The Persian Omelette, or “Omelette Irani,” is a comforting dish that’s both quick and flavorful. This tomato-based omelette is cooked with onions sautéed in turmeric, infusing the dish with a unique, earthy taste. It’s a beloved recipe passed down from the author’s mother and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner. With a combination of soft eggs, juicy tomatoes, and savory onions, this dish is often served with crusty bread or Persian flatbread.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 eggs

• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into cubes

• 1 brown onion, diced

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Onion: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent.

2. Add Turmeric: Add turmeric and cook for 5 minutes to release its aromas. Add the remaining olive oil if needed to prevent burning.

3. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until the tomatoes soften.

4. Crack the Eggs: Gently crack all 4 eggs into the pan, keeping the yolks intact. Season with salt and pepper and cover with a lid.

5. Cook the Eggs: After 3-4 minutes, check to see if the eggs are cooked to your liking (the yolks should remain runny if preferred). If the whites are uncooked, gently poke them with a spatula to speed up the process.

6. Serve: Serve with crusty bread or Persian flatbread and enjoy.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 279 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 14 g

• Protein: 13 g

• Fat: 19 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 327 mg

• Sodium: 137 mg

• Potassium: 677 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 8 g

A Simple Yet Flavorful Combination

What sets the Persian Omelette apart from other omelettes is its base of onions sautéed in turmeric. Turmeric is a key ingredient in Persian cuisine, providing not only a beautiful golden hue but also an earthy, slightly bitter taste that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of onions. The onions are sautéed until translucent, which helps release their natural sweetness, and then the turmeric is added to cook and release its full aroma.

Once the turmeric and onions have developed a rich flavor, chopped tomatoes are added to the pan. The tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a natural sauce that complements the eggs. The combination of tomatoes and eggs is classic, but the turmeric and sautéed onions bring a depth of flavor that makes the Persian Omelette unique.

The Perfect Eggs for a Soft and Creamy Texture

The key to a perfect Persian Omelette is the eggs. When added to the pan, the eggs are cracked gently, keeping the yolks intact for a classic presentation. The eggs are seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper and covered with a lid to help them cook gently. The lid traps the steam, allowing the eggs to cook through while keeping the yolks runny, which is a signature feature of this dish.

After 3-4 minutes of cooking, the eggs should be cooked to your liking—soft and creamy with runny yolks. If the whites haven’t fully set, a gentle poke with a spatula will help speed up the process. The result is a creamy, eggy center that perfectly complements the flavorful tomato and onion base.

Serving the Persian Omelette

The Persian Omelette is typically served with crusty bread or Persian flatbread, which is perfect for dipping into the runny yolk and soaking up the savory tomato and onion sauce. The combination of the rich, soft eggs and the fragrant, slightly spicy turmeric-infused sauce makes every bite a delicious experience.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast with a hot cup of tea, for lunch as a light meal, or as a quick and satisfying dinner, the Persian Omelette is versatile and easy to prepare. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a go-to dish for any time of day.

Nutritional Breakdown

At 279 calories per serving, the Persian Omelette offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. With 13 grams of protein from the eggs, this dish provides a solid amount of protein that helps keep you feeling full. The 19 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat, come from the olive oil and eggs, providing richness and flavor. The dish also provides 14 grams of carbohydrates, with 3 grams of fiber, making it a relatively low-carb, fiber-rich option.

With 8 grams of sugar from the tomatoes and the natural sweetness of the onions, the dish is not overly sweet but instead has a well-balanced flavor. Additionally, the Persian Omelette offers beneficial nutrients like potassium (677 mg) and sodium (137 mg), which support heart health and overall body function.

Conclusion

The Persian Omelette (Omelette Irani) is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. The combination of soft eggs, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic turmeric-infused onions creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or Persian flatbread for an authentic touch, and savor the rich flavors of this traditional Persian recipe.