Kuku Sabzi
Kuku sabzi is the staple dish of the Norouz table, the Persian New Year, where the intense green of the herbs symbolizes rebirth and the freshness of spring. Unlike Western omelets, where egg is the main ingredient, in kuku sabzi the role of the egg is reversed — it becomes a simple binder for an impressive amount of fresh herbs. Every Iranian family has its own favorite herb combination, but the five basics — parsley, dill, cilantro, green onion and fenugreek — remain relatively constant. Kuku sabzi is often cooked in large quantities and kept in the fridge for days, tasting just as good cold, which makes it a popular choice for extended family meals or sandwiches.
More herbs than egg
Herbs dominate by volume, egg just binds them together.
Five green herbs
Parsley, dill, cilantro, green onion and fenugreek.
Walnuts and barberries
Crushed walnuts and barberries add texture and tartness.
Served cold
Often served cold, sliced, as part of a meze spread.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 6 eggs
- 150g chopped parsley
- 100g chopped dill
- 100g chopped cilantro
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves
- 50g crushed walnuts
- 2 tbsp barberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt, pepper
- Oil for frying
How to make it
- 1PREPARE HERBS: Finely chop all the herbs — parsley, dill, cilantro and green onion — and mix them in a large bowl.
- 2BEAT EGGS: Beat the eggs separately with salt, pepper and baking powder, until foamy.
- 3COMBINE: Pour the beaten eggs over the chopped herbs, add the fenugreek and mix well until combined.
- 4HEAT PAN: Heat plenty of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- 5POUR MIXTURE: Pour the herb and egg mixture into the pan, level the surface, sprinkle the walnuts and barberries on top.
- 6COOK SLOWLY: Cover with a lid and let cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until well set at the base.
- 7FLIP: Carefully flip the frittata onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side for 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
