Persian Lamb and Chickpea Stew (Qormeh Sabzi)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Description: A delightful Persian dish, this Lamb and Chickpea Stew, known as Qormeh Sabzi, is a healthy and flavorful option for any dinner table. While traditionally made with lamb, it can easily be adapted using beef cuts. Rich in spices and herbs, this stew offers a tantalizing blend of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Persian cuisine. Perfect for a cozy winter evening or a special Ramadan meal, this stew is a true one-dish wonder that will leave your taste buds longing for more.
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: One Dish Meal, Lamb/Sheep, Beans, Meat, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Asian, Winter, Ramadan, Less than 60 Minutes, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 1/2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup celery leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 10 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 2/3 cup cooked red kidney beans
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 635.3
- Fat: 47.7g
- Saturated Fat: 17.3g
- Cholesterol: 122.8mg
- Sodium: 573.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.3g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Protein: 33.2g
Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars based on 5 reviews
Recipe Instructions:
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Brown the Lamb: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed lamb shoulder and brown it well on all sides, ensuring a flavorful crust forms. This step helps to seal in the juices and develop a rich flavor profile.
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Sauté the Onions: Once the lamb is browned, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, absorbing the delicious juices released by the lamb. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste, turmeric, lemon juice, and water, creating a fragrant base for the stew. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
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Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the stew simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while the lamb becomes tender and succulent.
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Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: In a separate skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sauté the green onions, celery leaves, chopped spinach, and parsley for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This quick sauté helps to release the aromas and flavors of the fresh herbs, enhancing the overall taste of the stew.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and the cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) to the lamb in the large pan. Gently mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the stew.
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Final Simmer: Bring the stew to a gentle boil once again, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and cooked to perfection. If the stew becomes too thick, you can add more water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve: Once the stew is ready, serve it hot with steamed basmati rice, allowing the fragrant aroma to tantalize your senses. The tender chunks of lamb, creamy chickpeas, and vibrant herbs create a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds with every spoonful.
Cook’s Tips:
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the lamb in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the stew by adding other vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes.
- Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness before serving.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Persian cuisine with this tantalizing Lamb and Chickpea Stew (Qormeh Sabzi). Bursting with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tender chunks of lamb, this stew is a celebration of Middle Eastern flavors that will transport you to a culinary paradise. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or as part of a festive Ramadan feast, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the taste of Persia with every spoonful.
