Spinach and Aromatic Herb Kuku (کوکو اسفناج و سبزیجات معطر) — Persian herb-packed frittata
Kuku-ye Esfenaj is a classic Iranian herb frittata known for its deep green color and fragrant, garden-fresh flavor. Often served warm or at room temperature, it’s a staple for family meals and picnic-style spreads.

Printable Recipe Card
Servings: 4 · Total: 38 min · Difficulty: easy
Ingredients (quick list)
- 300 g Fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 120 g Leek, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced
- 60 g Scallion, thinly sliced
- 40 g Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 30 g Fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- 20 g Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 6 Eggs
- 6 g Fine sea salt (About 1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 30 ml Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided)
Steps (summary)
- Set a 24 cm nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 15 ml olive oil. Add the sliced leek and scallion, then cook for 6–8 minu…
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches so it fits comfortably. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until wilted and any…
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes so it does not scramble the eggs. If you see excess liquid…
- Add parsley, coriander, and dill to the cooled greens and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and black pepp…
- Pour the eggs over the herb-and-spinach mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Let the batter rest for 2 minutes s…
- Wipe the skillet clean, return it to medium-low heat, and add the remaining 15 ml olive oil, swirling to coat. Pour in the kuku…
+ 2 more steps in the full instructions section below.
Cultural Background
Kuku is a beloved Iranian category of egg-and-herb dishes served from everyday dinners to festive tables. Kuku-ye Esfenaj highlights springlike greens and is commonly offered as a warm mezze-style slice alongside bread, herbs, and pickles.
Equipment
💡 Tips
- Keep the heat at medium-low after adding the eggs to prevent a dry, rubbery texture; gentle heat keeps the kuku tender.
- Evaporating or draining spinach moisture is essential for clean slices and a concentrated green flavor.
- For neat wedges, cool the kuku for 10 minutes, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ The kuku turns watery and breaks when sliced.
✅ Fix: Cook off spinach moisture thoroughly and press out any pooled liquid before adding eggs, then rest the cooked kuku before cutting.
❌ The outside browns before the center sets.
✅ Fix: Lower to medium-low heat, cover with a lid to trap gentle heat, and extend cooking time by 2–3 minutes instead of increasing the flame.
❌ The kuku sticks during flipping.
✅ Fix: Use a truly nonstick pan, oil the surface evenly, and loosen the edges fully with a spatula before sliding onto a plate.
🧊 How to Store
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a skillet over low heat for 4–6 minutes, or microwave at 600W for 60–90 seconds; avoid high heat to prevent dryness.
📅 Make Ahead
Chop all herbs and slice the leeks and scallions up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate tightly covered. You can also cook the kuku fully, cool it, and serve it at room temperature the next day.
🍽️ Pairs Well With
- Sangak or lavash
- mast-o-khiar
- torshi
- tomatoes and cucumbers
- fresh herbs (sabzi khordan)
Regional Variations
- Northern-style versions may lean heavier on dill and scallion for a sharper, greener aroma.
- Some home cooks increase spinach and reduce herbs for a darker, more earthy kuku that eats like a vegetable-forward main.
- In picnic-style spreads, the kuku is often cooked slightly thicker and cut into small squares for easy sharing.
Ingredients
- 10.5 ozFresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 4¼ ozLeek, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced
- 2⅛ ozScallion, thinly sliced
- 1⅜ ozFresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1.1 ozFresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- 20 gFresh dill, finely chopped
- 6Eggs
- 6 gFine sea salt (About 1 tsp)
- 1 tspBlack pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbspOlive oil (2 tbsp, divided)
🔄 Substitutions
- Olive oil→ Grapeseed oil
- Leek→ Yellow onion
- Fresh dill→ Fresh mint
Instructions
- 1
Set a 24 cm nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 15 ml olive oil. Add the sliced leek and scallion, then cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and sweet, stirring often so they do not brown.
- 2
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches so it fits comfortably. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until wilted and any released moisture has mostly evaporated.
- 3
Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes so it does not scramble the eggs. If you see excess liquid pooling, squeeze the greens firmly with a spoon against the side of the bowl and discard the liquid.
- 4
Add parsley, coriander, and dill to the cooled greens and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and black pepper for 30 seconds until the mixture looks uniform and slightly frothy.
- 5
Pour the eggs over the herb-and-spinach mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Let the batter rest for 2 minutes so the herbs hydrate and the mixture thickens slightly.
- 6
Wipe the skillet clean, return it to medium-low heat, and add the remaining 15 ml olive oil, swirling to coat. Pour in the kuku mixture and spread it into an even layer, then cover with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes until the edges set and the center is mostly firm.
- 7
To flip, slide the kuku onto a plate, then invert it back into the skillet so the uncooked side faces down. Cook uncovered for 3–5 minutes until fully set and lightly golden in spots.
- 8
Remove the kuku to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes so slices hold their shape. Cut into 8 wedges and serve warm or at room temperature for the most aromatic flavor.
🪪 Recipe Passport
Cultural Background
Kuku is a beloved Iranian category of egg-and-herb dishes served from everyday dinners to festive tables. Kuku-ye Esfenaj highlights springlike greens and is commonly offered as a warm mezze-style slice alongside bread, herbs, and pickles.
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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