Persian Celery Stew - Meat Optional
Celery: A Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse for Health and Flavor
Celery is a nutrient-packed vegetable with numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, celery is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to support heart health. Its high water content contributes to hydration, while its fiber aids digestion.
Additionally, celery is a low-calorie snack and may help regulate blood pressure. Embrace this versatile and crunchy vegetable to enhance both your culinary experiences and overall well-being.
Start with a Persian stew that seamlessly incorporates this nutrient-rich vegetable. Join us on a journey where health meets taste, as we explore the perfect harmony of benefits and flavors in Khoresh Karafs
Khoresh Karafs at a Glance
Khoresh Karafs, a traditional Persian dish, is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely captivate your taste buds. This dish is primarily made with celery (karafs in Persian), hence the name.
The main ingredients for Khoresh Karafs include fresh celery, parsley, and mint. These are sautéed to create a flavorful base. What sets this dish apart is the unique combination of spices.Â
Turmeric and dried limes are commonly used, giving the dish its distinctive tangy flavor. The addition of beans, usually kidney beans or black-eyed peas, adds a hearty element to the dish. Variations include meat, typically lamb or beef, which are first cooked separately. Then, they’re combined and simmered with the spices and dried limes until all the flavors meld together. The result is a rich, aromatic stew that’s typically served over steamed basmati rice.
Four Convenient Recipes Tailored to Your Tastes
Explore four convenient recipe options tailored to your preferences:
Quick-Cooked With Beans or Fried Meat
- Quick-cooked with beans
- Quick-cooked with fried meat*
- Quick-cooked with a combination of beans and fried meat*
Slow-cooked perfection with meat*
Select your preferred meat option (*Â beef, lamb, or chicken) and savor the ease and variety of these flavorful dish.
Persian Khoresh Karafs - Quick With Beans or Fried Meat
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 can red kidney beans [1] [2] (15 oz), rinsed
Fresh Produce
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 4-6 stalks celery [3] sliced
- 1/2 bunch parsley finely chopped
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 2 cups broth vegetable, chicken, or beef
- oil
- salt & pepper
Culinary Spice Kit
- Turmeric, Omani limes, mint, black pepper
Suggested Side
- Cooked or steamed rice (basmati)
Instructions
Step 1 - Fry Vegetables
- In a medium POT, heat 2 tbsp oil.
- Fry onion and garlic over low-medium heat until translucent.
- Be cautious of splatters; add celery, fry for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add parsley, mix well, continue frying until most moisture is lost and it turns brown. Stir frequently, avoiding herb burning.
Step 2 - Cook Beans and Vegetables
- Add beans [2], broth, Khoresh Karafs spices, and salt & pepper to taste. Mix well, cover, and cook for 20 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally, and add a little bit of water if necessary.
Optional Step 3: Fry Meat [2]
- Season meat with salt & pepper to taste. In a PAN, heat oil and fry meat quickly over high heat to your desired doneness. Add meat to the finished stew.
Serve
- Serve Khoresh Karafs with rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Option 1 - With Beans:
- Add the meat to the beans-vegetable stew.
- Option 2 - Without Beans:
- Omit the beans from the stew. Add the meat to the vegetable stew.
Persian Khoresh Karafs - Slow-Cooked with Meat
Ingredients
Protein
- 1/2 lb stew beef, boneless lamb or chicken cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Fresh Produce
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 4-6 stalks celery [1] sliced
- 1/2 bunch parsley finely chopped
Packaged Goods/Staples
- oil
- salt & pepper
Culinary Spice Kit
- Turmeric, Omani limes, mint, black pepper
Suggested Side
- Cooked or steamed rice (basmati)
Instructions
Step 1 - Fry Vegetables
- In a medium POT, heat 2 tbsp oil.
- Fry half of the onions and the garlic over low-medium heat until translucent.
- Be cautious of splatters; add celery, fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add parsley, mix well, continue frying until most moisture is lost and it turns brown. Stir frequently, avoiding herb burning.
Step 2 - Option 1: Cook Beef or Lamb and Vegetables
- In a second POT, heat 2 tbsp oil and fry the remaining onions over medium heat until translucent.
- Add meat and fry until it turns brown on all sides.
- Season meat with salt & pepper to taste.
- Add Khoresh Karafs spices and the fried vegetables from step 1. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups of hotwater and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1.5 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 2 - Option 2: Cook Chicken and Vegetables
- In a second POT, heat 2 tbsp oil and fry the remaining onions over medium heat until translucent.
- Add chicken and fry until it turns brown on all sides.
- Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste.
- Add Khoresh Karafs spices and the fried vegetables from step 1. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups of hot water and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Serve
- Serve Khoresh Karafs with rice.
- Optionally, sprinkle with lemon juice to taste.
- Enjoy!