Persian green bean omelet (Kuku)
June 20, 2012 • Category: Main Dish
Every culture has its omelette and I was always charmed by the Persian kuku; first of all, it has a fun-sounding name; secondly, it is very elegant, light, (no cheese or crust in it) and versatile; finally, it is the perfect party dish, since it can be served at room temperature and prepared ahead.
This green beans kuku is adapted from Najmieh Batmanglij’s superb book New Food of Life: Ancient Persian and modern Iranian cooking and ceremonies.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 pound of green beans
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Spices: salt, to taste; 1 tsp of turmeric or a pinch of saffron; 1 tsp of white pepper
- 3 heaping tbsp of flour
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- Olive oil, as needed
METHOD:
- Blanch the green beans by dropping in boiling and salted water for a few minutes. Drain and cut in small matchsticks (about one inch in length). Set aside.
- Beat the eggs and add the spices and flour (previously mixed with the baking powder). Pour enough oil to coat a pie pan (pyrex or ceramic) and heat the pan for 5 minutes in a medium hot oven (350F). Mix the eggs and green beans and pour into the pie pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the kuku is puffed and dry. Cool and serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
A neighborhood general store in Beirut.
Comments
7 Comments • Comments Feed
Laura @ Family Spice says:
You are so right about the kookoo. My favorite is the kookoo-yeh sabzi, made with fresh herbs and typically served for the new year. I haven’t tried this green bean version, but yours looks amazing!
On June 20, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Alaiyo Kiasi says:
Hi Joumana,
What a lovely and composed omelette. This is something I believe I could make. No crust, so I’ll be good with that. It’s a healthier and (I’m sure) more delicious omelette with the addition of green beans. Thanks, too, for displaying the photo of the neighborhood grocer. It’s a beautiful sight.
Alaiyo
On June 20, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Belinda @zomppa says:
I’m so going to try this! Love beans.
On June 20, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Viviane@Taste-Buds says:
This might be lunch tomorrow, it is quick to prep and looks delicious! My husband loves eggs too, this will make him all happy!
On June 20, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Tammy says:
While we didn’t call this kuku, we make this crustless quiche with green chiles.
On June 21, 2012 at 7:09 am
Oui, Chef says:
I love omelettes (and quiches) of all stripes, they are just so versatile.
On July 3, 2012 at 1:44 pm