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Persian Lamb Stew

Persian Lamb Stew

Persian Lamb Stew is a captivating dish that infuses your dining experience with warmth and richness. This hearty stew combines tender lamb shoulder simmered with aromatic spices, ground walnuts, and the tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Persian classic is not only delicious but also visually stunning when garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy it served over fluffy basmati rice for a truly satisfying meal that will impress your guests.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 900 g diced lamb shoulder
  • 130 g walnuts
  • 2 onions
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 90 g dried cranberries
  • 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 500 ml chicken stock
  • Fresh parsley and mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Gather and prepare all ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic.
  2. Toast walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind into a coarse meal.
  3. In a heavy-duty pot, heat olive oil and butter, add onions until soft, then stir in garlic.
  4. Add spices (cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, nutmeg) and cook until fragrant.
  5. Brown the diced lamb in the pot for about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Incorporate ground walnuts, cranberries, pomegranate molasses, honey, and chicken stock; mix well.
  7. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for about 90 minutes until the lamb is tender.
  8. Prepare basmati rice with cardamom pods and spices as directed.
  9. Serve stew over rice, garnished with parsley and mint.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stewing
  • Cuisine: Persian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, allow the stew to rest before serving to meld the spices further. This recipe can be easily adapted for slow cookers; simply adjust cooking time accordingly.