Kurdish Cuisine

Discover the delicious flavors and traditional recipes of Kurdistan

Kurdish Cuisine

Traditional

Kurdish cuisine represents a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by the diverse geography of Kurdistan, spanning mountainous regions, fertile valleys, and riverlands. The cuisine features fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and cooking techniques passed down through generations.

From hearty meat dishes to delicate pastries, Kurdish food captures the essence of hospitality and community that are central to Kurdish culture. Many dishes are prepared for specific celebrations and holidays, making food an integral part of cultural identity.

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Traditional Kurdish Recipes

Authentic
Kofta Main Dish

Kofta

Popular

Traditional Kurdish meatballs made with minced meat, herbs, and spices, often served with rice or bread.

45 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 1 kg ground lamb or beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tbsp ground sumac
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
  2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
  3. Shape the mixture into oval patties.
  4. Grill, bake, or fry until cooked through.
  5. Serve hot with rice, salad, and fresh herbs.
Dolma Main Dish

Dolma

Traditional

Stuffed vegetables (typically grape leaves, peppers, or zucchini) filled with a mixture of rice, minced meat, and aromatic herbs.

1 hour
Ingredients:
  • 1 jar of grape leaves (or fresh bell peppers)
  • 1 cup rice, rinsed and drained
  • 500g ground lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
  1. Mix rice, meat, onion, herbs, spices, and tomato paste.
  2. If using grape leaves, blanch them in hot water.
  3. Place a small amount of filling on each leaf/vegetable.
  4. Roll or stuff and arrange in a pot.
  5. Add water and olive oil, then simmer until tender.
Naan Bread Bread

Naan Bread

Staple

A traditional Kurdish flatbread that is typically baked in a tandoor (clay oven) and eaten with various dishes.

30 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Sesame or nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar.
  2. Mix dry ingredients, then add yeast mixture, milk, oil, and egg.
  3. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled.
  4. Divide into portions, shape into flat rounds.
  5. Bake in a hot oven or on a preheated pan until golden.
Baklava Dessert

Baklava

Sweet

Sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, popular throughout Kurdistan.

1 hour
Ingredients:
  • 1 package filo dough
  • 2 cups chopped walnuts or pistachios
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp rose water (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Mix nuts and cinnamon.
  2. Layer several sheets of filo, brushing each with butter.
  3. Sprinkle nut mixture, then add more layers of filo.
  4. Cut into diamond shapes and bake until golden.
  5. Make syrup by boiling sugar, water, honey, and flavorings.
  6. Pour cooled syrup over hot baklava and let soak.
Hummus Appetizer

Hummus

Dip

A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and garlic, typically served with bread as an appetizer.

30 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp water (as needed)
  • Paprika and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
  2. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  3. Season with salt and cumin.
  4. Transfer to a serving dish and create a well in the center.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and parsley.
Kurdish Tea Beverage

Kurdish Tea (Chai)

Essential

Strong black tea often served in small glasses with sugar, an essential element of Kurdish hospitality and social gatherings.

30 minutes
Ingredients:
  • 4 tbsp loose black tea leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • Sugar to taste
  • Cardamom pods or cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Bring water to a boil in a teapot.
  2. Add tea leaves and optional spices.
  3. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain and serve in small glasses.
  5. Add sugar to taste (traditionally quite sweet).