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Allrecipes Magazine
Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is a celebration of life, rebirth, and the first day of spring. It is observed in many countries across Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkans, as well as by Persian community members around the world. To help you ring in the holiday, we’ve rounded up some Nowruz and Middle Eastern recipes. From naan and kabobs to noodle soup, these recipes are perfect for sharing with loved ones during Nowruz—a time to reinforce bonds within families and communities—or anytime of year.
01
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Ash Reshteh
Allrecipes Magazine
"Ash Reshteh is a Persian noodle soup packed with pinto beans, chickpeas, lentils, and herbs that has the consistency of stew," says Allrecipes community member Shadi Hasanzade Nemati. "It’s traditionally eaten on the 13th day of Nowruz, when celebrators spend time in nature to avoid potential bad luck at home."
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02
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Kuku Sabzi
"Kuku sabzi is a traditional Persian dish that is an herb-heavy frittata," says Allrecipes community member Ali Ramee. "The egg is really just a binder to hold all of the herbs together; it is not the main component of this dish. Serve with flatbread, yogurt, pickled onions, feta, and pomegranate seeds."
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03
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Naan
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"This homemade naan recipe makes soft, chewy naan with a buttery taste," says Allrecipes community member Maryellen. "It is the best I have tasted outside of an Indian restaurant. Simply delicious eaten warm brushed with melted butter or served with your favorite curry."
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04
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Shirazi Salad
Allrecipes Magazine
“Shirazi salad is known for its fine, uniform dice. The closer you can get to 1/4-inch dice on the veggies the better,” says Allrecipes Allstar Candice Walker. “Look for ab ghooreh (sour grape juice) at Middle Eastern markets.”
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05
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Paneer
"AWESOME! This recipe is so simple and ultimately delicious! You will not be disappointed," says reviewer Serena. "Since the recipe does make a lot of cheese, I refrigerated the unused portion. After 5 days I still had some left over…it was tastier than the first day I made it."
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06
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Persian Fried Fish with Saffron and Turmeric Recipe
Allrecipes.
Allrecipes Magazine
This Persian fried fish recipe is popular during Nowruz because fish is a symbol of life. Serve with sabzi polo, green herb rice.
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07
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Sabzi Polo
Allrecipes Magazine
"So easy to make and INCREDIBLY flavorful," says Allrecipes Allstar SunnyDaysNora. "My entire family loved this! Will definitely be making again. Served with fried fish."
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08
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Masht-o Khiyaar (Persian Cucumber Salad with Sultanas and Walnuts)
"This is a Persian recipe and my favorite cucumber salad. Cucumbers are combined with toasted walnuts and sultanas and a light dressing of yogurt, fresh dill, and fresh mint," says Allrecipes community member Afiyet_olson. "For best results refrigerate salad for about 1 hour."
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09
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Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)
"Reshteh polo is a fragrant rice and noodle dish often served at Nowruz (Persian New Year) for lunch or dinner to symbolize good wishes for the new year," says Allrecipes community member Naz Deravian. "This version is prepared with crispy, saffron-tinged, potato tahdig, sweet golden raisins, and Medjool dates."
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10
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Jujeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabobs)
"This is a classic Persian chicken kabob recipe that is very delicious and tasty," says Allrecipes community member Reza Michael. "Serve with roasted tomatoes, fresh onions, sliced lemons, and rice."
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11
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Pomegranate Stew with Chicken (Khoresh Fesenjan)
"Chicken, onions, finely processed walnuts, and pomegranate juice are simmered to perfection," says Allrecipes member Sepi. "The sauce should be as thick as a good chili. Serve with saffron steamed basmati rice."
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12
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Shirini Nargili
Allrecipes Magazine
"Shirini Nargili cookies are delicious Persian coconut cookies that are wonderfully light and airy – you can't eat just one," says Allrecipes community member Shadi Hasanzade Nemati.
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13
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Kanafa
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"This kanafa, or knafeh, recipe is a favorite Palestinian dessert," says Allrecipes member Noura. "Crunchy shredded phyllo dough is baked with a layer of creamy sweet cheese and then drenched in rosewater syrup. It's simple yet impressive."
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14
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Yazdi Cakes
"A recipe passed to me from my great-grandmother, these Yazdi cakes are light and not too sweet," says Allrecipes community member shahrzad. "The cardamom and rosewater give it a distinctive Persian flavor. They are best served with hot tea or coffee."
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More Inspiration
Jacob Fox / Food Stylist: Sammy Mila / Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
- An Introduction to Persian Cuisine
- 12 Best Persian Recipes to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation
- Our Entire Collection of Middle Eastern Recipes
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