Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi / کوکو سبزی)

Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi / کوکو سبزی)

Kuku Sabzi is a beloved Persian herb frittata, often served during Nowruz (Persian New Year) or as a light meal. It's packed with an abundance of fresh herbs, mixed with eggs and a hint of warming spices, creating a vibrant green, flavorful, and incredibly aromatic dish that's both savory and subtly sweet from the herbs.

Total Time
45-55 mins
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Rating
4.6/5

Ingredients

  • 1
    Large Eggs
    6 large eggs
  • 2
    Fresh Parsley
    1 cup (packed) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3
    Fresh Cilantro
    1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 4
    Fresh Dill
    1/2 cup (packed) fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 5
    Fresh Chives or Scallions
    1/2 cup (packed) fresh chives or green parts of scallions, finely chopped
  • 6
    Walnuts
    1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional, but traditional)
  • 7
    Barberries (Zereshk)
    2 tablespoons dried barberries (Zereshk), rinsed and drained (optional, but traditional)
  • 8
    All-Purpose Flour
    1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, helps bind)
  • 9
    Baking Powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
  • 10
    Turmeric Powder
    1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 11
    Salt
    1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 12
    Black Pepper
    1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 13
    Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil
    2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Prepare Herbs: Wash and thoroughly dry all the fresh herbs. This is crucial to prevent a watery kuku. Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives (or scallions). You can do this by hand or in a food processor (pulse briefly to avoid mushing). You should have about 3-3.5 cups of chopped herbs in total.

  2. 2

    2. Prepare Add-ins (Optional): If using walnuts, roughly chop them. If using barberries, rinse them under cold water and pat dry. Set aside.

  3. 3

    3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs. Whisk them well with a fork until thoroughly combined. Add the chopped herbs, chopped walnuts (if using), rinsed barberries (if using), flour (if using), baking powder (if using), turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the kuku tough.

  4. 4

    4. Cook on Stovetop: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or olive oil in a large (10-inch or 25cm) non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-low heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the pan.

  5. 5

    Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer), pour the egg and herb mixture into the skillet. Spread it evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the kuku to cook through and become golden brown on the bottom without burning.

  6. 6

    5. Flip or Finish in Oven: After 15-20 minutes, check the bottom. If it's golden brown and the edges are set (the top might still be slightly jiggly), you have two options:

  7. 7

    - Flip Method: Carefully invert the kuku onto a large plate, then slide it back into the skillet cooked-side up. Cook, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the second side is also golden brown and cooked through.

  8. 8

    - Oven Finish Method (easier for beginners): If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer the skillet (uncovered) to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the kuku is fully set in the center and lightly golden on top.

  9. 9

    6. Serve: Once cooked, slide the Kuku Sabzi onto a cutting board. Cut into wedges or squares. Kuku Sabzi is traditionally served with yogurt (plain or mixed with garlic/mint), fresh bread (like lavash or sangak), and often tomatoes or pickles. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

  10. 10

    Note: For a richer kuku, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads steeped in 1 tablespoon of hot water to the egg mixture.

Tags:
persian-cuisineeggsfrittataherbsvegetarianmain-dishside-dishnowruz

Love this recipe?

Discover 99 more delicious egg recipes in our complete collection.

Browse All Recipes