Simple Iranian Salad Recipes

SALAD-E SHIRAZI (PERSIAN CUCUMBER, TOMATO AND ONION SALAD)

Steps:

• Remove alternating stripes of peel on cucumbers and trim ends. Dice cucumbers into 1/4-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with onion and fresh herbs. Using your fingers to break up any large pieces, gently grind the dried mint into the bowl. Remove tomato cores, dice remaining tomatoes into 1/4-inch pieces and add to bowl.
• In a small bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together 1/4 cup lime juice, oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Just before serving, dress vegetables with vinaigrette and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lime juice as needed. This salad should be bright, crunchy and tart, a nice counterpoint for rich, buttery rice and unctuous stews. Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.

SIMPLE SHIRAZI SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Place diced tomatoes for a few minutes in a colander to release excess liquid. (I don't remove the seeds, so this step helps.)
• In a large bowl, place the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers.
• To flavor, add fresh herbs, dried mint, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add sumac (I started with 1 tsp). Finally, add lime juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.
• If you have the time, cover and chill this salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best taste.

IRANIAN / PERSIAN SALAD SHIRAZI

Steps:

• Mix tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, dill, sumac, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.

TRADITIONAL PERSIAN POTATO SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• In large pot, add the chicken and enough water to cover the meat by 3-inches. Add salt, cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat, cook on medium for 1 hour. Remove chicken from water and let cool. Remove skin and bones from meat and discard. Shred 4 cups of the chicken, saving the remaining meat and chicken broth for another use. Transfer shredded chicken to the bowl.
• While the chicken is cooking, boil potatoes and eggs in separate pots until done. Remove from water to cool before peeling eggs and dicing potatoes. Add both to a large bowl and set aside.
• Dice pickles and add to the bowl
• In small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Pour dressing over chicken salad and toss well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover and refrigerate a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse together.
• Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and garnish with tomatoes and black olives. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.

SIMPLE IRANIAN SALAD

Steps:

• Mix together.
• Chill before serving.

EASY PERSIAN CHICKEN BREASTS RECIPE

Steps:

• Lay the chicken breast flat on a chopping board with the smooth side facing up. Take a long sharp knife and carefully cut horizontally through the chicken breast, trying to keep your knife parallel to the chopping board at all times.
• The chicken breast will start to open up like a book and if you continue to cut through you will be left with two fillets. Repeat with the second chicken breast.
• Pour the olive oil into a non-metallic dish and then add in the turmeric, salt, paprika, cayenne (if using) cinnamon, allspice, and pepper. Mix together to create a paste.
• Slice up the garlic clove, add to the spice paste and mix well.
• Add the chicken fillets and turn to coat.
• Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Place a heavy-based frying pan, skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and let it get hot.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, pushing off any bits of garlic.
• Place the chicken breasts flat into the frying pan and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Turn the chicken and cook for a further 3 minutes or until cooked through.
• Brush the chicken with honey and served garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices.