By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 7, 2023 | Last Updated on October 7, 2023
Let’s dive into the delicious world of Khoresht Karafs, a special Persian dish made with celery. It’s like a tasty journey through Persian food traditions that have been around for a long time.
This dish brings together simple ingredients like fresh celery, flavorful spices, and tender meat. When they all cook together, they create a tasty and aromatic meal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Khoresht Karafs step by step, so you can enjoy a taste of Persian cuisine right at home.
What is Khoresht Karaf Persian celery?
Khoresht Karafs is a traditional Persian stew that’s loved for its unique combination of flavors. The term ‘khoresht’ refers to a genre of Persian stews, and ‘karafs’ translates to celery, indicating the main ingredient in this dish.
This stew combines the freshness of celery with the rich, warming flavors of lamb, making it a comforting and hearty meal. It’s further enhanced by a variety of spices, including turmeric and black pepper, which give it an earthy depth. The inclusion of fresh herbs like parsley and mint adds a vibrant touch, while Persian dried limes impart a tangy kick that’s distinctive from Persian cuisine.
Khoresht Karafs is typically served with basmati rice, allowing you to enjoy the flavorful broth soaked up by the grains. This dish is not just a meal, but a cultural experience that introduces you to the heart of Persian culinary traditions.
Why You’ll Love this Khoresht Karafs Persian celery?
Khoresht Karafs, a Persian celery stew, is a dish that is sure to captivate your senses and leave you craving for more. Its unique blend of flavors and textures come together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
One of the main reasons you’ll love this dish is its rich and comforting flavor profile. The tender lamb, tangy dried limes, fragrant herbs, and fresh celery all work in harmony to create a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Each spoonful promises a burst of flavors that are both familiar and exotic, making each bite an exciting adventure for your taste buds.
In addition to its tantalizing taste, Khoresht Karafs is also a nutritious meal. It’s packed with protein from the lamb, fiber from the celery, and a host of vitamins and minerals from the herbs and spices. This makes it a wholesome and balanced dish that doesn’t just satisfy your palate but also nourishes your body.
If you’re a food lover who enjoys exploring different cuisines, you’ll appreciate how Khoresht Karafs offers a deep dive into Persian culinary traditions. It showcases the unique ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques that make Persian cuisine so distinctive and beloved.
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The Ingredients
- Large Yellow Onions: Onions are fundamental in many stews. They add a deep, sweet flavor when sautéed, laying a flavorful foundation for the stew.
- Chopped Celery Stalks: Celery is the main ingredient in this dish, providing a unique taste and texture. Its flavor is enhanced through sautéing, giving the stew a delightful crunch and freshness.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing onions, celery, and meat. It’s crucial for browning the ingredients, unlocking their flavors, and creating a rich base for the stew.
- Lamb Stew Meat: Lamb adds protein and heartiness to the stew. The slow cooking process tenderizes the lamb and allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, adding to the stew’s depth.
- Turmeric: Turmeric brings a warm, earthy aroma and a beautiful golden color to the stew. It’s a key spice in Persian cuisine, contributing to the stew’s authentic flavor.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity to the stew. It helps balance the flavors and enhances the taste of the other ingredients.
- Fresh Mint: Mint adds a refreshing note to the stew, contrasting with the rich flavors of the meat and spices. Its vibrant taste brightens the overall flavor profile of the stew.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley lends a fresh, slightly bitter taste that complements the richness of the stew. It also adds a pop of green color, making the dish visually appealing.
- Water: Water is essential for creating the stew’s broth. It aids in cooking the ingredients thoroughly and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Persian Dried Limes: Persian dried limes, or limo Amani, are a staple in Persian cuisine. They impart a tangy, slightly fermented flavor that’s crucial for the unique taste of the stew.
- Salt: Salt is a basic yet essential ingredient in any dish. It enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and makes the overall taste of the stew more pronounced.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large pot, begin by heating a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to become warm and shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Celery
Once the oil is heated, add finely chopped onions and celery to the pot. Sauté them gently until they transform into a glorious golden brown color. This initial sautéing process will infuse the stew with rich flavors.
