Kuku Sabzi (کؤکو) — Azerbaijani Herb Omelet Fried in a Pan
Kükü is a beloved Azerbaijani herb omelet where heaps of greens are bound with eggs and pan-fried until crisp at the edges. It’s a springtime staple and a common table dish served warm or at room temperature with fresh herbs and pickles.

Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 4 · Total: 38 min · Difficulty: easy
Ingredients (quick list)
- 8 Eggs (Large eggs, about 50 g each without shell)
- 80 g Scallions (green onions), finely sliced (Use mostly green parts for best color)
- 60 g Parsley, finely chopped (Leaves and tender stems)
- 40 g Cilantro, finely chopped (Optional but traditional in many homes)
- 25 g Dill, finely chopped (Fresh dill gives the classic aroma)
- 120 g Spinach, finely chopped (Wash and dry very well)
- 8 g Fresh mint, finely chopped (A little goes a long way)
- 15 g Dried barberries (Rinse and pat dry)
- 40 g Walnuts, chopped (Optional but very common)
- 15 g All-purpose flour (Helps set the omelet; about 2 tbsp)
- 2 g Baking powder (About 1/2 tsp for a lighter texture)
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric (For warmth and color)
+ 3 more in the full ingredients section below.
Steps (summary)
- Wash all herbs and spinach thoroughly, then dry them very well so the mixture does not weep in the pan. Finely chop everything…
- Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk for 30–40 seconds until the whites and yolks are fully blended and slightly froth…
- Add the chopped herbs and spinach to the egg mixture and fold until every strand is coated and the batter looks thick and green…
- Heat a 24–26 cm nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add 30 ml of the oil and swirl to coat the base and sides…
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes until the edges look firm and the center is mostly set, with only a slight wobble.…
- Add the remaining 15 ml oil to the skillet and return it to medium heat for 30 seconds so the surface is hot again. Invert the…
+ 1 more steps in the full instructions section below.
Cultural Background
Across Azerbaijan, kükü is a practical way to celebrate abundant greens, especially in spring, and it appears at everyday meals and festive tables alike. Served in wedges, it’s valued for being portable, shareable, and equally good warm or at room temperature.
Equipment
💡 Tips
- Dry the herbs thoroughly (salad spinner + towel) to prevent a watery kükü; excess moisture delays setting and causes tearing when flipping.
- Keep heat at medium-low after pouring the batter so the center cooks through before the crust darkens; cover the pan for the first side to trap gentle heat.
- For cleaner flipping, slide onto a flat plate first, then invert back into the skillet; this avoids breaking the omelet in half.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Using wet herbs and spinach, causing the omelet to steam and fall apart.
✅ Fix: Dry greens thoroughly and chop finely; if needed, spread on towels for 10 minutes before mixing.
❌ Cooking on high heat so the bottom burns before the center sets.
✅ Fix: Use medium heat only to warm the pan, then cook on medium-low with a lid for the first side.
❌ Flipping too early, leading to cracking and uneven browning.
✅ Fix: Wait until the edges are firm and the center is mostly set, then loosen fully and flip using a plate.
🧊 How to Store
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low for 2–3 minutes per side, or warm in a 160°C oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the edges crisp.
📅 Make Ahead
Chop and mix the herbs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate well covered. Whisk the egg-spice mixture up to 2 hours ahead, then combine and fry just before serving for the freshest aroma and crisp edges.
🍽️ Pairs Well With
- Lavash
- fresh herbs (tarragon
- basil
- mint)
- torshi (pickles)
- yogurt with garlic
- sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
- black tea.
Regional Variations
- Some Azerbaijani families add a small grated onion (about 60 g) for sweetness and extra moisture, adjusting cook time slightly.
- In some regions, kükü is made thicker and cut into small squares for tea-time platters, sometimes with extra walnuts and barberries.
- A lighter version uses fewer eggs and more herbs, producing a greener, more herb-forward slice that’s served at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 8Eggs (Large eggs, about 50 g each without shell)
- 80 gScallions (green onions), finely sliced (Use mostly green parts for best color)
- 60 gParsley, finely chopped (Leaves and tender stems)
- 40 gCilantro, finely chopped (Optional but traditional in many homes)
- 25 gDill, finely chopped (Fresh dill gives the classic aroma)
- 120 gSpinach, finely chopped (Wash and dry very well)
- 8 gFresh mint, finely chopped (A little goes a long way)
- 15 gDried barberries (Rinse and pat dry)
- 40 gWalnuts, chopped (Optional but very common)
- 15 gAll-purpose flour (Helps set the omelet; about 2 tbsp)
- 2 gBaking powder (About 1/2 tsp for a lighter texture)
- 1 tspGround turmeric (For warmth and color)
- 1.25 tspFine salt (About 7.5 g)
- 0.5 tspBlack pepper, freshly ground (About 1 g)
- 45 mlNeutral oil (sunflower or grapeseed) (Divide as needed for the pan)
🔄 Substitutions
- Spinach→ Swiss chard leaves
- Barberries→ Dried cranberries, chopped
- Walnuts→ Pine nuts
Instructions
- 1
Wash all herbs and spinach thoroughly, then dry them very well so the mixture does not weep in the pan. Finely chop everything and place it in a large bowl, keeping the pieces small and even for a cohesive omelet.
- 2
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk for 30–40 seconds until the whites and yolks are fully blended and slightly frothy. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until no dry pockets remain.
- 3
Add the chopped herbs and spinach to the egg mixture and fold until every strand is coated and the batter looks thick and green. Stir in the barberries and walnuts, distributing them evenly so each slice has a little tang and crunch.
- 4
Heat a 24–26 cm nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add 30 ml of the oil and swirl to coat the base and sides. Pour in the mixture and press it gently into an even layer, then reduce heat to medium-low so the center sets without burning the bottom.
- 5
Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes until the edges look firm and the center is mostly set, with only a slight wobble. Run a thin spatula around the edge to loosen, then slide the omelet onto a plate so it releases cleanly.
- 6
Add the remaining 15 ml oil to the skillet and return it to medium heat for 30 seconds so the surface is hot again. Invert the omelet back into the pan and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until the second side is golden and the interior reaches a fully set, tender texture.
- 7
Transfer the kükü to a board and rest it for 5 minutes so slices stay neat and the steam redistributes. Cut into 8 wedges or squares and serve warm or at room temperature for the most traditional experience.
🪪 Recipe Passport
Cultural Background
Across Azerbaijan, kükü is a practical way to celebrate abundant greens, especially in spring, and it appears at everyday meals and festive tables alike. Served in wedges, it’s valued for being portable, shareable, and equally good warm or at room temperature.
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
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few related Zaffaron recipes to try next.
- Azerbaijani Milk-Rice Porridge (Südlü Sıyıq) — Creamy Breakfast Rice with Saffron
- Azerbaijani Milk Rice Porridge (Südlü Sıyıq) — Creamy Breakfast Bowl
- Chicken Chygyrtma (Toyuq Çığırtması) — Azerbaijani Chicken with Eggs and Tomatoes
- Xoshab (Xoşab) — Azerbaijani Dried Fruit Compote Scented with Cinnamon
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.
You Might Also Like

