A fragrant Persian herb frittata packed with fresh greens, walnuts, and barberries, Kuku Sabzi is a flavorful and nutritious dish. Traditionally enjoyed during Nowruz (Persian New Year), this vibrant omelette is rich in herbs and spices, making it a healthy and delicious meal for any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Fresh Herbs – Packed with parsley, cilantro, dill, and green onions, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish.
- Nutritious and Healthy – High in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from eggs, walnuts, and barberries.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients and a fast cooking process make this a perfect meal for busy days.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – No flour or gluten-based ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it warm or cold, as a main dish, side dish, or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large eggs
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Fresh dill, finely chopped
- Green onions, finely chopped
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin
- Walnuts, chopped
- Dried barberries (or cranberries), soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- Olive oil
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, dill, and green onions, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and drained barberries.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Pour the egg and herb mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the edges are set.
- Flip the kuku carefully and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and serve warm with yogurt, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Kuku Sabzi – Add crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella for a creamy texture.
- Baked Version – Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Spicy Kuku – Add a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh chopped green chilies for extra heat.
- Nut-Free Option – Skip the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Protein – Serve with grilled chicken or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
What is Kuku Sabzi?
Kuku Sabzi is a Persian herb frittata made with eggs, fresh herbs, and sometimes nuts and dried fruits. It’s a popular dish for Persian New Year.
Can I make Kuku Sabzi without barberries?
Yes, you can substitute barberries with cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
What’s the best way to flip Kuku Sabzi without breaking it?
Use a large plate to carefully flip it over and slide it back into the pan.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried herbs if necessary (reduce the quantity by half).
Is Kuku Sabzi served hot or cold?
It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it great for meal prep.
What can I serve with Kuku Sabzi?
It pairs well with yogurt, fresh herbs, feta cheese, flatbread, or a simple cucumber salad.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes, some variations include thinly sliced or grated potatoes for added texture.
How do I make my Kuku Sabzi fluffier?
Whisk the eggs well before adding the herbs, and cook on low heat to allow even cooking.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can try replacing the eggs with chickpea flour and water for a plant-based version, though the texture will be different.
Is Kuku Sabzi the same as a frittata?
It’s similar to a frittata but has a much higher ratio of herbs to eggs, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Traditional Iranian Kuku Sabzi is a delicious and nutrient-packed dish that brings the fresh flavors of Persian cuisine to your table. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner, this vibrant herb omelette is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Try it today and enjoy the rich taste of Persian cooking!
Print
Traditional Iranian Kuku Sabzi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fragrant Persian herb frittata packed with fresh greens, walnuts, and barberries, making for a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried barberries (or cranberries), soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, dill, and green onions, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and drained barberries.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Pour the egg and herb mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the edges are set.
- Flip the kuku carefully and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and serve warm with yogurt, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Serve with flatbread and yogurt for a traditional Persian experience.
- If barberries are unavailable, use dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart touch.
- For a lighter texture, beat the eggs until frothy before mixing with herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Persian
