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Dizi, also known as “Abgoosht” or meat broth, is a popular Iranian dish enjoyed by both locals and travelers. It’s made with lamb or beef, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, beans, and spices. The meat is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and flavorful. Dizi is traditionally served in the same pot it’s cooked in, adding to its unique charm. To enjoy it like a local, pour the rich broth into a bowl, add bread for a soft side dish called “Tilit,” and mash the meat and other ingredients together. You can savor Dizi with Iranian bread, fresh vegetables, pickles, and a refreshing glass of Doogh, an Iranian dairy-based drink.
What makes this food even more interesting is that each city in Iran has its own twist on the recipe, giving it a regional touch. So, as you travel through different cities, you can discover the diverse flavors and variations of this delicious dish. From the tender meat to the aromatic spices, Dizi offers a satisfying and comforting meal that represents the rich culinary heritage of Iran. Don’t miss the chance to try this delightful dish and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Iranian cuisine.
How to Cook Dizi
Bursting with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Dizi is a true testament to the culinary mastery of Persian culture. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover how to recreate this traditional Persian delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients to Cook Dizi
1. 500 grams lamb shank/shoulder of lamb on the bone [Don’t remove the fat from the meat; it provides the needed oil.]
2. ½ cup chickpeas – Rinse and soak them for 24 hours
3. ½ cup navy beans – Rinse and soak them for 24 hours
4. 3 medium size potatoes
5. 3 medium size tomatoes – chop them into pieces
6. Two large onions which should be peeled and sliced
7. Two heaped tablespoons of tomato paste
8. Water
9. Salt, ground black pepper, turmeric, dried lime, and lime juice to taste
Dizi Food Recipe
1. In a pot, combine the lamb, chickpeas, navy beans, and chopped onions. Sprinkle turmeric and pepper powder over them. Next, pour approximately 6 cups of water into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat for approximately 2 hours until the meat and beans become tender.
3. Add potatoes, halved tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried limes (remember to pierce dried limes with a fork) to the pot. Stir lightly and cover again. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
4. During the last 15 minutes, include salt and lime juice (as adding salt from the beginning may hinder proper meat cooking).
5. Once all the ingredients are fully tender, you have completed the cooking phase.
6. Place a colander over a large bowl and drain the ingredients. Set the broth aside.
7. Remove the bones from the meat. Transfer the ingredients to a different bowl and mash them into a paste.
8. Taste both the broth and paste for seasoning, and then prepare to serve.
How to Serve Dizi: A Quick Guide
Serve Hot
Dizi tastes best when served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking.
Separate Broth and Paste
Present the broth in a bowl with crumbled tarragon leaves on top. Arrange the paste on a plate with fresh mint leaves as garnish.
Terid Ritual
Start by tearing bread into small pieces and soaking them in the broth. Stir and enjoy this flavorful mixture, known as Terid.
Accompaniments
Serve Dizi with Sangak bread, table vegetables, sliced raw onion, yogurt, and pickles. They enhance the flavors and aid digestion.
Refreshing Drink
Pair Dizi with Doogh, an Iranian yogurt drink, to refresh your palate and complement the rich flavors.
Enjoy the unique and delicious experience of this Persian cuisine!
Where to Eat Dizi in Tehran?
If you’re in Tehran and craving a taste of the finest Dizi, you’re in luck! This traditional Persian dish has found its home in the bustling city, offering two distinct dining options to satisfy your appetite.
Traditional Dizi Saraas
Step into the heart of Tehran and discover the charm of the traditional Dizi Saraas. These humble eateries, often located in the historic Tehran Grand Bazaar and downtown neighborhoods, may not be fancy or spacious, but they serve up the best Dizi in town. Prepare to be transported to a world where aromatic spices and tender meat create a symphony of flavors. Some popular Dizi Saraas include Dizi Sara-ye Azari, Dizi Sara-ye Iranshahr, and Dizi Saraa-ye Tarasht.
Modern Iranian Restaurants
If you prefer a contemporary atmosphere while savoring your Dizi, Tehran’s Iranian restaurants offer a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity. Experience the flavors of Dizi in a stylish setting at Dizi Bar Restaurant, Atish Dizi Bar, or Dizi Land. Immerse yourself in the vibrant dining scene of Tehran while indulging in this beloved Persian delicacy.
