Amlet Esfenaj (املت اسفناج) — Persian Spinach & Feta Omelette Roll
A refined Persian-style omelette roll made with a thin milk-enriched egg wrap, filled with turmeric-scented sautéed spinach and tangy feta. Quick, protein-rich, and ideal for a bright, herb-forward breakfast.

Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 2 · Total: 27 min · Difficulty: medium
Ingredients (quick list)
- 4 large Eggs (room temperature if possible)
- 60 ml Milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 g Salt (about 1/3 tsp, divided)
- 1 g Black pepper (about 1/2 tsp, divided)
- 15 g Butter (for the pan)
- 15 ml Olive oil (1 tbsp)
- 200 g Spinach leaves (washed, thoroughly dried, roughly chopped)
- 2 g Turmeric (about 1 tsp)
- 2 g Garlic powder (about 3/4 tsp)
- 80 g Feta cheese (crumbled; preferably sheep’s milk or mixed-milk feta)
Steps (summary)
- Prepare the filling first so it can cool slightly. Heat olive oil in a 24–26 cm (10-inch) nonstick skillet over medium heat for…
- Season the spinach with half the salt (about 1 g) and half the black pepper (about 0.5 g). Transfer to a plate and spread it ou…
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper for 45–60 seconds until smooth and lightly foamy. L…
- Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add butter and swirl to coat the base and sides; when the foam subsides (about 30–45 sec…
- When the top is mostly set but still slightly glossy, spoon the spinach in a line across the lower third of the omelette. Sprin…
- Roll and finish: using a wide spatula, lift the filled edge and roll the omelette tightly into a log. Seam-side down, cook 30–4…
Cultural Background
Omelettes are a familiar part of Persian home breakfasts, often made quickly with vegetables, herbs, and warming spices. This spinach-and-cheese version reflects the broader Persian preference for green, herb-centric flavors served alongside bread, fresh produce, and tea.
Equipment
💡 Tips
- Dry the spinach well; excess water is the main cause of tearing and a soggy roll.
- Keep heat at medium-low for the egg wrap—high heat browns the bottom before the top sets, making rolling difficult.
- For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between cuts and let the roll rest for 1 minute before slicing.
- If your feta is very salty, reduce the added salt to 1 g total and season at the table.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Adding wet spinach straight into the omelette
💡 Why: Steam and released water make the eggs weep and the roll split.
✅ Fix: Dry the leaves thoroughly and cook the spinach until the pan is nearly dry before filling.
❌ Cooking the egg wrap over high heat
💡 Why: The bottom browns and stiffens before the top sets, so it cracks when rolled.
✅ Fix: Use medium-low heat and cover briefly to set the top without browning.
❌ Overfilling with spinach and feta
💡 Why: Too much filling prevents a tight roll and pushes out the seam.
✅ Fix: Keep filling in a narrow line across the lower third and roll firmly; reduce filling by 20% if needed.
🧊 How to Store
Best eaten fresh. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes per side or microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts; overheating makes the eggs rubbery and the feta grainy.
📅 Make Ahead
Cook the spinach filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; reheat in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes to remove moisture before using. Whisk the eggs just before cooking for the best texture. The rolled omelette is best made and served immediately.
🍽️ Pairs Well With
- Warm flatbread or toasted bread
- Tomatoes and cucumbers with a squeeze of lemon
- Olives and a cup of black tea
Regional Variations
- Tehran-style home cookingOften made as a thin, crepe-like omelette with a simple spinach filling and served with bread, herbs, and tea; cheese may be added at the table rather than inside.
- Northern Iran (Caspian influence)Commonly leans heavier on greens; cooks may add more spinach and a touch more turmeric, serving it with fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 largeEggs (room temperature if possible)
- 60 mlMilk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 gSalt (about 1/3 tsp, divided)
- 1 gBlack pepper (about 1/2 tsp, divided)
- 15 gButter (for the pan)
- 15 mlOlive oil (1 tbsp)
- 200 gSpinach leaves (washed, thoroughly dried, roughly chopped)
- 2 gTurmeric (about 1 tsp)
- 2 gGarlic powder (about 3/4 tsp)
- 80 gFeta cheese (crumbled; preferably sheep’s milk or mixed-milk feta)
🔄 Substitutions
- Feta cheese→ Farmer cheese or ricotta salata
- Milk→ Unsweetened soy milk or lactose-free milk
- Butter→ Ghee or additional olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling first so it can cool slightly. Heat olive oil in a 24–26 cm (10-inch) nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Add spinach and toss for 2 minutes until starting to wilt. Sprinkle in turmeric and garlic powder, then cook 2–3 minutes more, stirring, until spinach is fully wilted and any moisture evaporates.
- 2
Season the spinach with half the salt (about 1 g) and half the black pepper (about 0.5 g). Transfer to a plate and spread it out to release steam; this prevents a watery omelette. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel so the egg wrap cooks evenly and doesn’t pick up browned bits.
- 3
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper for 45–60 seconds until smooth and lightly foamy. Let the mixture rest for 2 minutes; this relaxes the proteins and helps the wrap cook more tender and flexible for rolling without cracking.
- 4
Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add butter and swirl to coat the base and sides; when the foam subsides (about 30–45 seconds), pour in the egg mixture. Immediately tilt the pan to form a thin, even layer. Cook 3–4 minutes, gently lifting the edges with a spatula to let uncooked egg flow underneath.
- 5
When the top is mostly set but still slightly glossy, spoon the spinach in a line across the lower third of the omelette. Sprinkle feta evenly over the spinach. Cover with a lid for 45–60 seconds to warm the filling and soften the feta without overcooking the eggs.
- 6
Roll and finish: using a wide spatula, lift the filled edge and roll the omelette tightly into a log. Seam-side down, cook 30–45 seconds to seal. Slide onto a cutting board and rest 1 minute. Slice into 4–6 pieces with a sharp knife and serve warm so the feta stays creamy.
🪪 Recipe Passport
Cultural Background
Omelettes are a familiar part of Persian home breakfasts, often made quickly with vegetables, herbs, and warming spices. This spinach-and-cheese version reflects the broader Persian preference for green, herb-centric flavors served alongside bread, fresh produce, and tea.
Regional Variations
Researched from multiple sources and validated by the Zaffaron editorial team. Every recipe is tested for accuracy, measurements, and cultural authenticity.
Nutrition per serving
Pairs well with
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Does your family make this differently?
Every family has their own version. Maybe your grandmother adds a secret ingredient, or your aunt has a completely different technique. Preserve your family's version — with their name on it, forever.
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