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Iranian cuisine is a mosaic of flavors and textures that combine to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds. In this article on the best Persian cookbooks, we will discover how each part of Iran has its own culinary flair, imbued with unique spices and fresh herbs that give each dish its characteristic flavor.
From stews heated gently over low flames to kebabs cooked over hot coals, Iranian cooking is an art form that only a few have mastered.
If you want to unlock the secrets of ancient Persian flavors in your kitchen and have a peek at Persian culture along the way, then these must-have Persian cookbooks are the perfect place to start.
- My Top 3 Picks for Best Persian Cookbooks
- More Best Persian Cookbooks
- Taste of Persia: A Cook’s Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan by Naomi Duguid
- The Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook: 100 Simple Recipes for Beloved Persian Food Favorites by Shadi HasanzadeNemati
- Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour
- Joon: Persian Cooking Made Simple by Najmieh Batmanglij
- Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian Family Recipes by Ariana Bundy and Lisa Linder
- Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets Najmieh Batmanglij
- The Ultimate Persian Cookbook: A Complete Guide to 111 Healthy and Delicious Persian Dishes by Slavka Bodic
- From a Persian Kitchen: Authentic recipes and fabulous flavours from Iran by Atoosa Sepehr
- From Persia to Napa: Wine at the Persian Table by Najmieh Batmanglij
- Summary Best Persian Cookbooks
My Top 3 Picks for Best Persian Cookbooks
Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories by Naz Deravian
Written by award-winning chef, restauranteur and Persian descent, Naz Deravian, Bottom of the Pot: Persian Recipes and Stories is an amazing collection of traditional Persian recipes.
With easy directions for each dish, making a tasty feast for guests or family has never been easier!
Not only are there authentic Persian recipes in this book, but it also dives deep into the cultural history of Iran; from stories of ancestors to cultural references bound to make readers laugh out loud.
The most captivating thing about Bottom of the Pot is how it weaves culture and cuisine into unique, fun, modern dishes.
Unsurprisingly, some hail it as the best Persian cookbook on the market.
Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh Batmanglij
Food of Life by Najmieh Batmanglij is one of the most famous Persian cookbooks for anyone seeking to explore Persian cuisine.
The book started after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and explores ancient Persian cooking and modern Iranian ceremonies.
Through her easy-to-follow recipes, readers will learn about legendary dishes such as spanok koobideh, khorak-e ta’am, and ash e reshteh.
With ingredient lists for staples like garlic, rose petals, and dried limes that can easily be found in any grocery store, readers will have no difficulty replicating Batmanglij’s delectable recipes.
Beautifully illustrated throughout with stunning photographs of finished dishes and individual ingredients, the book transports its readers back to Ancient Persia while remaining relevant in the present day.
Related: 11 Best Portuguese Cookbooks
The Saffron Tales: Recipes from the Persian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan
For those passionate about cooking authentic Iranian dishes, The Saffron Tales: Recipes from the Persian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan is an unparalleled culinary adventure.
This beautiful Persian cookbook is a collection of stories and recipes that capture the heart of Persian cuisine, rich in history, culture, and flavor.
Since ancient times, this region has been at the crossroads of many civilizations, with each culture adding its own special flavor.
Drawing on these influences, Khan introduces home cooks to vibrant dishes like Ash-e Reshteh Soup with Potatoes and Chickpeas and Pistachio Rice with Barberries and Orange Blossom – recipes that truly capture the essence of Persian cooking.
Whether you’re exploring a new diet or just want to add incredible flavors to your repertoire of meat and vegetarian dishes, The Saffron Tales provides all you need for success.
More Best Persian Cookbooks
Taste of Persia: A Cook’s Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan by Naomi Duguid
If you want to explore the exotic flavors of Persian cooking, then Taste of Persia: A Cook’s Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan by Naomi Duguid is a must-read.
This book takes readers on a culinary adventure through the unique flavors of each region.
Through vivid photographs and detailed recipes, Duguid brings her knowledge and passion for Persian cuisine to life. She showcases specific ingredients and spices used in each region and Persian dishes.
You will learn about traditions passed down from generations that give these dishes their distinct flavor.
With an informative yet entertaining approach, this book allows readers to discover all Persian gastronomy offers without leaving their kitchen.
Related: Best Lebanese Cookbooks for the Home Cook
The Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook: 100 Simple Recipes for Beloved Persian Food Favorites by Shadi HasanzadeNemati
The Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook is a must-have for anyone interested in Persian cuisine!
From torshi to gondi Soup, Shadi HasanzadeNemati has compiled an impressive selection of 100 recipes from popular Persian food favorites.
Featuring easy-to-find ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and inspiring photos, this user-friendly cookbook is ideal for home cooks, beginners, or advanced.
Whether you’re looking to recreate traditional Persian recipes from your family heritage or trying a new cultural experience, this Iranian cookbook will be useful for those eager to master the art of preparing delicious Persian Food!
Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour
Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond is a cookbook by Sabrina Ghayour featuring a collection of over 100 recipes inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
The book is divided into chapters based on preparation methods such as grilling, baking, and frying.
Sabrina’s recipes are simple and straightforward, and she incorporates lots of fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables to create flavorful, colorful dishes.
This book is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting in the kitchen.
From mouthwatering dips, fragrant salads, and hearty mains to gorgeous desserts, Persiana will have you falling in love with the rich and diverse flavors of the Middle East.
The book has been widely praised for its accessibility, beautiful photography, and delicious recipes, making it a must-have for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Joon: Persian Cooking Made Simple by Najmieh Batmanglij
Joon: Persian Cooking Made Simple by Najmieh Batmanglij is a great book if you’re looking to explore the delicious world of Persian recipes.
