Herbed Persian Lamb Stew with Chickpeas
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Herbed Persian Lamb Stew, also known as Qormeh Sabzi. This traditional Persian dish is not only rich in cultural heritage but also brimming with wholesome ingredients. Tender lamb shoulder is expertly simmered with aromatic herbs, spices, and nutrient-dense chickpeas, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a meal that's as nourishing as it is satisfying. Elevated with fresh greens and a zesty touch of lemon, this stew is an excellent alternative to your usual fare, offering a culinary journey to the heart of Persia.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
lamb shoulder
1 1/2 lbs (finely diced)
onion
1 large (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
lemon juice
1/3 cup
water
1/2 cup
green onions
10 (chopped thin)
celery leaves
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh spinach
1/2 lb (chopped)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
cooked garbanzo beans or cooked red kidney beans
2/3 cup (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced lamb shoulder and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and turmeric. Add the lemon juice and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions, celery leaves, fresh spinach, and parsley. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and fragrant.
5
Transfer the sautéed greens and the cooked chickpeas to the pot with the lamb. Stir everything together well to combine.
6
Increase the heat to bring the stew back to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Allow it to simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lamb is tender, making sure to add water if the stew becomes too thick.
7
Serve the Herbed Persian Lamb Stew hot over steamed basmati rice, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
10g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Persian Lamb Stew?
Also known as Qormeh Sabzi, this is a traditional Persian dish made with tender lamb shoulder, aromatic herbs, spices, and nutrient-dense chickpeas.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of finely diced lamb shoulder.
What is an alternative to chickpeas in this stew?
You can use cooked red kidney beans instead of cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas).
How many calories are in a serving of this lamb stew?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What herbs are essential for this dish?
The essential herbs and greens include green onions, celery leaves, fresh spinach, and fresh parsley.
What spices are used to season the lamb?
The lamb is seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and turmeric.
How long should I brown the lamb?
The lamb should be sautéed in vegetable oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned on all sides.
What provides the zesty flavor in this recipe?
A 1/3 cup of lemon juice is added to provide a bright, zesty touch to the stew.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The stew contains 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in preparing the greens?
Sauté the chopped green onions, celery leaves, fresh spinach, and parsley in a separate skillet with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for about 2 minutes.
How long does the lamb simmer before adding the greens?
The lamb should simmer with the onion, spices, and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
How long is the final simmering time?
After adding the greens and beans, the stew should simmer for an additional 20 minutes until the lamb is tender.
What should I do if the stew becomes too thick?
You should add more water to the pot if the stew becomes too thick during the simmering process.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
Serve it hot over fluffy steamed basmati rice to soak up the delicious herbed sauce.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished stew with extra fresh parsley if desired.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 10 green onions, chopped thin.
What amount of spinach is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of chopped fresh spinach.
How many tablespoons of vegetable oil are used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil are used, divided between browning the meat and sautéing the greens.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric is used as a key aromatic spice to provide flavor and a warm color to the stew.
How much water is initially added to the pot?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of water added after browning the meat and onions.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be chopped and cooked until softened and translucent.
Are celery leaves necessary?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of finely chopped celery leaves are included for their unique aromatic contribution.
What type of pot should I use?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for even cooking and simmering.
Is this a traditional Iranian dish?
Yes, Qormeh Sabzi is a classic Iranian dish and is part of the country's rich culinary heritage.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Is the lamb shoulder used whole or cut?
The lamb shoulder should be finely diced before cooking.
Can this be considered a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it features lean protein, fresh greens, and fiber-rich beans.