If you haven’t tried Persian food yet, you’re missing out. With unique ingredients like pomegranate paste, rosewater, saffron and cardamom, Persian food is a must-try for the adventurous foodie.

Whether you’re looking for a night out at a delicious Persian restaurant or prefer to try out a few recipes at home, here are four Persian must-eats.

Kabobs

Ingredients: Minced Beef or chicken/beef fillet served alongside charred tomatoes complimented with basmati and saffron rice.

Kabobs are one of the most beloved and well-known Persian dishes. But don’t let your vision of plain meat on a stick fool you, kabobs can range from cheap street food to decadent delicacies only the Shahs of Sunset could afford.

The ground beef variety known as the Chelo kabob is considered to be an official dish of Iran. Unlike its Turkish cousin, the Iranian kabob is not roasted on a spit, but grilled on a skewer and served alongside basmati rice complimented with a hint of saffron and charred tomato.

Ghormeh Sabzi

Ingredients: Beef or lamb, onion, fenugreek, dried lemon and a variety of herbs

Ghormeh Sabzi is one of the most popular dishes in Iran. The unique combination of herbs, spices and meat makes for an unforgettable experience.

Ghormeh Sabzi is a classic Persian comfort food, with many unique ingredients that many hours of preparation, which can be difficult to replicate at home. All Middle Eastern ingredients can be found at Pars Market and Cuisine making this Persian meal a great option for a cold winter day.

Kashk-e bademjan

Ingredients: Eggplant, kashk (whey), onion, fried mint and turmeric.

A Persian dinner party just wouldn’t be “Persian” without this silky eggplant dip. This exquisite dish brings together the caramelized onions, tender, fried eggplant, to truly create a divine dip.

The kashk with its unique flavor is a lovely addition to this recipe. Also infused with fried mint — something sure to make eggplant lovers smile.

Fesenjoon

Ingredients: Pomegranate paste or molasses, ground walnuts, chopped onions and chicken

Fesenjoon is one of the oldest and most famous Persian dishes. Pomegranate, or “fruit of heaven,” is the dish’s key ingredient, providing it with its signature sweet and sour flavor. This dish is just as special without the chicken and often preferred that way by vegetarians.

According to culinary historian Massimo Montanari, "food is culture" and nothing could be truer of Fesenjoon. Biting into a tender piece of chicken covered with tart pomegranate paste and smooth walnut sauce is to experience Persian culture.

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