An Introduction to Iranian Food

Update Date: July 18, 2024

What are the healthiest Iranian food? Does Iran have national food? Is Iranian food healthy?

Here are some of the most famous Iranian food from the perspective of Iranian and foreigners who have visited Iran or tested Persian food. The delicious taste of Iranian food is unforgettable as a result, many tourists test them on their travel to Iran. If you like to learn more about Iranian food, scroll down to discover the tastiest things to eat in Iran. In other words, we invite you to the party of Iranian food.

1. Baqalipolo

The first one is called Baqalipolo with brawn. This food is one of the most notable and famous items for Iranian guests, specifically for celebrations. As you might have noticed from the photo, green bees next to the Iranian rice have created a fantastic scene. Indeed, the scent of saffron and natural butter creates a mouthwatering dish. Honestly, this food is the most popular and number one food in the whole country of Iran.

The ingredients used to make this food are not hard to find you only need to be patient to make this food the time to let the food cook properly is so important. On the planet earth, everyone celebrates the new year as a public festival at different times and based on their culture and customs. In fact, they have particular names and philosophies.

You need to drench the rice and add the broad beans, then let it cook. Later, add spices, onions, and garlic to the meat and let it cook for more than three hours. Finally, the rice and stew are ready, and you may enjoy them with fried potatoes and tomatoes. The best option for the side dish would be salads, particularly Shirazi salad.

2. Qeimeh

The second delicious Iranian food is called Qeimeh Stew, another popular food in Iran. Actually, Iranians serve this food with fried fries and fried eggplants.

Indeed, you need meat, split peas, onions, tomato sauce, lemon, and different spices like salt, pepper, and turmeric. You have to fry the onions first, add the rest to the pot and let them boil for some hours.

The secret of Iranian food’s unforgettable taste is the time to cook food so that that food gets more delicious. In the end, you must pour it into a big bowl and design it with fried onions and fried eggplants.

Iranian people serve it with saffron rice. For the side dish, you would enjoy salads, including the most popular in Iran, the Shirazi Salad (the mixture of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.)

Some might enjoy the food with yogurt while others serve it with cuts of cucumber or vegetables. How about you? Do you prefer salad or vegetables?

3. Fesenjan Stew- Best Iranian Food

The taste of this food differs from sour to sweet. In fact, the diversity in taste adds it to the list of the top three most popular foods in Iran. You can cook it in different ways.

Some prefer it with chicken, while others enjoy red meat. As a result, different tastes appeal to people with unique tastes. However, in both situations, it is one of the tastiest stews that you could ever have in your life.

The unique scent of this food makes you hungry, so be ready for excellent Iranian food. have to start eating. The main ingredients of this food are pomegranate sauce and nuts; for this reason, you will find it delicious.

In either case, cooking this food is not actually easy; definitely, no one like an Iranian mother can make it professionally. Iranian serve this food either a sour or something in between. In any case, all of them are highly delicious.

Don’t forget that stews in Iran are always served with rice; as a result, you need a rice dish next to this Stew. To put it another way, serve it with saffron rice.

4. Qormeh Sabzi, Popular Iranian Food

Generally speaking, Mukbangers talk nonstop about how delicious Qormeh sabzi is. This food is one of the most original food in Iran that everyone loves in fact, Iranians serve it with rice.

It includes delicious vegetables, meat, kidney beans, and dried lemon. As an illustration, this one is a must and should be on top of the list. With this in mind, do not forget to test it as soon as possible.

5. Disey- Traditional Iranian Food

The following food is not a soup or a stew; indeed, it’s something in between, and Iranians call it Disey. Disey actually has attracted so many foreigners to Iranian kitchens and restaurants.

This traditional food consists of meat, beans peas, and potatoes while in some places people add some tomatoes as well.

This soup-like food should cook for many hours and finally serve with some bread. Then, Iranians squish meat, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, and beans to make Goosht Koobideh.

Iranians serve it with bread, vegetables, and raw onions; however, some black pepper at the end in order to have it spicier.

This Iranian food is great for cold days. It is worth mentioning that the drinks next to this food is water or soda. However, Iranians enjoy it with Ayran (a mixture of yogurt, water, salt, and some dried mint.)

6. Kabab Koobideh- Most Delicious Iranian Food

You might have heard that kababs are so popular in different countries ranging from Saudi Arabia to China. Everyone loves kabab, indeed some kababs of Iran might root However Kabab Koobideh is Iranian’s special kebab. Generally speaking, it is highly popular even in Eastern countries and most tourists prefer it because of its delicious taste. it is served with tomatoes, raw onions, and peppers. You may enjoy it with some rice and saffron and butter; however, some people eat it with yogurt and cucumber.

