Andrea AbbondanzaPersian cuisine is known for its rich, flavorful flavors and various appetizers. From spicy stews to delicate pastries, a variety of these traditional Persian dishes can be found on the menus of restaurants worldwide.
So, what are the most popular Persian appetizers? Dig deeper into our list of some of the most popular appetizers from Persia that you can enjoy with friends and family!
Top 7 Persian Appetizers
What are the most popular Persian appetizers? From fresh Shirazi salad to Ghalie Mahi, these are the answers to the top seven most popular appetizers from Persia!
Shirazi Salad
Originating from Shiraz, Shirazi Salad is actually a traditional Iranian food made with freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbal spices.
It is light yet flavorful and is often served as a healthy snack to rice dishes and meat-based food. The salad also contains lemon juice for an added acidic kick and extra virgin olive oil for a hint of richness.
Kuku Sabzi
Kuku Sabzi, or herb Kuku, is a delicious dish consisting of whipped eggs, vegetables, herbs, and spices, all cooked together in a pan.
Various Kuku styles have different ingredients, including potatoes, eggplant, roe, and yogurt. This appetizer is commonly accompanied by bread or rice.
Abgoosht
Abgoosht is a traditional stew commonly made with lamb, chickpea, tomato, onion, potatoes, white beans, and various spices. It’s simmered slowly until the meat is tender and the sauce becomes thick and flavorful.
You can replace the white beans with other variations, such as black-eyed peas or kidney beans. It’s commonly served with warm flatbreads and separately with its broth.
Sholezard
Sholezard is made with rice and water. The unique flavor of this simple dish comes from its spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, butter, and saffron.
The overall texture of Sholezard is creamy and fragrant, making it a delightful way to start any meal. Usually, this appetizer is served during special occasions like Ramadan.
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi, or herbed rice with fish, is a classic dish traditionally made with steamed basmati rice cooked with various fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, dill, cilantro, and garlic chives.
There are various kinds of fish to use for this dish, from Caspian white fish to salmon. However, white fish is the most common fish to be used.
Kashk Bademjan
Kashk Bademjan is a traditional Iranian cuisine that is also popular in Persia. It’s an eggplant dip made with cooked eggplant and kashk, which is a thick yogurt-like dairy product.
The eggplant and kashk are blended together until they form a creamy texture. Garlic, sautéed onions, walnuts, and liquid saffron are added as toppings for extra flavor.
Ghalieh Mahi
Ghalieh Mahi is a savory fish stew seasoned with spices like tamarind, cilantro, fenugreek, onion, garlic, chili pepper, and turmeric. The dish is usually served with sides, such as rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Persians snack on?
Usually, Persians snack on kolompeh, baklava, gaz, koloocheh, sohan, baslogh, and ajil.
What do Persians eat with tea?
It is common for Persians to drink tea with sweet accompaniments, such as dates, baklava, cookies, or raisins.
What sweets do Iranians like?
Iranians like various sweets, from mashgati, ranginak, and gaz.
Conclusion
We have highlighted seven of the most popular appetizers from Persia: Shirazi Salad, Kuku Sabzi, Abgoosht, Sholezard, Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi, Kashk Bademjan, and Ghalieh Mahi. These vibrant dishes are full of flavors and a great way to start off any celebratory meal or festive get-together.
For those who want to bring some international flair to the dinner table, it’s easy to see why Iranian dishes influence certain appetizers from Persia and have become so popular worldwide. Therefore, if you want to add some zesty flavor to your next experience of savoring popular Persian food, give one of these delicious appetizers a try – you won’t regret it!
