Description
A classic Persian stew made with a blend of herbs, meat, and dried limes, perfect for a celebratory meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs (680g) bone-in lamb shoulder or beef chuck, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (720ml) hot water or beef broth
- 3 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley, packed, stems removed, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup scallions, finely sliced
- 3 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves
- 3–4 tablespoons neutral oil, for frying
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4–5 dried Persian limes, pierced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, added to the herbs
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Soak the beans if using dried: soak overnight in cold water, then boil for 45 minutes until just tender.
- Prepare and crack the dried limes by piercing them 4–5 times with a fork.
- Brown the meat in a large pot with oil, seasoned with turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the diced onion in the same pot until deeply golden, then add the meat back.
- Add hot water or broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Fry the herb mixture in a skillet until dark and concentrated, about 15–20 minutes.
- Combine the fried herbs and pierced dried limes with the meat in the pot. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Add the kidney beans to the stew during the last 20–30 minutes of simmering.
- Remove and discard the dried limes before serving the stew.
Notes
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor improves after a day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg