Saed News: Yalda Night dinner is one of the essentials of this ancient celebration. Since ancient times, Iranians have gathered on this night to commemorate the triumph of Ahura Mazda over Ahriman. On Yalda Night, in addition to preparing traditional drinks and snacks, it’s also important to plan a festive dinner.
Reported by the Saed News Family Magazine Section: Yalda Night dinner is one of the key elements of this ancient celebration. Since long ago, Iranians have gathered on this night to honor the victory of Ahura Mazda over Ahriman. In addition to preparing traditional Yalda drinks and snacks, a special dinner is also essential. While many of us are familiar with Yalda sweets and desserts, we may not know the full range of dishes suited to this occasion. We recommend exploring a variety of Yalda Night foods to bring a seasonal and festive touch to your dinner table.
You can prepare many different dishes for Yalda dinner, some of which have unique and delightful flavors. These include pomegranate-based dishes such as Pomegranate and Eggplant Stew, Pomegranate Meatballs, Pomegranate Soup, and Pomegranate Rice, made using pomegranate seeds, juice, or paste. Other dishes like Morasa Polow (Jeweled Rice) and Fesenjan Stew are also excellent choices even without pomegranate. Here is a closer look at 17 delicious dishes perfect for Yalda:
Though it may seem complicated, this traditional Shirazi soup is easy to make. It typically includes fried onions, pomegranate seeds, herbs, split peas, and mini meatballs (which can be omitted for a vegetarian version). Its vibrant taste and color make it a likely new favorite.
From the Gilan province, this sweet-and-sour dish is traditionally cooked with local rice. It's made with chicken, pomegranate seeds or juice, onions, garlic, and spices—a must-try for Yalda.
A traditional Northern Iranian dish cooked with chicken, eggplants, and pomegranate. It’s slow-cooked for a thick and rich flavor, typically served with pickles and fresh herbs.
A beloved Northern Iranian dish made with ground meat, walnuts, pomegranate paste, and sugar. Its flavor can be adjusted from sweet to sour, and it’s delicious served with saffron rice.
This twist on classic dolmeh includes cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat, herbs, tomato paste, and optionally chicken. Perfect for enjoying with family on Yalda.
A colorful rice dish from Shiraz made with pomegranate seeds, chicken, herbs, raisins, pistachio slivers, and spices. It’s also popular in Qazvin during Yalda.
Perfect for autumn and winter, this stew features pumpkin, chicken or beef, and dried plums. It’s high in fiber and great for digestive issues and asthma.
This dish resembles Fesenjan but uses aromatic herbs like pennyroyal, parsley, leek, and mint. It includes ground meat, walnuts, and pomegranate juice or verjuice, offering a truly unforgettable flavor.
A classic from Mazandaran made with chicken, herbs, walnut, and pomegranate paste. It holds a special place among Yalda dishes in the north.
A Gilan specialty, made with chicken, pomegranate seeds, paste, and tomato paste. It’s thick, slightly caramelized, and can be frozen for off-season enjoyment.
A perfect appetizer for Yalda, this soup includes ground meat or meatballs and is quick to prepare. It's warm, flavorful, and a festive choice for a wintry evening.
Although it doesn't include pomegranate, this dish is a Yalda staple. Season your fish with lemon juice, onion, olive oil, and spices like saffron and turmeric, and serve with herbed rice.
Ideal for special occasions, this colorful dish includes rice, chicken, barberries, raisins, almond and pistachio slivers, and spices like saffron and cinnamon.
Made with ground walnuts, meatballs or chicken, and pomegranate paste. Its sweetness or tartness can be adjusted to taste, making it a flexible and beloved choice.
A classic dish made with rice, minced meatballs, and kohlrabi or cabbage, layered with herbs like tarragon, basil, and dill. It’s uniquely flavorful and festive.
Popular in many regions with local variations, this dish includes yogurt, herbs, and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and bulgur. It's typically topped with fried mint and onions.
A hearty dish made with lamb or chicken, spinach, and prunes. It’s rich in nutrients and makes a colorful and nutritious addition to your Yalda spread.
In this guide, we introduced 17 delicious dishes perfect for Yalda Night. While there are many more you could explore, this list should make planning your Yalda dinner simpler and more enjoyable.
