How to make Borani Esfenaj

Why cooks start here

Borani Esfenaj is cooked the way yogurt tables cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a persian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Borani Esfenaj, a staple of Persian home cooking, is a dish that embodies the casual generosity of the family table. Its roots are firmly planted in the everyday rhythms of life, where dishes are prepared with an instinctive touch rather than strict measurements. Here, the home version is celebrated for its simplicity and the way it invites everyone to share from a communal bowl, reflecting the true spirit of Persian hospitality. The creamy tang of strained yogurt mingles effortlessly with the earthy notes of spinach, uplifted by the warmth of garlic and the subtle hint of dried mint. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, with a texture that is both smooth and slightly textured, thanks to the hand-chopped spinach. Salt is balanced by intuition, creating a dish that feels as comforting as it is vibrant, inviting you to scoop it up with flatbread or savor it on its own.