Persianomelet Recipes

KUKU SABZI: BAKED PERSIAN HERB OMELET

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the upper-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Trace the bottom of an 8-inch square pan or 9-inch round cake pan on kitchen parchment, then cut inside the lines to create a piece to fit in the bottom of the pan.
• Coat the bottom and sides of the pan with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, turning the parchment to coat on both sides (the oil should pool at the bottom and generously coat the sides).
• In a food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, dill, scallions and the remaining 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Process until finely ground (now, I like my herbs less fine, so I stopped the processor at my desired texture). Set aside for now.
• In a large bowl, whisk the baking powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and pepper. Add 2 eggs and whisk until blended, then add the remaining eggs and whisk until just combined. Fold in the herb-scallion mixture and the walnuts and cranberries, if using. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake in 375 degrees F heated-oven until the center of the egg is firm, about 20 to 25 minutes. (The egg mixture will rise, but will go down once you set it aside to cool.)
• Let the kuku cool in the pan undisturbed for 10 minutes. When ready, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the kuku. Invert onto a plate and remove the parchment from bottom, then re-invert on another serving plate or a cutting board so the top of the kuku is facing you. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt. See more suggestions in the post under "what to serve with kuku sabzi."

PERSIAN BAKED OMELET WITH FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• In a large nonstick sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Add the red onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch ovenproof nonstick pan with nonstick spray.
• Add the green onions and garlic to the caramelized onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until the leaves begin to wilt, 2 minutes. Add the cilantro, parsley, chives, dill and pine nuts, season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Transfer to the prepared pan and put in the oven for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a blender, blend the eggs and milk on low for about 30 seconds. Pour the eggs over the veggie mixture in the pan, return to the oven and bake until puffed, just set and lightly golden brown on top, about 20 minutes.
• Remove the omelet and let cool for 5 minutes on a baking rack. Transfer to a platter, slice into wedges and top with the yogurt.

PERSIAN OMELET

Steps:

• 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 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, 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 gently 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.