Meat and Egg Omelette (املت گوشت و تخممرغ) — Rustic Persian skillet breakfast
A rustic, protein-rich Persian breakfast, this omelette layers spiced ground meat with softly set eggs. Turmeric and onion give it the familiar home-kitchen aroma found across Iran’s everyday morning tables.

Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 4 · Total: 28 min · Difficulty: easy
Ingredients (quick list)
- 180 g Yellow onion, finely diced
- 24 ml Vegetable oil (About 1.5 tbsp)
- 400 g Ground beef (85% lean) or ground lamb (Beef is lighter; lamb is richer)
- 2 tsp Ground turmeric
- 5 g Fine salt (About 1 tsp)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 6 Large eggs
- 30 ml Water (Helps the eggs set softly)
- 20 g Fresh parsley, finely chopped (Plus extra for serving if desired)
Steps (summary)
- Set a 28–30 cm nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 6…
- Add the ground meat and immediately break it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for 6–7 minutes until no pink rem…
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and black pepper and stir for 60–90 seconds to toast the spices in the hot fat. The mixture sho…
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the water for 20–30 seconds until the whites and yolks are fully combined. Stir in the chopped p…
- Spread the meat mixture into an even layer and pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 5–7…
- Turn off the heat and let the omelette rest, covered, for 2 minutes so carryover heat finishes the center. Slice into 4 wedges,…
Cultural Background
Omelet goosht o tokhm-e morgh reflects Persian frugality and comfort: a single skillet turns a small amount of minced meat and eggs into a hearty family breakfast. It’s a familiar, everyday dish often served with bread and herbs.
Equipment
💡 Tips
- For a more traditional home-style texture, keep the meat crumbles small and evenly browned before adding the eggs.
- If your skillet runs hot, cook the eggs on the lowest flame and keep the lid on; this sets the top without over-browning the bottom.
- To boost aroma, toast the turmeric in the meat fat for at least 60 seconds, stirring constantly so it blooms without burning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Adding the eggs before the meat mixture is fully cooked and seasoned.
✅ Fix: Brown the meat until no pink remains, then bloom turmeric, salt, and pepper for 60–90 seconds before pouring in eggs.
❌ Cooking the eggs over high heat, making the omelette tough and dry.
✅ Fix: Use low heat and cover the pan; rest 2 minutes off-heat so the center sets gently.
❌ Greasy finished omelette from fatty meat.
✅ Fix: Spoon off about 15 ml rendered fat after browning, or choose 85–90% lean ground meat.
🧊 How to Store
Cool leftovers within 1 hour, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a skillet over low heat for 4–6 minutes with 10 ml water to steam and soften, or microwave at 600W for 60–90 seconds.
📅 Make Ahead
Dice the onion and chop the parsley up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate separately. You can also cook the meat-and-onion base up to 2 days ahead; rewarm it in the skillet before adding freshly whisked eggs.
🍽️ Pairs Well With
- Sangak
- barbari
- fresh herbs (sabzi khordan)
- torshi
- sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
- hot black tea.
Regional Variations
- Tehran-style: kept simple with onion, turmeric, salt, and pepper, served with plenty of fresh herbs and bread.
- North Iran-inspired: add 1 tsp dried mint with the turmeric for a more herbal, foresty aroma.
- Spicier home version: add 0.5 tsp Aleppo pepper or 0.25 tsp chili flakes with the black pepper for gentle heat.
Ingredients
- 180 gYellow onion, finely diced
- 24 mlVegetable oil (About 1.5 tbsp)
- 400 gGround beef (85% lean) or ground lamb (Beef is lighter; lamb is richer)
- 2 tspGround turmeric
- 5 gFine salt (About 1 tsp)
- 0.5 tspBlack pepper, freshly ground
- 6Large eggs
- 30 mlWater (Helps the eggs set softly)
- 20 gFresh parsley, finely chopped (Plus extra for serving if desired)
🔄 Substitutions
- Ground beef (85% lean) or ground lamb→ Ground turkey (93% lean)
- Fresh parsley→ Fresh cilantro
- Vegetable oil→ Ghee
Instructions
- 1
Set a 28–30 cm nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until translucent and lightly golden; this sweetness is the backbone of the dish.
- 2
Add the ground meat and immediately break it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook for 6–7 minutes until no pink remains and the meat begins to brown; if excess fat pools, spoon off 15 ml to keep the omelette from turning greasy.
- 3
Sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and black pepper and stir for 60–90 seconds to toast the spices in the hot fat. The mixture should look evenly yellow-gold and smell nutty and warm; reduce the heat to medium-low if the spices threaten to scorch.
- 4
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the water for 20–30 seconds until the whites and yolks are fully combined. Stir in the chopped parsley, keeping a little aside for garnish; this keeps the eggs fragrant and bright against the savory meat.
- 5
Spread the meat mixture into an even layer and pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes until the edges are set and the center is just barely glossy; gentle heat prevents rubbery eggs.
- 6
Turn off the heat and let the omelette rest, covered, for 2 minutes so carryover heat finishes the center. Slice into 4 wedges, sprinkle with the reserved parsley, and serve immediately while the eggs are tender and the meat is juicy.
🪪 Recipe Passport
Cultural Background
Omelet goosht o tokhm-e morgh reflects Persian frugality and comfort: a single skillet turns a small amount of minced meat and eggs into a hearty family breakfast. It’s a familiar, everyday dish often served with bread and herbs.
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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