Step 3: Introduce the Lamb Stew Meat
Now, it’s time to introduce the star of our dish – the lamb stew meat. Add the pieces of lamb to the pot, continuing to sauté for a few minutes. This step allows the meat to seal in its juices and develop a delectable outer layer.
Step 4: Season the Stew
Sprinkle in a harmonious blend of Persian spices. This includes a touch of turmeric for vibrant color, black pepper for a subtle kick, dried mint for aromatic freshness, parsley for a hint of earthiness, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. Stir the ingredients together to create a fragrant and flavorful base.
Step 5: Add Water and Persian Dried Limes
Pour in an adequate amount of water to cover the ingredients in the pot. As the liquid envelops the lamb and spices, it will serve as the nurturing broth of our stew. Now, drop in the distinctive Persian dried limes, which will infuse the dish with their unique citrusy essence.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Crank up the heat and bring the stew to a rolling boil. Once it reaches this point, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This simmering process should continue for 1-2 hours. During this time, the lamb will tenderize, and the flavors will meld together, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece. Keep an eye on the stew, occasionally stirring and adding water if needed, to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Notes
- You’ll need to sauté the onions and celery for about 8-10 minutes before adding in the lamb stew meat.
- Keep an eye on the pot while it’s simmering, stirring every 20-30 minutes and adding more water if needed.
- To make this dish truly authentic, be sure to use Persian dried limes (limo Amani).
- Serve your Khoresht Karafs with Basmati rice or pita bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro, dill, and parsley to garnish the stew before serving. This will bring a lovely pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Nutrition Information
How to Store Khoresht Karafs Persian Celery
Storing Khoresht Karafs properly can ensure that it retains its delicious taste and texture. Start by letting the stew cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which could potentially make the stew watery. Once cooled, transfer the stew to an airtight container. It’s important to use airtight containers to prevent any unwanted flavors from the refrigerator from seeping into the stew.
You can store Khoresht Karafs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, freezing is a good option. To freeze, portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the stew, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations
- While lamb is the traditional choice for this stew, you can easily replace it with chicken or beef.
- To add a hint of sweetness, try adding dried fruit such as apricots or dates.
- If you prefer to use fresh herbs instead- For a spicier stew, try adding additional black pepper or dried chili flakes.
- For a vegetarian Khoresht Karafs, swap the meat with mushrooms or chickpeas.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the stew for added nutrition and texture.
Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions
- 14-16 chopped celery stalks
- 8 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 lbs of lamb stew meat 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 2 cups of fresh mint
- 3 cups of fresh parsley
- 8 cups of water
- 8 Persian dried limes
- 2 tsp. of salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and celery until they turn golden brown. Then, add the lamb stew meat and sauté briefly.
- Sprinkle in turmeric, black pepper, mint, parsley, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour water into the pot to cover the ingredients and add the Persian dried limes.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 1-2 hours or until the lamb is tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary.
Notes
- You’ll need to sauté the onions and celery for about 8-10 minutes before adding in the lamb stew meat.
- Keep an eye on the pot while it’s simmering, stirring every 20-30 minutes and adding more water if needed.
- To make this dish truly authentic, be sure to use Persian dried limes (limo Amani).
- Serve your Khoresht Karafs with Basmati rice or pita bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro, dill, and parsley to garnish the stew before serving. This will bring a lovely pop of color and flavor to the dish.
FAQs
Is there a vegan version of Khoresht Karafs?
Yes, you can replace the meat with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth to make a vegan version of this stew.
Can I use regular lime instead of Persian dried limes?
While Persian dried limes have a unique flavor, if they’re not available, you can substitute them with fresh lime or lemon juice. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
What’s the best way to reheat Khoresht Karafs?
The best way to reheat this stew is to do it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway through reheating for even heat distribution.
Wrapping Up
Khoresht Karafs is a Persian stew with comforting flavors and a unique citrusy essence. With its tender lamb, sautéed vegetables, and harmonious blend of spices, this dish can easily be served as an impressive main course at any dinner party or to cozy up on cold days.
Whether you make the traditional version or experiment with variations, following the steps outlined in this guide can help you create a delicious and mouthwatering Khoresht Karafs stew. You can even freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months so you’ll always have a comforting meal on hand. Please share your comments and feedback below. We would love to hear from you!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
