Ghormeh Sabzi serving idea

From pantry to table

Ghormeh Sabzi recipe

Slow-simmered meat and kidney beans with deeply aromatic herbs and the bright tang of dried lime.

Serves 4 | Prep 30 minutes | Cook about 2–2 1/2 hours | Plus overnight bean soaking

Ingredients
  • 500 g stewing beef or lamb, cut into 3 cm cubes
  • 120 g dried red kidney beans, soaked and fully cooked as below; or about 300 g drained cooked kidney beans
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 60 ml neutral cooking oil, divided
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 750 ml hot water, plus more as needed
  • 2 tsp dried lime powder, then more to taste; alternatively 3 whole dried Persian limes, pierced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 300 g basmati rice, cooked separately, to serve

Choose ONE herb option:

  • Fresh: 200 g parsley, 150 g coriander and 150 g chives or green parts of spring onions, all washed, dried and finely chopped, plus 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves.
  • Dried: approximately 300 ml loosely packed dried ghormeh-sabzi herb mix (20 level 15 ml spoonfuls); use the packet's serving guidance if different. A prepared blend replaces the fresh herbs and fenugreek, rather than being added on top of them.
Step-by-step method
  1. If starting with dried kidney beans, soak for at least 12 hours. Discard soaking water, cover with fresh water, boil vigorously for at least 10 minutes, then simmer until fully tender, following any longer packet instructions. Drain. Do not rely on a slow cooker to make raw kidney beans safe.
  2. For dried herbs, soak for 10 minutes, drain through a fine sieve and squeeze out excess water. Let remaining moisture evaporate in a wide pan, then add 40 ml oil. For fresh herbs, add them directly to the 40 ml oil. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until fragrant and darker green, about 15–25 minutes. Avoid scorching; add standalone fenugreek only during the final minute.
  3. In a heavy saucepan, soften the onion in the remaining 20 ml oil. Add meat, turmeric and pepper; brown on all sides. Add the prepared herbs and 750 ml hot water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer gently for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add cooked beans and dried lime powder (or pierced whole limes). Simmer for another 30–45 minutes, until the meat is tender and the sauce is rich. Add a splash of hot water if needed; uncover briefly if too thin. Season with salt and adjust the lime to taste. Serve with rice.
Shopping notes & alternatives

Shopping labels: Dedicated ghormeh-sabzi herb blends, kidney beans, turmeric and dried lime are core pantry ingredients. Standalone coriander and fenugreek are for building a herb mix, not complete replacements for it. Prepared fried herb mixes are another alternative: follow packet quantities and reduce added oil; they are not ready meals. Ready-made Ghormeh Sabzi stew should appear under a clearly separate 'Short on time?' section. Buy meat, onion, fresh herbs (if using), oil and salt separately if unavailable. Tomato paste and black-eyed beans occur in regional variations, but are not required for this recipe.

Shop the pantry ingredients

Choose one suitable product for each ingredient. Pack sizes and alternatives are not additional recipe quantities. Check product labels for ingredients and allergens.

Ghormeh Sabzi Ingredients

Shop dried or prepared ghormeh sabzi herbs, dried lime and rice for this Persian favourite. Choose the ingredients you need for your own recipe and check each product for preparation details.

Sale!
Original price was: $9.20.Current price is: $6.80.
Price range: $6.00 through $9.80
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sale!
Original price was: $10.93.Current price is: $8.60.
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