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Discover the Flavors of Persia: A Simple yet Elegant Kuku Recipe

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Look no further than kuku, a traditional Persian dish that combines familiar Western ingredients with exotic spices to create a truly unique flavor profile.

What is Kuku?

Kuku is often compared to an Arab eggah or an Italian frittata, but its distinct blend of herbs and spices sets it apart from its Mediterranean cousins. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for those new to Persian cuisine, as well as seasoned fans looking to add some variety to their repertoire.

The Flavor Profile

At the heart of kuku is a blend of herbs known as advieh, which typically includes cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and dried rose petals. To make this recipe more accessible, we’ve omitted the dried rose petals and used common spices you likely already have in your pantry.

A Recipe Fit for a King (or Queen)

This easy-to-make kuku recipe yields 8-12 servings and can be prepared in just 35 minutes. Serve it warm or cold, accompanied by a fresh salad or a dollop of yogurt.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1 packed cup finely chopped spinach (about 3 ounces)
• 1 medium leek, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise, rinsed, and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1/3 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 18 large eggs
• Clarified butter or vegetable oil

Preparing the Kuku

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with clarified butter or vegetable oil; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together salt, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper until evenly combined. Add spinach, leek, parsley, and cilantro, mixing until the greens are evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until yolks are broken up. Pour the egg mixture over the greens and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until firm in the center, about 25-30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into 8-12 pieces and serving warm or cold.

Get Ready to Indulge

With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this kuku recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and experience the beauty of Persian cuisine for yourself?