Persian Green Stew (Ghormeh Sabzi)
Indulge in the rich flavors of Ghormeh Sabzi, a traditional Persian stew that beautifully blends succulent meat and vibrant greens. This hearty dish is a staple in Persian cuisine, featuring tender lamb or beef stewed with an array of aromatic herbs and spices, all simmered to perfection. With its unique combination of dried limes, kidney beans, and a kaleidoscope of fresh herbs, Ghormeh Sabzi offers a tantalizing taste experience that pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice. Gather your friends and family to share this delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lamb or beef stewing meat
2 lbs (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
cooking oil
1/3 cup
turmeric
1 teaspoon
water
1 1/2 cups
dried limes
6
kidney beans
3/4 cup (drained (canned is fine))
large potato
1 (diced (optional))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
green onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
spinach
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped (optional))
garlic chives (tareh)
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
fenugreek leaves (shanbelileh)
1/4 cup (finely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the meat and cutting it into 3/4-inch cubes. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, heat half of the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3
Once the onions are golden, stir in the turmeric and continue to fry for an additional 2 minutes to release its aromatic flavor.
4
Increase the heat to high and add the meat cubes to the pot. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the meat changes color and begins to brown on the outside.
5
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the water while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits. Add the drained kidney beans, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for about an hour, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked through.
7
While the meat is simmering, in a separate skillet, heat the remaining oil over high heat. Add the diced potato (if using) and fry until the pieces are lightly browned. Remove from the heat and set aside.
8
Once the meat is tender, stir in the lightly browned potato. Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9
In the skillet used for the potatoes, add the finely chopped green onion, spinach, parsley, cilantro (if using), garlic chives, and fenugreek leaves (if using). Sauté over medium heat until the greens are wilted and fragrant.
10
Transfer the sautéed greens to the stew, then add the dried limes (or lime juice). Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully.
11
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with fluffy white rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghormeh Sabzi?
Ghormeh Sabzi is a traditional Persian green stew that features tender meat, kidney beans, and a variety of aromatic herbs and dried limes.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
You can use either lamb or beef stewing meat for this recipe.
How should the meat be prepared?
The meat should be trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
What kind of beans are used in Ghormeh Sabzi?
Kidney beans are used, and you can use either dried (soaked) or canned beans.
Are the kidney beans drained?
Yes, if using canned kidney beans, they should be drained before being added to the pot.
What gives the stew its characteristic sour flavor?
The sour flavor comes from 6 dried limes, which are a staple ingredient in this Persian dish.
Can I substitute the dried limes?
Yes, if you do not have dried limes, you can use lime juice as a substitute.
Is potato a required ingredient?
No, the large diced potato is an optional addition to the recipe.
What herbs are included in the herb mix?
The herb mix includes green onion, spinach, parsley, cilantro, garlic chives (tareh), and fenugreek leaves (shanbelileh).
Are there any optional herbs?
Yes, cilantro and fenugreek leaves are listed as optional ingredients.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped spinach.
What is the purpose of turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric is sautéed with the onions to release its aromatic flavor and add a golden hue to the meat.
How long should the meat simmer initially?
The meat and kidney beans should simmer for about an hour until the meat is tender.
Should I sauté the herbs before adding them to the stew?
Yes, the herbs should be sautéed in a skillet until wilted and fragrant before being transferred to the stew.
What is the calorie count per serving?
The recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the stew?
A serving contains approximately 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are approximately 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve Ghormeh Sabzi with?
It is traditionally served hot with fluffy white rice.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe, including optional items.
How long is the final simmer after adding herbs and limes?
The stew should simmer for another 10-15 minutes after the herbs and limes are added.
What is 'tareh'?
Tareh is the Persian name for garlic chives, used in the herb base of the stew.
What is 'shanbelileh'?
Shanbelileh is the Persian name for fenugreek leaves, which give the stew a distinct aroma.
How much cooking oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of cooking oil, used in two parts.
What size should the onion be chopped?
The large onion should be finely chopped.
Is there a specific way to sauté the meat?
Yes, sauté the meat on high heat while stirring frequently until it changes color and begins to brown.
How much water is added to the pot?
1 1/2 cups of water are added to simmer the meat and beans.
What should I do if the meat bits stick to the pot?
You should scrape the bottom of the pot after adding water to release any stuck bits and incorporate them into the stew.
Can this recipe be considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to the high volume of green vegetables and protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the specific number of servings is not listed, the 2 lbs of meat suggests it can serve approximately 4 to 6 people.