Erishte Ashi (Əriştə Aşı) — Azerbaijani Homemade Noodle Soup
Azerbaijani · Soups · 75 min

Khashil (Xəşil) — Azerbaijani wheat porridge with butter and grape molasses
Azerbaijani · Main Courses · 65 min

Sac Qovurma (Sacda ət və tərəvəz) — Fast-cooked Azerbaijani meat and vegetables on a saj
Azerbaijani · Main Courses · 38 min

Kitfo (ክትፎ) — Ethiopian Spiced Minced Beef with Niter Kibbeh
Ethiopian · Main Courses · 35 min

Cuban Picadillo (Picadillo Cubano) — Savory Beef with Olives and Raisins
Cuban · Main Courses · 50 min

Georgian Khinkali (ხინკალი) — Juicy Meat Soup Dumplings
Georgian · Main Courses · 100 min

Khoresh Tareh Farangi (خورش تره فرنگی) — Persian Leek and Lamb Stew
Persian · Stews · 130 min

Hanoi Turmeric Fish with Dill (Chả Cá Lã Vọng) — Sizzling Fish with Rice Noodles
Vietnamese · Main Courses · 47 min
Reviews
Cooked this recipe?
Tap the stars to rate it — that's all it takes. A few words are welcome but optional.
No ratings yet. Cooked this one? Be the first to rate it — it takes one tap.