Khoresh Karafs is a traditional Persian recipe that has been enjoyed by generations of families. This dish is made with celery, which is cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce and served over steamed rice.
14-16Celery Stalksartfully chopped into ½-inch verdant pieces, adding a crisp and refreshing texture
8Tablespoonsof Extra Virgin Olive Oilthe liquid gold that lays the foundation for this culinary symphony, divided for layered richness
8Cupsof Pristine Waterthe liquid canvas for this savory creation
2Cupsof Fresh Minthand-harvested and finely chopped, infusing a burst of herbaceous aroma
3Cupsof Fresh Parsleymeticulously chopped to contribute a vibrant green and earthy note
2Large Yellow Onionsfinely diced into aromatic pearls, laying the flavor base
2lbsof Tender Lamb Stew Meateach piece a succulent bite-sized treasure, cut into 1-inch cubes
1Teaspoonof Sunlit Turmericadding a golden hue and warm undertones
1Teaspoonof Freshly Ground Black Pepperfor a hint of bold and zesty warmth
8Persian Dried Limesexotic orbs that impart a tangy and citrusy essence
2Teaspoonsof Pink Himalayan Saltfinely milled for precise flavor enhancement
Instructions
Prep the Celery:
Wash and chop 14-16 celery stalks into ½-inch pieces, providing a crisp and refreshing texture to the stew.
Sauté the Onions:
In a large pot, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add finely diced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Brown the Lamb:
Add 2 lbs of tender lamb stew meat to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides to enhance its flavor. This step adds richness to the stew.
Add Turmeric and Pepper:
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sunlit turmeric and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the browned meat for a golden hue and zesty warmth.
Incorporate Herbs:
Stir in 2 cups of fresh mint and 3 cups of fresh parsley, finely chopped. These herbs contribute a vibrant green and earthy note to the stew.
Introduce Celery:
Add the chopped celery pieces to the pot, distributing them evenly among the lamb and herbs.
Tangy Citrus Essence:
Insert 8 Persian dried limes into the stew. These exotic orbs will impart a tangy and citrusy essence, elevating the flavor profile.
Season with Salt:
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of pink Himalayan salt into the pot, finely milled for precise flavor enhancement. Adjust salt to taste.
Add Water:
Pour 8 cups of pristine water into the pot, creating the liquid canvas for your savory creation.
Simmer:
Bring the stew to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the stew before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the Khoresh Karafs hot with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Enjoy:
Relish the rich and flavorful experience of Khoresh Karafs, savoring the layered richness of olive oil, the earthiness of herbs, and the succulence of tender lamb.
Notes
Make sure to cut the celery into even pieces so that it cooks evenly.
You can substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes if desired.
If you want the Khoresh Karafs to be spicier, you can add more spices to the tomato sauce.
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce instead.
You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes.
You can also add cooked chickpeas for a protein boost.