Borani Esfenaj
Borani Esfenaj is cool, creamy, and savory, with tender spinach folded into tangy yogurt and topped with sweet golden onions. A little turmeric and dried rose petal give it the unmistakable floral warmth and elegance of Persian home cooking.
Ingredients
Borani
- 250 gfresh spinach
- 250 gGreek yogurt, plain
- 1 small clove (5 g)garlic, finely grated
- 1/2 tspsalt
- 1/8 tspblack pepper
Piaz-e Dagh topping
- 120 gonion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml)olive oil
- 1/4 tspground turmeric
- 1 tspdried rose petals, crushed
Instructions
- 1
Wash the spinach well and shake off excess water. Thinly slice the onion and finely grate the garlic so everything cooks quickly and evenly.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until soft and deeply golden at the edges. Stir in the turmeric for the last 30 seconds; do not let it scorch or it will taste bitter.
- 3
While the onion cooks, place the spinach in a second pan or microwave-safe bowl with the water clinging to the leaves. Cover and cook just until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture once cool enough to handle, then chop finely; removing extra water keeps the borani thick rather than runny.
- 4
In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in the chopped spinach and about two-thirds of the caramelized onion mixture. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 5
Spoon the borani onto a serving plate or shallow bowl. Top with the remaining onions and scatter over the crushed dried rose petals. Serve immediately, or chill briefly for 5-10 minutes if you prefer it cooler.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •For the best texture, use thick Greek yogurt; if using regular yogurt, strain it for 15-20 minutes first, though this will increase total time.
- •Baby spinach is ideal for a fast beginner-friendly version because it wilts quickly and has tender stems.
- •Serve with cucumber spears, lettuce cups, or grilled kebabs for a low-carb meal or mezze spread.
- •A pinch of dried mint can be added with the rose petals for a more aromatic finish.
Background
Borani Esfenaj is a classic Persian yogurt-based side dish made with spinach and aromatics, part of the broad family of borani dishes served across Iran. It is commonly presented as a mezze or side alongside rice, bread, and grilled meats, and reflects the Persian love of herbs, yogurt, and fragrant garnishes such as rose petals.
Love this recipe?
Get personalised AI-curated recipes, meal plans and smart shopping lists — free.
Download Gourmate – Free