Khoresh Karafs is a classic Persian celery stew dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Originating in Iran, it is packed with flavor and comfort – making it a favorite among home cooks.
Whether you’re an experienced master chef or a beginner home cook, this traditional Iranian celery stew dish is simple to make and delicious in taste.
With this article, you can learn how to recreate this classic delicacy in your own kitchen. Try it for yourself, and let us know what you think!
What is Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?
Khoresh Karafs is a traditional Persian dish made with celery, lamb, and a mix of fresh herbs. It is a popular stew that is commonly served over steamed basmati rice to create the perfect comfort meal.
This dish has been enjoyed for generations and is a staple of Persian cuisine. It’s usually served during special occasions such as Nowruz (Persian New Year) or Yalda (the longest night of the year). Despite its roots, Khoresh Karafs can be found in many restaurants across the world.
It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit many dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dinner idea or just want to try something new, Khoresh Karafs is the perfect option!
What does it taste like?
Khoresh Karafs has a unique flavor, thanks to the combination of traditional Persian flavors. The celery adds a crunchy texture and freshness, while the lamb provides a delicious robust flavor.
The herbs – parsley, mint, and dried limes – add brightness and depth to the dish. Lastly, turmeric, black pepper, and salt round out the flavor and give it a fragrant and flavorful finish.
Overall, Khoresh Karafs has an intense flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of aromas and flavors!
How did I first get introduced to the Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?
I was first introduced to Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery on a trip to Iran. I had been living in the city of Tehran for a few months and was looking forward to exploring the country’s traditional cuisine.
One evening, I decided to join my friend at her family’s house for dinner. She told me that the night’s meal was going to be a traditional Persian stew – Khoresh Karafs. I had never heard of it before, but I was excited to try something new.
When we arrived at her house, they were already in the middle of preparing dinner. The kitchen smelled amazing and there were lots of herbs, spices, and vegetables laid out on the counter. I instantly knew that this was going to be something special.
When it was time for dinner, we gathered around the table and my friend’s mother served up bowls of steaming Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery. The stew was thick, creamy, and full of flavor – thanks to the combination of fresh herbs and spices.
I was amazed by the depth of flavor and became an instant fan of this traditional Persian stew. From that moment on, I have been hooked and have made it a point to make Khoresh Karafs whenever I can. It’s always a hit with family and friends!
How to make Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?
Making Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Follow the step-by-step instructions below for a delicious bowl of this traditional stew.
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Ingredients
- Lamb stew meat: this is the main protein in this dish, and provides a delicious flavor.
- Persian dried limes: add an intense citrus flavor to the stew.
- Celery stalks: adds crunchy texture and freshness to the dish.
- Mint: adds brightness to the stew.
- Yellow onion: adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Parsley: adds a delicious herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil: helps to give the stew its rich and creamy texture.
- Turmeric, black pepper, and salt: enhance the flavor of the stew, making it more fragrant and flavorful.
- Water: helps to give the stew its thick and rich texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until it is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add in the lamb stew meat and brown for 8-10 minutes.
Step 2
Add all of the remaining ingredients – celery stalks, mint, parsley, dried limes, turmeric, black pepper, and salt – to the Dutch oven. Stir everything together and pour in the water.
Step 3
Bring the stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.
Step 4
Serve with steamed white basmati rice and enjoy!
Tips
- If you’re looking to add more depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of saffron to the stew.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt and black pepper if needed.
- For extra crunchy celery, fry it in a separate pan with some olive oil before adding it to the stew.
- For an extra kick, add some dried chili peppers when sautéing the onion.
- To make the stew spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the stew.
- If you’re short on time, try using pre-cut celery stalks to save time when preparing this dish.
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- stirrer
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb stew meat
- 4 Persian dried limes
- 7-8 celery stalks chopped into ½ inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh mint
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 ½ cups fresh parsley
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. Then add in the lamb stew meat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown.
- Next, stir in the celery stalks, mint, parsley, dried limes, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Pour in the water and bring the stew to a gentle boil.
- Let the stew simmer for 1 hour or until the lamb is cooked through and tender.
- Complete the dish by serving it with steamed white basmati rice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If you’re looking to add more depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of saffron to the stew.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more salt and black pepper if needed.
- For extra crunchy celery, fry it in a separate pan with some olive oil before adding it to the stew.
- For an extra kick, add some dried chili peppers when sautéing the onion.
- To make the stew spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the stew.
- If you’re short on time, try using pre-cut celery stalks to save time when preparing this dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery.
- Steamed Basmati Rice: the classic accompaniment to stew dishes.
- Salad Shirazi: a light and refreshing salad made with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
- Naan Bread: helps to soak up all the flavorful juices of the stew.
- Torshi: pickled vegetables, which help to cut through the richness of the stew.
- Yogurt: helps to cool down spice levels and adds a creamy texture.
- Dried fruit compote: a delicious way to end your meal on a sweet note.
How to store leftover Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?
Leftover Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over medium-low heat and gently simmer until it is heated through.
You can also freeze leftover stew for up to 3 months, but make sure to thaw it completely before reheating. Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery is best served warm and fresh, so make sure you are not making too much for one meal!
If you have any leftover stew after your meal, store it quickly to ensure that it tastes great the next time you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery. This dish is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It contains iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, potassium, and other important nutrients that are beneficial for both mom’s and baby’s health.
However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming any type of dish while pregnant. They will be able to provide advice and guidance on what is best for you and your baby’s health.
In general, it is important to focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats throughout pregnancy. Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery can be a great part of this balanced diet, as it is packed with nutrients and flavor.
FAQs
Is this spicier than other Persian stews?
It depends on your preference. Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery is typically not as spicy as other Persian stews, but you can always adjust the amount of spices used according to your taste.
Is it necessary to use celery in this dish?
No, you don’t have to use celery in this dish if you don’t want to. You can substitute it with other vegetables like carrots or potatoes. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery can be made vegan by substituting lamb stew meat with seitan or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for additional flavor.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading about Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery. This traditional stew is perfect for any occasion – from a special dinner to a casual weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time!
Please share this article with your friends and family if you enjoyed it! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more