Herb Frittata (Kookoo Sabzi) with Barberries and Walnuts

According to Saed News’ cooking section, the ingredients for kookoo sabzi are simple and accessible, but the quantity and balance of herbs are key to flavor and aroma. The type and amount of herbs can vary by recipe, depending on your taste.

A simple version combines just herbs and eggs, but for a more festive dish, add barberries and walnuts.

Ingredients:

• Herb mix (chives, parsley, dill, cilantro, and a little fenugreek) – 600 g

• Chopped lettuce – 3 leaves

• Eggs – 3

• Barberries – 100 g

• Chopped walnuts – 100 g

• Turmeric & garlic powder – 1 tbsp

• Breadcrumbs – 3 tbsp

Steps:

1. Chop the herbs: Finely chop herbs and lettuce by hand or in a food processor.

2. Add eggs and spices: Crack eggs into a separate bowl, then mix with herbs, lettuce, breadcrumbs, and spices.

3. Mix in barberries and walnuts: Stir until evenly combined.

4. Heat oil: Preheat a pan with enough oil until hot, then pour in the mixture and smooth the surface.

5. Fry the frittata: Cook 10–15 minutes until the bottom is golden, then flip to cook the other side.

Serve with bread and yogurt, or alongside rice.

Tips:

• Use equal amounts of chives, dill, parsley, and cilantro (150 g each) with a small amount of fenugreek (30 g) to avoid bitterness.

• For a fluffier frittata, whisk eggs vigorously before adding them to the herbs and cook on low heat with a lid for 10 minutes.

• Barberries and walnuts are optional, depending on taste.

Variations:

• With potatoes: Add grated potatoes to the basic mixture.

• With flour: Mix herbs with flour before adding spices and nuts.

• Airline-style: Add eggs, turmeric, salt, pepper, and a little flour to chopped herbs, then fry.

• Shiraz-style: Mix eggs, chopped herbs, baking powder, milk, barberries, and walnuts before frying.