**Khoresht-e-Halu: A Sweet and Sour Persian Peach Stew**
Are you looking for a unique and flavorful dish that combines sweet and sour flavors? Look no further than Khoresht-e-Halu, a traditional Persian peach stew. This delightful stew features tender pieces of chicken or lamb simmered in a savory sauce made with fresh peaches, tangy plums, aromatic spices, and herbs. The result is a complex and harmonious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal.
In this article, we will explore the delightful world of Khoresht-e-Halu, providing you with two variations of this classic recipe. The first recipe is a traditional version that uses chicken, while the second offers a vegetarian alternative. Both recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor, so you can enjoy this Persian delicacy in the comfort of your own home.
So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the captivating flavors of Khoresht-e-Halu.
KHORESHT-E HULU (PERSIAN PEACH STEW)
This deliciously spiced sweet-and sour stew was adapted from "Persian Cooking for a Healthy Kitchen" By Najmieh Batmanglij. The original recipe calls for firm, unripe peaches and saffron. I had none and substituted nectarines/omitted the saffron and it still came out great.
Provided by Sephardi Kitchen
Categories Curries
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Trim fat and skin from chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces. Heat in a nonstick pan until lightly browned. Add the olive oil and onions. Cook over medium heat until the onion is transluscent. Add rosewater, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon and salt/pepper to taste. Add 1 cup water and stir. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the lime juice, sugar and saffron (if using) and stir into the chicken. Cover and simmer 30-45 minutes longer.
- Wash the peaches or nectarines. Remove pits and cut into small wedges. Carefully stir into the chicken, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes longer.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with steamed long-grain or basmati rice.
KHORESH-E GHORMEH SABZI (PERSIAN HERB, BEAN AND LAMB STEW)
There are three essential elements to this khoresh, or stew, which is often called Iran's national dish. First, the sweet, pungent flavor of dried or fresh fenugreek leaves defines the stew, which simply isn't the same without it. Likewise, Omani limes (also known as dried Persian limes) add a distinct aged sourness that is vital to the dish. Finally, the classic Persian technique of sautéing a mountain of finely minced herbs lends character and complexity to the foundation of the stew. Don't be afraid to really cook down the herbs until quite dark and dry; this step is essential to concentrate their flavor.
Provided by Samin Nosrat
Categories meat, soups and stews, main course
Time 4h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, season the meat with turmeric, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
- Rinse the beans and place in a medium bowl with 1 cup water and a generous pinch of salt. Set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, place a large Dutch oven or similar pot over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons oil. When it shimmers, add meat and cook, turning regularly so that it browns evenly on all sides, about 15 minutes. Once the meat has browned, move it to the edges of the pot and add the onion to the center of the pot, along with a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onion begins to soften and turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the beans and add to the pot, stirring to combine everything and coat the beans with oil. Add 4 cups water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot and simmer for 2 hours.
- In the meantime, prepare the herbs: Wash parsley and cilantro, then use a salad spinner to dry very well. Remove and discard the tough stems. Chop the leaves and tender stems very, very finely, or feel free to use a food processor to get these herbs as finely chopped as possible. The more finely chopped the herbs, the more green and unctuous the ghormeh sabzi will be.
- Separately chop the chives and entire bunch of scallions (including the green tops) as finely as possible by hand. These, too, must be very finely chopped - nearly minced - but they will turn to mush in a food processor and thus should be chopped by hand.
- Set a large frying pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the remaining 1/4 cup oil and the scallion-chive mixture. Allow to wilt, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, then add remaining chopped herbs and fenugreek leaves, crushing the fenugreek leaves between your fingers as you add them. Cook, stirring continuously, until the herbs are wilted and very dark green - but not burned - and they give off a bright green oil when pressed with a spoon, 18 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial to the flavor and color of the stew. You'll know the herbs are ready when they feel dry and emit a strong, savory aroma.
- When the meat has cooked for 2 hours, add the cooked herb mixture, Omani limes and 1/2 cup water. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer for another hour. Check on the limes occasionally to make sure they are submerged in the stew but not falling apart. Gently push them into the stew if they're still floating after 20 minutes.
- As the stew nears the 3-hour mark, remove the lid and check the meat; it should be very tender. If the ghormeh sabzi seems a little watery, leave it uncovered for the last 20 minutes of cooking and allow to reduce into a thick stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If the stew needs a little acidity, juice a lime into the stew through a sieve by pressing down on it with a spoon (avoid letting the seeds through the sieve, as they can be bitter). Set aside. Taste the stew and continue adding more lime juice until the stew is sufficiently tangy. Stir in the saffron. The stew should be a very deep, dark shade of green and quite thick when done. Return dried limes into the stew to serve.
- Serve hot with Persian rice and mast-o khiar.
KHORESH KARAFS (PERSIAN CELERY STEW WITH LAMB)
Most types of Iranian stew, known as khoresh or sometimes spelled khoresht, take hours to prepare and yet more hours to cook. Not this one. Karafs means celery, so here a whole head of crunchy, pale green stalks and two bunches of herbs simmer alongside lamb (or beef) for just under an hour. The sweet flavor of caramelized onions provides the base note to a funky green broth tarted up with lime and lemon. Seasoned with turmeric and saffron, the stew takes on a golden hue. A shallot, sliced and fried until crisp, makes a fine garnish, but is optional. Not optional: a side of buttery steamed rice.
