be spicier, although some dishes contain mild spices such as turmeric, cumin, or saffron.