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Persian Beef-and-splitpea Stew
 
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Ready In: 0 Minutes
Servings: 6
Omani lemons (also called Persian dried limes) give a sour, slightly musty, and very authentic taste to this stew. They intensify the saffron, so if you want to scale back a bit on that flavor, omit them and add extra Key lime or lemon juice at the end. Read more . Adapted trom Gelareh Asayesh
Ingredients:
4 medium onions, chopped (about 4 cups)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 lb boneless beef chuck, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
4 cups water
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup dried yellow split peas, picked over and rinsed
1/4 cup tomato paste (preferably turkish)
2 dried omani lemons (optional), pierced in several places with a small sharp knife
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh key lime or lemon juice
accompaniments: cooked basmati rice; radishes; fresh mint and basil leaves
Directions:
1. Cook onions in oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Pat meat dry and toss with 1 teaspoon salt. Increase heat to high, then add meat, saffron, and turmeric to onions and cook, stirring frequently, until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in water and tomatoes, then simmer, covered, 1 hour.
4. Stir in split peas, tomato paste, Omani lemons (if using), cinnamon, allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender, 1 to 11/2 hours more. Discard Omani lemons and stir in salt and Key lime juice to taste.
By RecipeOfHealth.com