Here are the top 5 modern Iranian Restaurants you can have Dizi there:
5. Atish Dizi Bar
Located near Tajrish Bazaar, Atish Dizi Bar offers a semi-modern setting on the second floor of an old building. The colorful stained-glass panels and vintage adornments create a comfortable ambiance. Served in a nostalgic clay pot, their Dizi comes with enticing side dishes like Shirazi salad and fresh herbs. The friendly staff adds a personal touch to your dining experience.
Location: Maghsoud Beyk – Darbandi, Tajrish Tehran
Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 8:30 AM-12 AM
4. Azeri Traditional Dizi House
With a history spanning 140 years, Azeri Traditional Dizi House is a beloved institution in southern Tehran. The front area serves as a bustling tea house, while the main dining area features wooden tables and traditional beds surrounding a water fountain. Expect a packed house during lunchtime. Indulge in their Dizi served in a black clay pot, accompanied by pickled vegetables and Greek yogurt. The live traditional music adds to the charm.
Location: Rah-Ahan Square, Valiasr Avenue Tehran
Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 9 AM-12 PM
3. Tilit Dizi Bar
Tilit Dizi Bar, located in central Tehran, has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. The minimalist decor and brick walls create a contemporary ambiance. Choose from their 19 unique Dizi flavors, including whey and eggplant, pomegranate-infused, and nut-enriched varieties. Vegetarian options are also available. The assortment of side dishes and Persian tea with sugar candy or Baklava make for a delightful finish.
Location: North Saádi, Mesbah Tehran
Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 12 PM-4:30 PM
2. Timche Akbarian Dizi House
Nestled within the Grand Bazaar, Timche Akbarian Dizi House was once Iran’s first bank. Now restored, it transports you back to old Tehran. Enjoy Dizi served in traditional stone crocks and savor homemade Doogh. Complete your experience with Persian tea in thin-waisted cups alongside sugar canes.
Location: 82 Oudlajan Street Tehran
Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 9 AM-4:30 PM
1. Bahar Dizi Bar
Located in a recently restored building, Bahar Dizi Bar offers an intimate setting. The perfect arrangement of turquoise and gold tiles enhances the elegance. Their Dizi broth strikes a perfect balance of flavors, and the side dishes complement it beautifully. End your meal with Persian tea, sequin candy, and a whimsical stainless-steel goblet filled with rose water and saffron extract.
Location: North Bahar, West Isar Street Tehran
Business Hours: Mon-Sun, 9 AM-12 AM
FAQs about Dizi Food
Q1: What is Dizi?
A1: It is a traditional Persian dish made with lamb or beef, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, beans, and spices. It’s slow-cooked until tender and served in the same pot it’s cooked in.
Q2: How do you cook Dizi?
A2: The dizi recipe is to, boil the meat, beans, and onions, then add potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Simmer until tender, remove the bones, and mash the ingredients into a paste.
Q3: How should Dizi be served?
A3: It is best served hot. Pour the broth into a bowl with tarragon leaves, and arrange the mashed paste on a plate with mint leaves. Tear bread into pieces, soak in the broth (Terid), and enjoy with Sangak bread, vegetables, onion, yogurt, pickles, and Doogh.
Q4: Where can I find Dizi in Tehran?
A4: You can find Dizi in Tehran at traditional Dizi Saraas in the Grand Bazaar and downtown areas, or modern Iranian restaurants like Atish Dizi Bar, Azeri Traditional Dizi House, Tilit Dizi Bar, Timche Akbarian Dizi House, and Bahar Dizi Bar.
Q5: What are popular Dizi restaurants in Tehran?
A5: Popular Dizi restaurants in Tehran include Bahar Dizi Bar, Timche Akbarian Dizi House, Tilit Dizi Bar, Azeri Traditional Dizi House, and Atish Dizi Bar. Each offers a unique atmosphere and delicious Dizi variations.
Experience the Best of Dizi Food in Iran: Customized Tours for Your Adventure
Are you a passionate food lover, eager to explore new cuisines and immerse yourself in unique culinary experiences? If so, then a journey to Iran, with its rich gastronomic heritage, is an adventure that should be on your bucket list. To truly savor the best of Dizi, a traditional Iranian dish, and explore the captivating places it originates from, we recommend embarking on a customized and tailored tour.
During your customized tour with ToIranTour, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the world of Dizi, a beloved Iranian dish that has stood the test of time. Our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the secret ingredients and cooking techniques behind this delectable meal. From the bustling streets of Tehran to the quaint villages nestled in the Zagros Mountains, you will have the chance to savor Dizi in its many regional variations, each with its own distinct flavors and nuances.
