Khoresh Gheimeh
Khoresh gheimeh ranks among the most popular everyday Persian stews, a constant presence on Iranian tables alongside plain rice, in contrast to more elaborate dishes reserved for special occasions. The combination of split yellow peas and dried lime is characteristic of Persian cooking, where dried, sour fruits are frequently used to balance the richness of meat. The garnish of thinly fried potato strips, added right before serving to keep their crunch, turns a simple stew into a dish with contrasting texture. Variants of this khoresh also appear with eggplant instead of potato, a version called gheimeh bademjan, equally beloved in family kitchens.
Split yellow peas
Split yellow peas simmer alongside the meat, gently breaking down and thickening the sauce.
Dried limes for tartness
Whole or pierced dried Persian limes infuse the stew with a unique smoky acidity.
Cubed beef, not ground
Beef cut into small cubes browns before slowly simmering in the sauce, keeping a firm texture.
Fried potato strips on top
Thin strips of crisply fried potato are scattered over the stew right before serving.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 500g beef, small cubes
- 150g split yellow peas
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 dried Persian limes, pierced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 potatoes, cut into thin strips
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper
How to make it
- 1Sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent, then add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides.
- 2Add the turmeric and tomato paste and stir for a minute until well combined with the meat.
- 3Pour in enough water to cover the meat, add the pierced dried limes and simmer covered over low heat for one hour.
- 4Add the split peas and simmer another forty minutes, until the peas soften and the sauce thickens.
- 5Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the tartness by gently pressing the limes.
- 6Fry the potato strips in hot oil until golden and crisp, draining them on paper towels.
- 7Scatter the fried potato strips over the stew right before serving, alongside plain rice.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
