quick-persian-dishes-london-students

to report «iusnews»; It was a rainy evening in London. I came back late from class, tired and hungry. The only thing that could lift my mood was the memory of my mom’s Kuku Sabzi — that fragrant herb omelette she used to serve with a warm smile and fresh bread. Right then, I decided to make it myself — to recreate a taste of home in the middle of this city.

Student life abroad, especially in a busy city like London, is full of little challenges. One of the biggest? Food. After long hours at university or part-time work, cooking can feel impossible. But in moments like these, the smell and taste of Persian food can bring you back home — to the comfort of saffron rice and the aroma of fried herbs.

But is it really possible to cook Persian food in less than half an hour? Absolutely! In this article, you’ll discover a few delicious and student-friendly Persian dishes that are quick to make, nutritious, and full of nostalgia.
And if you’re craving authentic Persian flavors in London, restaurants like Beluga Notting Hill bring that homemade taste to life.

Quick Persian Dishes for Student Life

Kuku Sabzi — A Classic for the Busiest Days

Kuku Sabzi is a dish almost every Iranian household makes. The aroma of fried herbs and eggs fills the kitchen with the smell of home.
How to make it: Chop fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill, coriander), mix with eggs, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Fry the mixture in a pan until both sides are golden.

Adas Polo — Filling and Full of Energy

The combination of hot rice and cooked lentils with turmeric creates one of the most comforting smells of Persian cuisine.
How to make it: Cook lentils separately, fry onions with tomato paste and spices, mix them with half-cooked rice, and steam together. Add raisins or fried carrots for a sweeter flavor.

Persian Omelette — Simple Yet Loved by Everyone

Just eggs and tomatoes — that’s all you need for a real taste of home. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light dinner and takes only 15 minutes.
How to make it: Dice tomatoes, fry in oil until soft, then add eggs and stir until they blend together. Serve hot with fresh bread and tea.

Simple Green Bean Rice — A Homemade Classic

Lubia Polo (green bean rice) might look complicated, but with a few shortcuts, you can make it in 30 minutes.
How to make it: Fry minced meat with onion, add tomato paste, spices, and green beans. Mix with rice and let it steam until ready.

Potato Cutlets — Always a Safe Choice

Potato cutlets are one of the oldest and most beloved Persian foods. The sound of sizzling oil and the smell of golden potatoes bring instant comfort.
How to make it: Mash boiled potatoes, mix with eggs, breadcrumbs, and spices, shape into patties, and fry until golden brown.

Eggplant & Potato Gratin — A Modern Persian Fusion

This dish combines Persian flavors with a modern twist.
How to make it: Slice and fry the eggplants and potatoes. In a baking dish, layer them with white sauce and cheese. Bake at 180°C until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Potato Kuku — Quick, Cheap, and Comforting

Grated potatoes mixed with eggs and a bit of turmeric make for a crispy, golden meal in minutes.
How to make it: Squeeze out excess water from grated potatoes, mix with eggs and seasoning, and fry until golden on both sides.

Adasi — Warm, Nutritious, and Comforting

Adasi is a simple lentil soup that’s perfect for cold London days.
How to make it: Cook lentils with fried onions and tomato paste until thick and creamy. Add a knob of butter or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Mirza Ghasemi — A Northern Iranian Favorite

This smoky eggplant and garlic dish is a real treat, especially popular in Persian restaurants in London.
How to make it: Grill eggplants until charred, peel and mash them, then fry with garlic, tomatoes, and eggs until well blended.

Beans with Mushrooms — Light and Vegetarian

A healthy, meat-free option that’s full of flavor.
How to make it: Cook beans, sauté onions and mushrooms with tomato paste and spices, then mix and simmer until thick.

Finding Persian Ingredients in London

If you live in London, finding Persian ingredients is easier than you think. Stores like Persepolis or Tajrish Market sell everything from saffron to dried herbs. Even large supermarkets now carry Persian essentials — you just need to look around a bit!

Tips for Cooking Persian Dishes with Limited Equipment

If you don’t have a full kitchen setup, don’t worry! Most Persian dishes can be made with minimal tools. A medium frying pan, a small pot, a knife, a chopping board, and even a single electric stove are enough. You can use a pan with a lid instead of an oven or a simple toaster oven for baking. If you have a rice cooker or a basic pot, you can easily cook rice and many stews. Keep essentials like dried herbs, tomato paste, and Persian spices in your cupboard — with these, you can create the taste of home anytime, anywhere.

Extra tips:

• Use dried or frozen herbs to save prep time.

• Cook in batches and refrigerate for quick meals.

• Always have saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon on hand — they’re the soul of Persian flavor.

Persian Food — A Bridge Between Memory and Taste

For Iranians, food isn’t just about eating — it’s about memory and culture. Even in London, every bite of Kuku or Adas Polo brings back a piece of home.
If you ever feel homesick, step into Beluga Notting Hill — a cozy corner of London where the scent of saffron and kebab welcomes you with a whisper: “Welcome home.”

Final Thoughts

In the fast pace of student life, finding healthy and comforting meals isn’t easy. But with these ten quick Persian recipes, you can stay nourished and connected to your roots. Whether you cook them yourself or visit a Persian restaurant, the aroma of rice and saffron will always bring you a little closer to home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Quick Persian Dishes

1. Can I cook Persian food with ingredients found in regular UK stores?
Yes! Most ingredients are available in international or even local supermarkets.

2. What’s the fastest Persian dish to make?
The Persian omelette and Kuku Sabzi are among the quickest and simplest options.

3. Are Persian dishes suitable for a light dinner?
Absolutely. Many, like Kuku or cutlets, are light yet filling.

4. Where can I try authentic Persian food in London?
Restaurants like Beluga Notting Hill are among the best spots to experience true Persian flavors in London