Kuku Sabzi
Ingredients
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- 1/4 cups barberries – rinsed and patted dry
- 2 cups flat-leaf parsley – finely chopped (~1 n/a parsley)
- 1 cups cilantro – finely chopped
- 1 cups dill – finely chopped
- 1 cups scallions – thinly sliced (~5.5 n/a green onions)
- 1/2 cups walnuts – coarsely chopped
- 8 large eggs – lightly beaten
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- barberries – for garnish
- walnuts – chopped (for garnish)
- plain yogurt – for serving
- flatbread – for serving
Instructions
1. Place the barberries in a fine-mesh sieve, rinse under cold water, then soak in warm water for 5 minutes; drain and pat dry.
2. Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, and dill. Thinly slice the scallions. Coarsely chop the walnuts.
3. Warm 1 tsp of the vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the barberries and cook, stirring, until glossy and slightly plumped, 30–60 seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the large eggs with the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and ground turmeric until evenly colored and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.
5. Fold the parsley, cilantro, dill, scallions, walnuts, and the cooled barberries into the eggs until evenly distributed.
6. Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a 10-inch nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Pour in the herb-egg mixture and spread it evenly, smoothing the top. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the edges are set and the bottom is deep golden, 8–10 minutes.
7. Run a spatula around the edges to loosen. Invert the kuku onto a plate, then slide it back into the skillet to cook the second side. Cook uncovered until the center is set and springy to the touch, 5–7 minutes more. As an alternative finish, place the skillet under a broiler to set the top, 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
8. Rest 5 minutes. Cut into wedges, garnish with the barberries (for garnish) and walnuts (for garnish), and serve with plain yogurt and flatbread. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Kuku Sabzi is a vivid Persian herb and egg frittata with a lush, green interior, crisped edges, and a savory, aromatic flavor. The herbs dominate—parsley, cilantro, dill, and scallions—while the eggs bind everything into a tender cake. Tart barberries add bright pops and walnuts lend gentle crunch, making each bite fresh, earthy, and nuanced.
Traditionally served for Nowruz (the Persian New Year), Kuku Sabzi symbolizes renewal and the arrival of spring through its abundance of greens. It has long been enjoyed across Iran as a light meal, mezze, or side, and can be cooked on the stovetop or baked. Regional and household variations exist, but the defining character is the high ratio of herbs to eggs and a well-browned crust.