Best 5 Persian Lamb And Chickpea Stew Qormeh Sabzi Recipes

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**Qormeh Sabzi: A Symphony of Persian Flavors**

Embark on a culinary journey to Persia with Qormeh Sabzi, a delectable lamb and chickpea stew that embodies the essence of Iranian cuisine. This aromatic dish, pronounced "ghormeh sabzi," captivates the senses with its vibrant green hue, a symphony of flavors, and a delightful interplay of textures. Discover the secrets behind this beloved stew, as we delve into the depths of its ingredients, preparation methods, and the captivating stories it holds. Additionally, explore variations such as the vegetarian Qormeh Sabzi, a meatless rendition that celebrates the bounty of fresh herbs, and the Qormeh Sabzi Stew with Beef, a hearty and flavorful alternative that showcases the versatility of this Persian masterpiece.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

GHORMEH SABZI (PERSIAN HERB STEW)



Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew) image

Ghormeh Sabzi is an incredibly delicious Persian stew that is served over steamed basmati rice. It has tender cooked meat in intensely fragrant, rich and lemon herb gravy along with kidney beans. Popularly known as the national dish of Iran, this stew is packed with protein and fiber.

Provided by Roxana Begum

Categories     Stews

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups parsley (fresh)
3 cups cilantro (fresh)
1 cup green onions (fresh)
3/4 cup fenugreek leaves
5 tbsp olive oil
1 onions (yellow, large, sliced thinly)
1½ lb lamb (with bone or 1¼ lbs boneless cut in 2 inch pieces)
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (ground )
salt (to taste)
1/2 cup dried kidney beans (dried (soaked overnight))
4 dried limes (dried, whole)
1 tbsp dried lime powder (or 2 tbsp lime juice (as per taste))

Steps:

  • Rinse the herbs and drain well. Chop herbs very finely.Tip: Spin herbs in a salad spinner or pat dry.
  • Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a cooking pot at medium setting. Sauté onions until light golden brown.
  • Add meat, turmeric, black pepper and brown it a little. Then add some salt and 3 cups water and bring it to a boil.
  • Lower the heat, add the drained beans and simmer for 30 mins.Tip: Cook longer if using beef.
  • Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp of oil in a nonstick skillet. Add the herbs and sauté for 20 to 25 minutes until you can smell the aroma of sautéed herbs. Make sure to stir in between.
  • Then add sautéed herbs and simmer the stew for 30 minutes.
  • Next, add the pierced dried limes and simmer for another 30 to 60 minutes until the meat and beans are tender.Tip: Add dried lime powder or lime juice in the last half hour adjusting as per your taste.
  • The stew should be thick and not runny. Adjust the consistency, salt, lime and other seasonings.
  • Serve Ghormeh Sabzi hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 246 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Sodium 70 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 1 g

GHORMEH SABZI (PERSIAN HERB STEW)



Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew) image

Ghormeh sabzi is deliciously savory and loaded with the flavors of several different green herbs. It's traditionally served atop white rice (polow). You can also serve it with lavash bread.

Provided by marybakes

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Beef

Time 3h9m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

¼ cup canola oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 ½ pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 ½ cups finely chopped spinach
1 cup finely chopped green onions (green part only)
½ cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped chives
¼ cup finely chopped fenugreek leaves
1 ½ cups water, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, juiced
4 dried Persian limes (limoo amani), or more to taste
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in turmeric for 1 to 2 minutes. Add chuck cubes; cook until coated in turmeric and browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Add spinach, green onions, parsley, cilantro, chives, and fenugreek leaves; cook and stir until deep dark green in color, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir spinach mixture into the onion and chuck mixture. Pour in enough water to create a slurry consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in lemon juice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer stew until greens soften, about 1 hour.
  • Pierce dried limes with a fork and add to the stew. Continue simmering until chuck is tender, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Stir in red kidney beans. Cook until flavors combine, about 30 minutes. Discard dried limes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.6 g, Cholesterol 51.5 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 226 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

KHORESH-E GHORMEH SABZI (PERSIAN HERB, BEAN AND LAMB STEW)



Khoresh-e Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb, Bean and Lamb Stew) image

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

1 1/2 pounds lamb shoulder or beef chuck, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 heaping teaspoon ground turmeric
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried kidney beans
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 pound Italian parsley (about 3 large bunches)
1 pound cilantro (about 3 large bunches)
2 bunches chives
1 bunch scallions, roots trimmed
1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves
4 Omani (dried Persian) limes, rinsed and punctured multiple times with a fork
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
Polo Ba Tahdig (Persian Rice With Bread Crust), for serving
Mast-o Khiar or plain yogurt, for serving

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.

SABZI (SPINACH AND LAMB STEW)



Sabzi (Spinach and Lamb Stew) image

Sabzi is one of the traditional dishes served during Afghan Nowruz, the celebration of the new year and vernal equinox, and Durkhanai Ayubi included this recipe from her mother, Farida Ayubi, in their cookbook "Parwana: Recipes and Stories From an Afghan Kitchen." The rich green hue of this dish symbolizes the arrival of spring and new life. In the book, Ms. Ayubi uses a pressure cooker for the lamb - you can as well - but the stovetop version below doesn't take very long. Either way, the lamb becomes tender in an intensely flavorful broth of onion, garlic and chile. It then simmers in cooked spinach, fragrant with fried cilantro and garlic chives. This soul-affirming sabzi, along with its traditional accompaniment of challaw, a spiced Afghan rice dish, is a welcome way to celebrate the reawakening of nature.

