Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew), also known as Persian celery and lamb stew, is a traditional dish that boasts bold and aromatic flavours. This hearty stew combines tender chunks of lamb with chopped parsley and celery, creating a rich and flavourful broth that’s infused with the warm spices of turmeric and black pepper.
To make Khoresht Karafs, you’ll need lamb cubes, chopped parsley, celery, dried mint, onion, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and water. The lamb or beef is browned and then simmered with the vegetables and spices, creating a delicious and aromatic broth that’s perfectly paired with aromatic Persian rice.
One of the key ingredients in Khoresht Karafs is celery. The celery provides a crunchy texture and adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavour to the stew. When combined with parsley and other spices, it creates a complex and well-balanced flavour profile that’s truly unique.
Khoresht Karafs is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special celebration with friends and family. Give it a try and experience the warm and inviting flavours of Persian cuisine for yourself!
Basic Ingredients for Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew)
Stew:
Lamb or Beef Cubes: The main ingredient in the stew, providing protein and flavor to the dish.
Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the stew.
Celery: Provides a crunchy texture and adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the stew.
Dried Mint: Adds a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor to the stew.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stew.
Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking lamb and vegetables and provides a neutral flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and freshness to the stew.
Turmeric: A spice that provides a warm and earthy flavor and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Black Pepper: Adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the stew.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the stew.
Water: Used to create the broth for the stew.
Preparation Tips for Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew)
Serving Tips for Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew)
Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew) (Full Video)
Khoresh Karafs (Celery Stew)
Ingredients
- 750 g lamb or beef cubes
- 500 g chopped parsley
- 500 g celery, cut in 2 -3 cm size
- 10 g dried mint
- 130 g onion
- 50 g + 50g + 225g vegetable oil
- 1 fresh lemon, juiced
- 10 g turmeric
- 2 g black pepper
- 14 g salt
- 1000 g water
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, on high heat, add 50g of vegetable oil and celery; sauté until the celery has lightly browned—place in a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pot, on high heat, add the parsley and sauté for 5-7 minutes; once the liquid has evaporated, add 50g vegetable oil and fry for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add dry mint. Mix the cooked herbs with the cooked celery, stir the ingredients together and keep to the side.
- Using the same pot, on medium-high heat, sauté onion with 225g vegetable oil until translucent. Add turmeric and black pepper, lower the heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add meat and fry for 7 minutes; it is essential not to stir the meat over as this will make it tough. Add 1 litre of boiling water, cover the pot and allow the meat to cook for 1 hour—season with salt.
- Add the sautéed vegetables, stir the ingredients together, and leave to simmer for an additional hour. Adjust the salt, add lemon juice and leave to simmer for additional 10 minutes.
- Serve with rice.
Did you make this recipe?
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Helena Lee
We add mostly chopped parsley and some mint .