Top 10 Persian Cookbooks and Recipe Books

If you’re a food lover looking to discover new cuisines, then Persian cuisine is definitely worth exploring. 

And what better way to do so than by using the top Persian cookbooks? These cookbooks are filled with mouth-watering recipes that will transport you to the streets of Tehran and beyond. 

From classic dishes like khoresh-e fesenjan to modern twists on traditional fare, these books have something for everyone. 

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of Persian cooking, keep reading to discover our top picks!

Bottom of the Pot

Bottom of the Pot is a unique and personal cookbook, as it tells the story of Naz Deravian’s family and their journey from Iran to different parts of the world, carrying with them their love for Persian cuisine. 

The book has more than 100 recipes that have been changed to work in an American kitchen. It also has essays by Naz about home and the bittersweet feelings of assimilation and longing. 

It’s interesting to see how Naz weaves in elements of Persian culture, such as fragrant rose petals and tart dried limes, with a global perspective on food. 

As someone who enjoys trying out new recipes, I would be curious to explore the flavors and techniques of Persian cooking through this cookbook.

Food of Life

I think the Food of Life cookbook by Najmieh Batmanglij is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Persian cuisine and culture. 

The book’s descriptions of ancient and modern Persian ceremonies, poetry, folktales, and anecdotes make the reader feel like they are there. 

The recipes are well explained and easy to follow, even for novice cooks. I’m glad that the ingredients are easy to find in the U.S., so I can try my hand at making Persian food with its refined tastes and textures. 

The addition of art, history, and culture makes this cookbook more than just a collection of recipes; it offers a glimpse into a rich and ancient civilization. 

I recommend this cookbook to anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.

The Saffron Tales

The Saffron Tales by Yasmin Khan is an exquisite cookbook that takes readers on a journey through Iran’s rich culinary history. 

Khan’s recipes are easy to follow, and her storytelling is engaging, bringing to life the stories and people behind each dish. 

The book’s stunning photography provides a glimpse into the beauty of Iran, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside. 

The recipes themselves are a mix of traditional and modern Persian dishes, with a particular focus on vegetarian options. 

The lamb meatballs stuffed with prunes and barberries and the shrimp, coriander, and tamarind stew are standouts, while the rose and almond cake is a must-try dessert. 

Overall, The Saffron Tales is a beautifully put-together cookbook that not only has a lot of tasty recipes but also gives you a unique look into another culture.

The Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook

The Enchantingly Easy Persian Cookbook is a great book for people who want to learn more about Persia’s rich and flavorful food. 

As someone who loves Persian food but has always been scared off by how complicated the recipes are, I like how this cookbook gives clear, easy-to-follow instructions. 

Shadi Hasanzade Nemati does a great job of taking the mystery out of Persian cooking and making it easy for cooks of all levels to do at home. 

I really like the practical suggestions for where to buy groceries and the tips and tricks for making Persian cooking easier and better.

The cookbook is also nice to look at, with beautiful pictures that show how colorful and lively Persian food is. 

I love how each recipe has a sidebar with a memory because it adds a personal touch and makes the food feel more special and meaningful. 

Joon

Joon by Najmieh Batmanglij is a great cookbook for those who want to try authentic Persian food at home. 

The fact that many of the dishes are vegetarian is a big plus. The book contains 75 simple and easy-to-follow recipes, many of which can be cooked in one pot in under an hour. The photographs of the finished dishes are a nice touch. 

The book includes classic Persian dishes as well as some modern twists, such as quinoa and kale. 

The author has simplified her favorite recipes from her earlier book, Food of Life, making them more accessible to busy cooks. 

From a Persian Kitchen

Atoosa Sepehr’s cookbook offers traditional Iranian recipes and stunning photographs of food, people, and landscapes in Iran. The recipes are authentic, easy to prepare, and use ingredients available in any supermarket. The book shows how much Atoosa wants to share Persian food with people all over the world. The recipes have been handed down through generations and are now adapted to fit into Atoosa’s busy life. The book is a photographic celebration of a whole country, and each dish shows how much Atoosa loves the food and culture of Iran. Overall, Atoosa’s Persian Kitchen is a useful and beautiful cookbook that will take readers right into the heart of Iran’s food culture.

The New Persian Kitchen

The New Persian Kitchen is a cookbook that offers a fresh and contemporary take on traditional Persian cuisine. Chef Louisa Shafia looks at Persian food from the point of view of vegetables. Her vibrant recipes deconstruct Persian ingredients and introduce new ways to prepare old favorites. The recipes are for things like appetizers, stews, and sweets. They use simple kitchen techniques and smart tips for making the food. The book is easy to read and gives you ideas. It makes it easy for a busy, health-conscious cook to follow the beautiful and exotic tradition of seasonal Persian cooking. The recipes are accompanied by beautiful photos and are a great way for people who have never tried Persian food to learn more about it. For those who are, there are new and exciting ways to make traditional dishes.

Persian Food from the Non-persian Bride

This cookbook has a unique and exciting collection of Persian and Middle Eastern recipes with beautiful photos and clear instructions. 

It’s more than just a cookbook; it’s a memoir of a Venezuelan woman’s journey into the world of Persian Jewry through marriage, with humorous and ironic anecdotes. 

The book also includes sample menus for Jewish holidays and customs. 

Overall, it’s a celebration of the many different Jewish cultures and will make people want to try cooking with exotic kosher ingredients.

Salamati

Salamati is not just a cookbook but a heartwarming story of connection through Persian cooking. 

The recipes by Hamed Allahyari are both traditional and easy to make, with a focus on flavor and celebration. 

The book gives readers a way to learn about Persian culture by inviting them to join Hamed’s family at the dinner table. 

The author’s passion for sharing his cuisine shines through in his simple yet flavorful dishes, perfect for both experienced and novice cooks.

The Ultimate Persian Cookbook

This book has 111 authentic Persian recipes for a wide range of foods, such as main dishes, appetizers, breakfast, desserts, salads, soups, and curry. 

It is said that Persian mothers keep the recipes close to their hearts and pass them down from one generation to the next. 

The book includes recipes for traditional dishes like sabzi polo, kookoo shibzamini, dolmah, and nargesi, as well as lesser-known dishes like gundi and ash-e anar. 

There are also recipes for desserts like Yazdi cakes and sloleh zard, and even the best homemade version of kaleh joosh (whey soup). 

Overall, this cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Persian cooking, offering both well-known and lesser-known dishes for readers to try out in their own kitchens.