Persian food often features lean meats, legumes, and whole grains flavored with citrus, herbs, and spices. Many dishes have fresh, herbaceous, and slightly sour-tasting notes that make them delicious and satisfying. Persian appetizers can whet your appetite at the beginning of a meal, allowing you to sample different fare and get an overview of this cuisine. Here are a handful of starters to try the next time you dine at a Persian restaurant. 

4 Delicious Persian Appetizers

1. Shirazi Salad

This salad originates in the city of Shiraz, located in Iran, which is modern-day Persia. It consists of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions combined with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. This light and refreshing appetizer can satiate your appetite until your main course arrives, without causing you to feel too full. It's also low in calories and fat, making it ideal for those who want to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it can make a delightful accompaniment to stews and rice, serving as a palate cleanser between bites of these heavier dishes. 

2. Kashk Bademjan

Kashk is a dairy product manufactured in Iran and features boiled, fat-free yogurt, which has a slightly thicker texture and sour flavor. Kashk bademjan is a Persian eggplant dip that combines this yogurt with sauteed eggplant and caramelized onions, which makes it taste earthy, sweet, and sour. When ordered as an appetizer, Persian restaurants typically serve it with rice or freshly baked flatbread for dipping. It can also make an excellent side that enhances the flavors of kebabs, wraps, and specialty rice dishes. 

3. Dolmeh

Dolmeh comes from the East and West Azerbaijan provinces in Iran. Though it may feature stuffed vegetables, such as bell pepper, eggplant, and tomato, the most popular version consists of grape leaves filled with rice, ground beef, and raisins along with herbs such as chives, parsley, and cilantro. Persian food restaurants might serve it with savory yogurt sauce for dipping. Certain versions of this dish may exclude the meat, making it a good option for vegetarians and vegans. 

4. Mirza Ghasemi

Mirza Ghasemi has origins in Northern Iran and consists of roasted eggplant, stewed tomatoes, and garlic blended into a thick dip. It has a deep, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor that makes it a tantalizing course to enjoy at the beginning of a meal. Often served with freshly baked bread or rice, this dish is perfect for sharing with your party when you go out for Persian food.

The next time you have a craving for delectable Persian food, head to Sufi's Kitchen. This Persian restaurant offers authentic appetizers, stews, kebabs, and specialty dishes to hungry patrons throughout Atlanta, GA. Call (404) 888-9699 to place an order for lunch or dinner, and visit the website to browse their full menu of Persian cuisine.