Each recipe contains easy-to-follow instructions that even a novice chef can understand.
In addition, this Persian book offers helpful tips on how to recreate traditional Persian flavors in your home kitchen, making it ideal for anyone wanting to try Persian cooking.
From flavorful stews and hearty meals to light snacks and sweet treats, Joon has something for every taste and skill level.
Whether you want to master authentic Persian dishes or want something new and different to add excitement to your meals, this book will open up a world of flavor possibilities.
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Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian Family Recipes by Ariana Bundy and Lisa Linder
Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian Family Recipes, by authors Ariana Bundy and Lisa Linder, is a collection of traditional dishes from the author’s Persian heritage.
Each recipe has been carefully crafted with the insight of home cooking, offering an indulgent journey into the culture and cuisine native to Iran and the Middle East.
Through the use of traditional ingredients such as pomegranate, saffron, roses, spices, nuts, and fruits blended in diverse combinations that are both modern yet deeply rooted in their culture.
From hearty stews to meaty recipes or light vegetarian delights, this Persian cookbook offers remarkable insights into one family’s celebrated customs through delectable recipes.
Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets Najmieh Batmanglij
Najmieh Batmanglij’s book, Cooking in Iran: Regional Recipes and Kitchen Secrets, takes readers on an extraordinary culinary journey.
After five years of planning and research, Najmieh has compiled hundreds of delicious recipes and stunning visuals of the local cuisine of Iran.
She traces the story of her journey revisiting villages and off-the-beaten-track communities to unearth traditional recipes and make surprising new discoveries.
With more than 250 recipes and 400 photographs, this book is packed with inspiring ideas and practical tips for anyone interested in exploring the flavors of Persian cuisine.
The Washington Post has a wonderful article about Najmieh titled “The Grande Dame of Iranian Cooking. It’s time you knew her name” discussing, amongst other things, the writing of this book.
The Ultimate Persian Cookbook: A Complete Guide to 111 Healthy and Delicious Persian Dishes by Slavka Bodic
Next on our list of the best Persian cookbooks is The Ultimate Persian Cookbook: A Complete Guide to 111 Healthy and Delicious Persian Dishes by Slavka Bodic.
This comprehensive cookbook covers everything from traditional stews and appetizers to salads and desserts, making every course easily accessible.
With abundant step-by-step instructions, mouthwatering photographs, and helpful tips, this book makes creating tasty dishes easy.
Regardless of your cooking skills, The Ultimate Persian Cookbook will be invaluable.
Whether for special occasions or everyday Persian meals, you can trust that your family and friends will taste the flavors of Persia whenever you make something from this incredibly useful cookbook.
From a Persian Kitchen: Authentic recipes and fabulous flavours from Iran by Atoosa Sepehr
If you are looking for a new culinary adventure, Atoosa Sepehr’s From a Persian Kitchen is the perfect way to explore the rich flavors of traditional Iranian cuisine.
This cookbook offers over 80 delicious and authentic recipes, including appetizers, entrees, beverages, desserts, and side dishes.
With easy-to-understand instructions and helpful tips throughout the book, novice cooks can successfully recreate these dishes in their home kitchen.
Every recipe contains unique flavors that delight and excite your taste buds and satisfy your guests with every bite.
Sepehr’s cookbook brings Iran’s true Middle Eastern flavors into your kitchen and is a must-have addition to any foodie’s collection.
From Persia to Napa: Wine at the Persian Table by Najmieh Batmanglij
With her book From Persia to Napa: Wine at the Persian Table, Najmieh Batmanglij brings together two of her greatest passions: her homeland Iran’s cuisine and culinary culture, and the world of fine wines.
For many home cooks, this book, a winner of the Gourmand Cookbook Award in 2007 for the best wine history book, provides a gateway into a unique cultural perspective on food and wine pairing; readers will learn how Persian dishes draw their signature flavors from ingredients such as dried limes, saffron, sour cherries, and rosewater.
The book offers invaluable insight into regional wine pairings as well, featuring detailed accounts which explore the five distinct regions of Central Asia (Ghalamkar), Western Asia (Khayyam), The Fertile Crescent (Safavid), Northern Iran (Qajar) and Southern Iran (Zand).
Perfect for culinary novices and connoisseurs alike, From Persia to Napa is an invitation to explore the rich diversity of flavors Persian cuisine offers in today’s modern context.
Najmieh Batmanglij was hailed “The Grande Dame of Iranian Cooking” by the Washington Post.
Summary Best Persian Cookbooks
Whether you want to recreate traditional recipes, prepare modern Iranian dishes, or combine Iranian food and Iranian culture, these Persian cookbooks will help you prepare a tasty meal in true Persian style.
More best cookbooks:
Yes, Persian food is typically very healthy. Many dishes rely on fresh ingredients and are low in fat and calories while delivering many flavors. Additionally, herbs like saffron and dried limes are thought to have medicinal properties that can help boost overall health.
Some of the most popular Persian dishes include fesenjan (a stew made with pomegranate and walnuts), ghormeh sabzi (a herb-packed dish featuring lentils, beef or lamb, and herbs like parsley and cilantro), kabab koobideh (ground beef kebab), gheimeh (dried split peas with lamb, potatoes and tomato sauce), polo ba morgh (chicken and rice with saffron) and halim (a porridge made of wheat or barley).
One of the most famous Persian meals is Chelow Kabab, a platter with two skewers of ground beef or lamb kabobs served over rice. Grilled tomatoes, butter, and yogurt often accompany this dish.
