Kitchens around the world
Iraqi Recipes
Comforting stews, fragrant rice and flatbread fresh from the oven. Iraqi home cooking is hearty and full of warmth.
About Iraqi
Iraqi cooking is hearty and comforting. Rice is central, often served with a stew called marag, made with vegetables and meat. Dolma, kebabs and grilled fish are also loved, and bread is a daily staple.
Flavors come from dried limes, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, tomato and dates. Compared with Persian food, Iraqi dishes are less saffron-focused and often more rustic. Compared with Levantine cooking, they lean more on stews and rice than on mezze.
Questions folks ask
What is a common Iraqi dish?
Dolma, rice with stew, kebabs and grilled fish are well known.
What are dried limes?
They are limes dried until hard, which add a sour, earthy flavor to stews and soups.
Is Iraqi food spicy?
It is usually warmly spiced rather than hot. You can add chili if you like.
Kitchen tips
- Pierce dried limes before simmering so they release flavor.
- Soak rice before cooking for longer, separate grains.
- Let stews simmer gently so the flavors blend.
- Use dates to add natural sweetness to desserts.
- Serve stew over rice with fresh bread.