Iranian food is diverse, exotic and flavorful, with a long history dating back to ancient Persia. This healthy food is influenced by geography, climate, history, and religious groups.
However, the use of herbs and spices gives unique flavours and aromas. Saffron, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom are commonly part of Iranian cuisine.
Moreover, various dishes are made with rice, including polaow with meat or vegetables. Kebabs are another popular dish, with grilled meats such as lamb, beef, and chicken. Stews, or khoresh, are also a staple of Iranian cuisines, such as ghormeh sabzi, gheimeh, and fesenjan are particularly popular.
Vegetarian dishes are also famous in Iran such as eggplant and whey dip, smoked eggplant and tomato, and herbed rice with vegetables.
Is Iranian Or Persian Food Healthy?
Iranian food can be healthy, as it often features a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Moreover, lean meats and legumes are healthy and full of nutrients. However, like any cuisine, it depends on the dishes and ingredients used.
In addition, traditional Iranian uses healthy cooking methods such as steaming and grilling, rather than frying. And many dishes incorporate legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans, which are a good source of protein, fibre, and other nutrients.
Iranian Food For Gluten-Free Food Needs
Many Persian or Iranian dishes are naturally gluten-free, often using ingredients such as rice, vegetables, meat, and herbs that do not contain gluten.
Do you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance? Checking the ingredients used in specific dishes before consuming them is essential. In Persian food, there are tons of options to enjoy gluten-free food. You can ask for gluten-free options or substitutions.
Persian Food The Best Combination With Fruits And Vegetables
Yes, Persian or Iranian cuisine includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. So, that makes it an excellent option for those looking for plant-based food options. Many traditional dishes use fresh herbs and vegetables, such as parsley, cilantro, mint, and spinach, served as sides or toppings.
In addition, many Persian rice dishes, such as herbed rice, Shirin polao (sweet rice with dried fruit and nuts), and baghali polao (rice with dill and lima beans), are loaded with vegetables and fruits, making them both healthy and delicious.
Persian stews are also made with various vegetables and herbs, such as eggplant, tomato, okra, and spinach. And Persian salads, such as Shirazi salad and olive salad, are made with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Also Read Our Blog – Delicious Persian Food In Ontario, Canada
Iranian Food Is Probiotic Friendly
It includes a variety of fermented and cultured foods that are rich in probiotics. Therefore, beneficial bacteria can promote digestive health and overall wellness. Some examples of probiotic-friendly foods include:
Yogurt: Yogurt is a staple in Iranian cuisine and is often served as a side or used as a base for dips and sauces. Persian Yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics.
Doogh: it is a traditional Persian drink made with Yogurt, water, and sometimes mint or other herbs. So, this is a probiotic-rich food that can help promote gut health.
Torshi: Torshi is a pickle made with various vegetables, such as eggplant, cucumber, and carrots, that are fermented in vinegar and spices. These pickled vegetables are a great source of probiotics.
Kombucha: Although not originally from Iranian cuisine, kombucha has become increasingly popular in Iran in recent years. This fermented tea is rich in probiotics and an excellent fermented food option.
Full of Monounsaturated Fats
Several dishes are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats can help to lower harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) and reduce the risk of heart disease.
One of the primary sources of monounsaturated fats is olive oil, a staple ingredient in many Persian dishes. Moreover, Olive oil is often used to prepare salads, stews, and rice dishes.
In addition, Nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, are a great source of monounsaturated fats. For example, shirini nargili and halva are popular Iranian desserts made with nuts.
Get a Reasonable Amount of Protein
Traditional Iranian food is protein-rich such as meat, poultry, legumes, and dairy products.
Kebabs, skewered and grilled meats such as lamb, beef, and chicken, are a famous protein-rich Iranian cuisine. Many stews, such as lambs, beef, and chicken, and legumes, such as chickpeas and lentils, are full of protein. In addition, Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, as are other dairy products such as cheese and labneh.
Eggs in Iranian cuisines, such as Kuku (a type of Persian frittata) and eggplant dishes, such as kashk-e bademjan (eggplant and whey dip), are popular protein options.
Perfect Blend Of Flavors
Iranian cuisine is known for its perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Many traditional Iranian dishes incorporate precious elements, such as dried fruits, nuts, and honey, into tasty dishes, creating a unique and delicious flavour profile.
One popular sweet-savoury combination is Fesenjan, a Persian stew of pomegranate molasses, ground walnuts, and meat. The pomegranate molasses’ tart and tangy flavour is balanced by the walnuts’ richness and the meat’s savoury taste.
So, if you are in Canada right now and missing Iranian food, then you do not need to worry about it because “My Halal Restaurants” is here to give you an authentic list of halal Persian restaurants. We are working to meet the halal requirements of every Canadian Muslim.