Kuku Sabzi is a vibrant and herbaceous Persian frittata, traditionally served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This dish is packed with fresh herbs and greens, making it a delightful celebration of spring. Kuku Sabzi is characterized by its dense herb content, with a minimal amount of egg used to bind the ingredients together, offering a unique twist on the classic frittata. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup scallions or green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons barberries or dried cranberries (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer to bake the Kuku Sabzi. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stovetop.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add turmeric, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
- Stir in all the chopped fresh herbs and scallions, along with dried fenugreek leaves if using. If you’re including walnuts and barberries (or dried cranberries), add them now. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg and herb mixture into the skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cook on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to set. Then, if you’re baking, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Kuku Sabzi is fully set and the top has a slight golden color. For stovetop cooking, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes. Flip the Kuku Sabzi carefully and cook the other side for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly in the pan. Loosen the edges with a spatula and slide or gently flip the Kuku Sabzi onto a serving plate.
- Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 12g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4-6 people
Kuku Sabzi is not only a testament to the flavors of Persian cuisine but also to the importance of herbs and greens in their culinary tradition. This dish is a beautiful, green mosaic of flavors, perfect for any meal where you want to bring a touch of freshness and nutrition. Enjoy it with yogurt, flatbread, or as part of a larger feast to celebrate the flavors of Iran.
