Exploring the Rich Flavors of Iranian Ghee Stew
Iranian cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavors, with each region offering its own unique culinary traditions and dishes. One such dish that exemplifies the depth and complexity of Iranian cooking is ghee stew, a hearty and comforting dish enjoyed by families across the country.
What is Iranian Ghee Stew?
Iranian ghee stew, known as “Qeymeh” in Persian, is a traditional dish made with a base of split peas, meat, and a variety of aromatic spices. The star ingredient of this stew is ghee, a clarified butter that adds a rich and buttery flavor to the dish. Ghee stew is typically slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a thick and hearty stew that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Ingredients for Iranian Potato Ghee Stew:
1 lb (about 450g) lamb or beef, diced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons Iranian ghee
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups water
1 cup split yellow peas, soaked and drained
2 tablespoons Iranian ghee for garnish
Instructions:
Heat 3 tablespoons of Iranian ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the diced meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
Stir in the turmeric, salt, and pepper, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed.
Add the soaked split peas to the pot and mix well with the meat and spices.
Pour in the water and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until the meat and peas are tender.
Once the meat and peas are cooked, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
Continue to cook the stew, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and cooked through.
Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and ladle it into serving bowls.
In a small saucepan, heat the remaining Iranian ghee over medium heat until melted.
Drizzle the melted ghee over the top of each serving of stew as a garnish.
Serve the Iranian potato ghee stew hot, accompanied by warm flatbread or steamed rice.
Conclusion:
Iranian ghee stew is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the rich and aromatic flavors of Persian cuisine. By using high-quality ingredients like Iranian ghee, lamb or beef, and aromatic spices, you can create a stew that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served at a festive gathering, Iranian ghee stew is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
