Beef & Bean Khoresh (Persian Beef Stew)
Description:
A traditional Persian-inspired stew, this Beef & Bean Khoresh combines lean beef with hearty kidney beans, all simmered in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. The richness of the stew is balanced by fresh herbs like parsley and chives, and the tang of lemon juice. The result is a comforting, savory dish with a beautiful golden color, perfect when served alongside a bowl of fluffy rice.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | For sautΓ©ing and browning |
| Onion (medium) | 1/2 onion | Thinly sliced |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | For seasoning |
| Ground turmeric | 1 teaspoon | Provides color and flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Adds warmth to the stew |
| Water | 2 1/2 cups | For simmering the stew |
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley | 5 tablespoons | Chopped, adds fresh flavor |
| Chives | 3 tablespoons | Fresh, finely chopped |
| Kidney beans (canned) | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon | For thickening the stew |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Black pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 425.1 kcal
- Fat: 24.3g
- Saturated Fat: 6.8g
- Cholesterol: 82.9mg
- Sodium: 388.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.3g
- Fiber: 6.8g
- Sugar: 3.2g
- Protein: 30g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base of the Stew:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sautΓ© for about 6-8 minutes, until the onions turn golden and soft. This will create a flavorful base for your stew.
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-
Brown the Meat:
Once the onions are golden, add the stewing beef to the pan. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides. This browning step helps to develop a deeper, richer flavor in the stew. -
Add the Spices:
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir the spices into the beef and onions and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant spices to bloom and coat the beef and onions evenly. -
Simmer the Stew:
Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let the stew cook gently over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to begin tenderizing. -
Prepare the Herb Mixture:
While the stew is simmering, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small frying pan. Add the chopped parsley and chives and sautΓ© them for 2 minutes, just until they become aromatic and slightly softened. Once ready, add this mixture directly to the simmering stew. -
Add Kidney Beans and Lemon Juice:
Drain and rinse the canned kidney beans under cold water, then stir them into the stew. Add the tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a burst of acidity that will balance the rich flavors of the beef and beans. -
Season the Stew:
Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Stir everything to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. -
Thicken the Stew:
To slightly thicken the stew, whisk together 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with a small amount of hot water from the stew until smooth. Stir this flour-water mixture into the stew and allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the stew thicken and allow the flavors to concentrate, while ensuring that the beef becomes wonderfully tender. -
Final Touches:
Once the stew has reached the desired thickness and the meat is tender, taste once more for seasoning adjustments. The stew should have a deep, savory flavor with a hint of freshness from the herbs and a light, tangy note from the lemon. -
Serve:
Serve the Beef & Bean Khoresh hot, alongside steamed rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Tips:
- Beef Choice: Opt for a lean cut of stewing beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, for the best results. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Herb Variations: If chives are unavailable, feel free to use green onions or a touch of fresh dill to maintain the fresh herbal notes in the dish.
- Beans: If you prefer, you can substitute kidney beans with other types of beans such as pinto or navy beans, although kidney beans are traditionally used in this recipe.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is best paired with a simple cucumber and tomato salad, lightly dressed with olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt. The freshness of the salad complements the rich stew perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Beef & Bean Khoresh is a fragrant, hearty stew that offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The use of turmeric gives it a beautiful golden color, while the combination of cumin, cinnamon, and lemon creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile. Itβs a nourishing dish that’s easy to prepare, yet full of authentic Persian flair. With its rich aroma and comforting texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and indulge in the warmth and richness of Persian cuisine, all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
