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Khoresh Gheimeh – King of Persian Stews Recipe

Khoresh Gheimeh – King of Persian Stews Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 30 reviews

Khoresh Gheimeh is a beloved Persian stew made with tender lamb or beef, yellow split peas, dried limes, and a fragrant tomato base. Traditionally served with saffron rice and topped with golden French fries, it’s a hearty, comforting dish that showcases the warmth of Iranian cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

  • 1 lb (450 g) lamb or beef, cubed
  • 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2–3 dried Persian limes (limoo amani), pierced with a fork
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cups water or beef stock

For Serving:

  • 3 cups Persian-style saffron rice (chelo)
  • French fries (homemade or frozen, fried until crisp)
  • Pickled vegetables (torshi) or salad shirazi (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat base: In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until golden. Add turmeric and stir. Add cubed meat, browning on all sides.
  2. Build the flavor: Stir in tomato paste, cinnamon, and pepper. Add dried limes and enough water/stock to cover. Simmer for 45 minutes until meat is tender.
  3. Cook the split peas: In a separate saucepan, parboil yellow split peas for 10 minutes. Drain and add them to the stew. Continue simmering for another 30–40 minutes, until peas and meat are fully cooked.
  4. Season and finish: Adjust salt and pepper. The stew should be rich, slightly tangy from dried limes, and thickened but not too dry.
  5. Serve: Plate Khoresh Gheimeh with saffron rice and top with golden French fries. Garnish with pickles or a fresh salad on the side.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute mushrooms and add more split peas.
  • Don’t skip the dried limes—they give Gheimeh its authentic tang.
  • Fries can be served on top or on the side depending on preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Khoresh Gheimeh, Persian stew, Iranian cuisine, lamb stew, beef stew

Find it online: https://mbeams.com/khoresh-gheimeh-king-of-persian-stews-recipe/