Provided by Naz Deravian

Categories     dinner, soups and stews, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup sunflower or grapeseed oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 fresh, long red chile (such as Holland), thinly sliced
2 1/4 pounds boneless lamb stew meat (preferably shoulder or leg), cut into 2-inch chunks
Salt
1 large bunch cilantro, leaves and tender stems finely chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1 bunch garlic chives or scallions, green parts only, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
2 1/4 pounds spinach (about 4 bunches), stems removed, finely chopped (see Tip)
Challaw, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or similar pot, heat 1/2 cup oil over medium-high. Add the onion, garlic and chile, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side and add the lamb to the other. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, 3 to 8 minutes total. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt (or 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt or fine salt) and 4 cups water, then stir and bring to a gentle boil, skimming any scum that rises to the surface. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook until the lamb is tender, 1 hour and 5 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, in a kettle or a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil, and keep at a simmer.
  • In a very large skillet with a lid, heat the remaining 1/2 cup oil over medium. Add the cilantro and garlic chives, and fry, stirring occasionally, to bring out all the flavors, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl.
  • Place the same skillet over medium-high heat (no need to wash), add the chopped spinach and the just-boiled water, and cover partially. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is gone, about 20 minutes.
  • Add the lamb, 1 cup of its cooking liquid (any remaining broth can be refrigerated or frozen for another use) and the cilantro mixture to the spinach. Stir to combine well, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until all the flavors mingle, about 15 minutes. Taste, season with salt if desired and serve with challaw.

ABGOOSHT (PERSIAN LAMB AND CHICKPEA STEW)



Abgoosht (Persian Lamb and Chickpea Stew) image

Iran's most beloved and ubiquitous peasant dish, abgoosht (or "meat water") is made with inexpensive, bony cuts of meat, which take a back seat to the broth and the sheer ceremony involved in serving it all. Once the stew is cooked, it is divided into two parts: The meat, potatoes and beans are pulled from the stock and mashed into a meat paste, goosht kubideh. Simple to prepare, the dish turns into an occasion for a gathering, as the broth and meat paste are served with piles of warm flatbread, pickles and fresh herbs, palate cleansers that offset the richness of the dish.

Provided by Samin Nosrat

Categories     dinner, beans, meat, soups and stews, main course

Time 3h30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/2 pounds bone-in lamb shank
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dried chickpeas
1/2 cup dried white beans, such as navy or cannellini
2 large yellow onions, quartered
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
6 Omani (dried Persian) limes, rinsed and punctured multiple times with a fork
Persian liteh pickles, for serving
Salad-e Shirazi, for serving
Warmed sangak bread or other freshly baked flatbreads, for serving
Assorted fresh herbs (such as mint, tarragon and basil), scallions and radishes, for serving (optional)
Doogh (Persian yogurt drink), for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • The night before you plan to cook, season the lamb with turmeric, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Place chickpeas and beans in a medium bowl; add 3 cups water and a generous pinch of salt. Refrigerate overnight.
  • To cook: Set a large Dutch oven or soup pot over high heat. Add lamb, onions, tomato paste and 8 cups water. Drain chickpeas and beans and add to pot. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve tomato paste, and cover pot partially with a lid. Reduce heat and simmer stew for 2 hours.
  • Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces. Add potatoes and Omani limes to pot and continue simmering until potatoes and meat are both completely tender, about 1 hour. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the broth with salt and pepper.
  • Remove limes from pot, and one by one, juice them into the soup through a sieve by pressing down on them with a spoon. (Avoid letting the seeds through the sieve, as they can be bitter.) Taste the broth after juicing each lime and add just enough so that the broth is tangy and bright.
  • Use the sieve to remove the meat, potatoes and beans from the pot and transfer them to a large bowl. Use a fork to pull the meat off the bones. If any of the bones have marrow, use a skewer to remove it and add to the bowl. Use a potato masher to mash meat, beans and potatoes into a soft, uniform paste - this is called goosht kubideh, literally "mashed meat." If the mixture appears dry, add a few spoonfuls of broth and continue to mash until unctuous and smooth. Taste the paste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and Omani lime juice, as needed.
  • To serve, bring broth and goosht kubideh to the table, along with bowls of liteh pickles, salad-e Shirazi, warmed sangak bread, fresh herbs and, if you like, doogh. All of the sides serve as palate cleansers to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Traditionally, the broth is eaten first with sangak bread, which can hold up to the broth without disintegrating. Typically, the bread is torn into bite-size pieces and added to broth to soak for a couple of minutes before digging in. This process is called tilit.
  • Serve the goosht kubideh separately after everyone has had a bowl of broth. Traditionally the meat paste is made into small sandwiches with fresh herbs, and eaten with alternate bites of salad-e Shirazi and liteh pickle. Leftover goosht kubideh makes for a great sandwich or baby food, and freezes well for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Aim for organic, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't skip the step of browning the lamb. This helps to develop flavor and color.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the stew. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the stew from burning.
  • Add the dried fenugreek leaves early in the cooking process to allow them time to rehydrate and release their flavor.
  • If you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. However, fresh herbs will give the stew a more pronounced flavor.
  • Serve the stew with basmati rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Persian lamb and chickpea stew (Ghormeh Sabzi) is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.

The combination of lamb, chickpeas, and herbs creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The stew is also relatively easy to make, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give Persian lamb and chickpea stew a try. You won't be disappointed!

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