7. Zereshk Polo

The next one is called Zereshk Polo, a very popular Iranian food, which is easy to cook. Zereshk Polo is actually made for celebrations and wedding parties. The ingredients are rice, saffron, chicken, and spices. Iranian people serve this food with potato. At first, you need some pieces of chicken, onions, garlic and Iranian spices. Then you need to fry the chicken with garlic and onions later, add other ingredients, tomato sauce and water. Finally, let them boil to have a thick sauce. Serve it with rice and barberry.

8. Koofteh Tabrizi- A Traditional Iranian Food

Koofteh Tabrizi, as you may understand from the name, is from Tabriz (a city in the west-north of Iran). Generally speaking, Iranians cook this dish in different types, but the most crucial one is Koofteh Tabrizi.

This food consists of meat, split peas, and vegetables; as I have noted, you have to mix them to create meatballs and fill them with boiled eggs, some plums, and nuts. Then you have to create the spice with Iranian spices and onion.

Let it boil for three to four hours; at the end, you can serve meatballs with tomato sauce. This food is mainly served with Nan, a famous bread in Iran, and some vegetables and raw onions.

 9. Loobiya Polo

Loobiya Polo is another tasteful Iranian food that Iranians serve it differently. Libya polo accompanies Tahdig, the crispy side of the rice. In brief, it is a combination of rice, potato, tomato sauce, Iranian spices, and peas.

You can serve it with yogurt and different types of salad, particularly Shirazi Salad (a mixture of cucumber, tomatoes, onion, dried mint, and sour grape juice.)

All you need to do is to let the peas boil for almost half an hour, then you have to add the tomato sauce. Finally, season it with some salt, pepper, and special Iranian spices.

Besides making the sauce, you need to cook the rice, then mix them to cook for almost an hour. The salads mentioned above suit the food well, but the taste of yogurt mixed with some cucumbers and salt, pepper, garlic, and nuts is so magical.

10. Joojeh Kabab- A Mouthwatering Iranian Food

As you have understood from the beginning of this article, soups, potages, and stews include a lot of meat. Joojeh Kabab is made of chicken and is chiefly served with rice and saffron. Actually, chicken breast or wings are flavored with onion, garlic, cream, saffron, salt, and pepper and, after 10 to 12, are grilled. This food is mainly served at special gatherings like wedding parties besides Zereshk Polo or Baqali Polo and salad.

11. Dolmeh

Generally speaking, Dolmeh is an Iranian food made of rice, split peas, some particular vegetables, and meat. Then, people fill grape leaves, tomatoes, eggplants, and cabbage with these ingredients.

Let it cook in tomato sauce for three hours later, and serve it with Shirazi salad. All in all, some people believe that this finger food originates from Arabic countries. In fact, in Iran, this food is mainly cooked in the spring when the leaves are tender. However, Iranian people freeze them during the cold seasons. This food is served chiefly with bread and ayran.

12. Tahchin

The following food is Tahchin, another delicious food from Iran. It’s cooked with rice, chicken, yogurt, spices, and saffron. At the next stage, you have to add the ingredients to a unique pot and finally enjoy the yellow or golden layer of rice.

At this time, add some nuts, saffron, and pistachio on top and serve it with your family. Most of the time, it is not considered a main dish, while most people would serve it with other foods.

Discover the Rich Flavors of Iranian Cuisine

Iranian cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. As noted above, popular dishes like Kabab Koobideh and Ghormeh Sabzi are beloved by Iranians and foreigners alike. Kabab Koobideh stands out as the top favorite, with its juicy, flavorful meat, while Ghormeh Sabzi is a close second. Foreigners who have tasted these dishes often agree on their deliciousness.

While these stews are deeply loved, it’s worth noting that many foreigners have a preference for non-stewish Iranian foods. Dishes such as kebabs, rice with tahdig, and various types of flatbreads are particularly popular. Iranian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian options, delightful desserts, and refreshing beverages like tea.

If you have more questions or if there’s something not covered in this article, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you explore the wonderful world of Iranian food!

FAQs

What is Iranian food like?

Iranian food is known for its rich flavors, use of fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. It often includes rice, meats, and vegetables.

Are there vegetarian options in Iranian cuisine?

Yes, there are many vegetarian dishes, such as kashk-e bademjan (eggplant dip) and various vegetable stews.

Is Iranian food spicy?

Iranian food is flavorful but not very spicy. It uses a lot of herbs and mild spices for taste.

What kind of bread is common in Iran?

Common breads include lavash, sangak, and barbari, which are usually flatbreads.

Source

What Is in Our Bookstore?

Persian Cookbooks are available on GetbookOnline Store

Find the healthiest recipes on GetbookOnline

To learn how to make Ghormeh Sabzi, Shirazi Salad, and many great Iranian recipes for main foods and side dishes, check out the Persian Cookbook.  “Let’s Make Something Delicious with My Mom’s Lunch and Dinner Recipes”