Provided by Daniela Galarza
Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Trim or break off thicker parts of the parsley stems and pull mint sprigs and larger leaves from their stems. Discard stems or reserve for another use. Pluck a small handful of leaves and tender sprigs from parsley and mint and set aside for garnish. Chop remaining herbs.
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high. Season lamb with turmeric, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add lamb, onion and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions start to caramelize and lamb is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups water, cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
- While the lamb simmers, cook the celery: In a skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil with the butter over medium-high. Once butter foams, add celery, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Add chopped parsley and mint, and cook, stirring occasionally, until celery just starts to caramelize, about 8 minutes.
- Add celery and herbs to the Dutch oven, along with lemon juice, lime juice and saffron. Cover, leaving lid slightly ajar, and simmer on low heat until lamb is tender, about 30 minutes.
- While stew cooks, make the fried shallots, if desired: Line a small plate with a paper towel. In a small bowl, sprinkle flour over sliced shallots and toss with a fork. Heat canola oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-high until it shimmers slightly, about 1 minute. Fry shallots in oil, flipping once or twice so they cook evenly, until golden brown and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oil with a fork, season with a pinch of salt and let drain on paper towel-lined plate until stew is ready.
- Taste stew. Broth should be tart, but balanced. Celery and lamb should be tender but hold their shape. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with reserved herbs and fried shallots. Serve with chelo (Persian-style steamed rice) or buttered, steamed white rice. Stew can be made up to 2 days in advance.
BADEMJAN - DELICIOUS PERSIAN STEW
Bademjan means "eggplant" in Farsi (otherwise known as Persian, the language spoken Iran). This stew works fantastically with Persian rice (Polo) and is a dish which can be modified for vegetarians very easily. Such comfort food-everyone will enjoy this dish.
Provided by Persian Cook
Categories Stew
Time 1h30m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Peel the eggplant and cut it lengthwise in half. (Cut it in half again if you are using a large eggplant.) Lightly salt and leave it to drain in a colander for half an hour. Rinse and pat it dry with paper towel, or leave to dry it overnight. (Eggplant will 'sweat' when salted, don't be scared!).
- Fry the eggplant in oil until it is lightly colored. Remove and keep to the side.
- Put 2 tablespoons of oil in a deep pot and fry the onion, adding the meat, pepper turmeric and tomato paste. Sauté until the onion is lightly colored.
- Add water and let it simmer until the meat is tender. Add more water if its required (if the dish doesn't look liquidly then it will need more water).
- When the meat is tender, add the eggplant, sugar, lemon, and salt to taste. Let the mixture boil for another few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.2, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 60, Sodium 484.1, Carbohydrate 44.5, Fiber 12, Sugar 27.7, Protein 21.6
KHORESHT GHAIMEH - PERSIAN STEW WITH MEAT AND SPLIT PEAS
A hearty, tangy, and delicious Iranian recipe. It is a delicious blend of meat, split peas, tomatoes, and spices topped with french fries. When choosing a meat, select a "roast" type. From My Persian Kitchen.
Provided by Barbell Bunny
Categories Southwest Asia (middle East)
Time 3h10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
- Add meat and let it brown for a few minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, add turmeric.
- Give the pot a few stirs, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Prick the Persian lemons with a fork and add to the pot with 5 cups of water. Season to taste.
- Cover and cook one hour.
- Add tomatoes, split peas, tomato paste, and advieh. Cook for 1 1/2 to two hours.
- While the strew cooks, give it a stir every so often so the bottom does not stick. Adjust seasonings.
- About 15 minutes before planning to serve your khoresht, cook the french fries. Depending on what kind you prefer, you can bake or fry them.
- I bake them, so spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and add french fries. Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes on each side. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt.
- Once the khoresht is done, place it in a serving bowl and top with french fries.
- Serve over basmati rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 318.9, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 40, Sodium 387.7, Carbohydrate 29.8, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 9.8, Protein 17.2
Tips:
- Choose ripe, yet firm peaches: Peaches that are too ripe will break down during cooking and become mushy. Choose peaches that have a slight give when pressed, but are not too soft.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will help to evenly distribute heat and prevent the stew from scorching.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When adding the peaches to the pot, make sure to leave some space between them so that they can cook evenly.
- Simmer the stew on low heat: Simmering the stew on low heat will help to develop the flavors and prevent the peaches from becoming overcooked.
- Serve the stew warm: Khoresh e hulu is best served warm, so make sure to reheat it if necessary before serving.
Conclusion:
Khoresh e hulu is a delicious and flavorful Persian peach stew that is perfect for a summer meal. The combination of sweet peaches, savory spices, and tangy pomegranate molasses creates a unique and complex dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve it with rice, bread, or yogurt, khoresh e hulu is a surefire hit. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give this Persian peach stew a try. You won't be disappointed.
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