Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Herb Stew)

Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 145 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Ghormeh sabzi is a delicious Persian beef and kidney bean stew loaded with greens and fresh herbs like spinach, cilantro, fenugreek, and parsley.

Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1/2 pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups finely chopped spinach
1 cup finely chopped green onions (green part only)
1/2 cup finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
1/4 cup finely chopped fenugreek leaves
1 1/2 cups water, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, juiced
4 dried Persian limes (limoo amani), or more to taste
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

1 Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in turmeric for 1 to 2 minutes.
2 Add chuck cubes; cook until coated in turmeric and browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes.
3 Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Add spinach, green onions, parsley, cilantro, chives, and fenugreek leaves; cook and stir until deep dark green in color, 5 to 10 minutes.
4 Stir spinach mixture into onion and chuck mixture. Pour in enough water to create a slurry consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer stew until greens soften, about 1 hour.
5 Pierce dried limes with a fork; add to stew.
6 Continue simmering until chuck is tender, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Stir in red kidney beans. Cook until flavors combine, about 30 more minutes.
7 Discard dried limes before serving.