Persian Omelet

Persian Omelet Recipe with Leeks, Spinach, and Nuts

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Persian Omelet is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner. This dish is packed with fresh herbs, nuts, and vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

History

The Persian Omelet, also known as Kuku Sabzi, is a traditional Iranian dish that dates back centuries. It is a popular dish in Persian cuisine and is often served during special occasions and celebrations. The omelet is typically made with a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, and nuts, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil or sunflower oil
2 leeks, finely chopped
12 oz (340 g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped or 5 oz (142 g) thawed frozen chopped spinach, squeezed dry
12 eggs
8 scallions, finely chopped
0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
0.25 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 sprigs fresh tarragon, chopped or 0.5 tsp dried tarragon
0.25 cup fresh chives, chopped
1 sprig fresh dill, chopped or 0.25 tsp dried dill
2 - 4 sprigs fresh mint, chopped
0.33 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
0.5 cup pine nuts
sea salt
ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large, shallow pan that can be used under the broiler.
Add the leeks and fry them gently for about 5 minutes, until they are just beginning to soften.
If using fresh spinach, add it to the pan containing the leeks and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, until the spinach has just wilted.
Beat the eggs with a whisk, in a large bowl.
Add the leek and spinach mixture (or the leeks with the thawed frozen spinach), then stir in the scallions, along with all the herbs and nuts.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the pan and cover with a lid or foil.
Cook over very gentle heat for 25 minutes, or until set.
Remove the lid and brown the top under a hot broiler.
Serve cut into 8 wedges with a green salad, or serve cut into small bite-sized pieces as an appetizer.
Can be served hot or cold.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze the spinach dry before adding it to the omelet to prevent excess moisture.

- Use a shallow pan that can be used under the broiler for best results.

- Cook the omelet over very gentle heat to ensure it cooks evenly and does not burn.

- Feel free to customize the herbs and nuts in the omelet to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Persian Omelet with a green salad or as an appetizer at a party.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the omelet over very gentle heat to prevent burning.

- Use a lid or foil to cover the pan while cooking to ensure the omelet cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of nuts in place of pecans and pine nuts.

- Feel free to use any combination of fresh herbs that you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Persian Omelet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the omelet into wedges and serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Persian Omelet with a side of yogurt and fresh bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Persian Omelet contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Persian Omelet contains approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Persian Omelet contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Persian Omelet contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Persian Omelet is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Persian Omelet is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Persian Omelet is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh herbs, nuts, and vegetables, this omelet is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Iran. I had always loved to cook, and my grandmother was a fantastic cook herself. She had taught me many of her own recipes, but I was always eager to learn more.

One day, a family friend came to visit us from the city. She was a wonderful cook and had traveled all over the world, collecting recipes from different cultures. She told me about a Persian omelet that she had learned to make during her travels, and I was immediately intrigued.

She described the omelet to me in great detail – eggs whipped until fluffy, mixed with fragrant herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection in a hot skillet. It sounded delicious, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I asked our friend if she would teach me the recipe, and she was more than happy to oblige. We spent the afternoon in the kitchen, gathering the ingredients and preparing the omelet together. As we worked, she shared stories of her travels and the people she had met along the way. I listened intently, soaking up every detail.

When the omelet was finally ready, we sat down to eat. The flavors were incredible – the herbs and spices melding together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made the Persian omelet countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added extra garlic for a more robust flavor, swapped in different herbs depending on what was in season, and even experimented with adding vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers.

Each time I made the omelet, it brought back memories of that day in the kitchen with our friend. I could still hear her laughter as we whisked the eggs, feel the warmth of the skillet as we cooked the omelet to perfection. It was a dish that connected me to her and to the wider world beyond our village.

As I grew older, I continued to hone my cooking skills, learning new recipes and techniques from anyone willing to share them. I collected recipes from neighbors, friends, and even strangers I met while traveling. Each one had a story behind it, a connection to someone or somewhere special.

But the Persian omelet remained one of my favorites. It was a dish that never failed to impress, whether I was cooking for my family or for guests. The flavors were bold and comforting, a reminder of my roots and the rich culinary traditions of Iran.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. I hope that you will make it your own, adding your own twist and sharing it with those you love. And most of all, I hope that it will connect you to me and to the generations of cooks who came before us.

Cooking is more than just following a recipe – it is a way of preserving our heritage, of honoring the memories and traditions that shape who we are. So as you whip the eggs and chop the herbs, remember the stories that go along with this Persian omelet. Remember the sense of anticipation, the joy of discovery, and the love that goes into every bite.

And above all, enjoy every delicious mouthful. Bon appétit!