Abgoosht – Persian Meat and Chickpea Stew

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Success
• Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 grams lamb or beef (with bones for extra flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 cup white beans or kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3-4 dried limes (limoo amani), pierced with a fork
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Flatbread (such as lavash or sangak) and pickles (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Meat and Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Meat:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the lamb or beef, season with salt, pepper, and turmeric, and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmering the Stew

1. Combine All Ingredients:
   • Add the soaked chickpeas and beans, potatoes, and pierced dried limes to the pot.
   • Cover with water (about 6 cups), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
2. Simmer: Cover and simmer the stew on low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat and beans are tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Serving the Abgoosht

1. Mash and Serve: Traditionally, the broth is separated and served as a soup. The solids (meat, potatoes, and beans) are then mashed together and eaten with bread.

Tips for Success

• Dried Limes: Poke small holes in the dried limes to release their unique flavor gradually throughout the cooking.
• Simmering Time: The longer the stew simmers on low heat, the richer the flavor.
• Traditional Mashing: Mashing the solid ingredients gives a hearty, rustic texture to the dish and is an authentic way to enjoy Abgoosht.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Abgoosht with flatbread, pickles, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Pair with torshi (Persian pickles) or a side of yogurt for a well-rounded Persian dining experience.