| Iran has a rich history stretching back over 6,000 | | | | breakfast, and both before and after lunch and |
| years, and many culinary delights. Apricots, | | | | dinner, as well as throughout the day. |
| artichokes, eggplant, lemon, lime, oranges, pistachios, | | | | Rice is a popular dish in Iran, having been brought, it |
| spinach, saffron and tarragon all feature in Iranian | | | | is believed, to the country in ancient times from India |
| cuisine. Spices are mixed delicately and carefully | | | | or perhaps Southeast Asia. There are several ways in |
| balanced to achieve the perfect combination. | | | | which rice may be prepared in Persian cuisine, but |
| For all Iranian lunches and dinners, certain | | | | perhaps the best-known is "Chelow" the rice is |
| accompanying dishes and side plates ("mokhalafat") | | | | soaked and partially boiled, the water is then drained |
| are considered essential. These include: | | | | and the rice steamed, resulting in very fluffy rice with |
| - Sabzi - A plate of fresh herbs including basil, | | | | a golden crust at the bottom of the pot. |
| coriander, cilantro, fenugreek, Persian watercress and | | | | Some other well-known Iranian dishes include: |
| tarragon. | | | | - Abgousht - Beef and vegetable stew. |
| - Naan - Persian flat bread | | | | - Fesenjan - A sweet and sour pomegranate-walnut |
| - Panir - A Persian variety of cheese, somewhat | | | | stew, traditionally made with either chicken or duck. |
| similar to feta. | | | | - Shirin Polo - This is a traditional wedding dish, |
| - Khiyarshur - Persian pickles. | | | | consisting of rice with slivered orange peels, slivered |
| - Torshi - Relishes. | | | | almonds and pistachio nuts. |
| - Cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, onions, yogurt and lime | | | | - Chelo Kabab - The most famous Iranian dish of all. |
| juice. | | | | Chelo Kabab is marinated charcoal-grilled lamb served |
| Additionally, Persian meals are traditionally | | | | over rice. |
| accompanied with tea ("chai") which is served with | | | | |