Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery Recipe (2024)

Last Updated on December 18, 2023

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.

It’s a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

What Is Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?

Khoresh (خورش) or Khoresht (خورشت in Persian, and خۆرشت in Sorani Kurdish) serves as a broad Iranian term referring to stew dishes prevalent in Iranian, Afghan, Tajik, and Kurdish cuisines.

Khoresh Karafs is a traditional Persian stew made with celery, tomato sauce, and spices. The celery is cooked until it is tender and then served over steamed rice.

The dish is often served with a side of yogurt and/or pickles. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

Khoresh Karafs is a popular dish in Iran and is often served during special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. It is a simple and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?

There are several reasons why you’ll love this Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery Recipe. First, it is a simple and flavorful dish that can be made in just a few minutes.

Second, it is a healthy and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Third, it is a great way to use up celery that is about to go bad. And finally, it can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

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The Ingredients

14-16 Celery Stalks, artfully chopped into ½-inch verdant pieces, adding a crisp and refreshing texture: Celery stalks contribute a crisp and refreshing texture to the khoresh karafs, providing a unique crunch and vibrant green color.

8 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the liquid gold that lays the foundation for this culinary symphony, divided for layered richness: Extra virgin olive oil serves as the foundation, adding a rich and luxurious base to the khoresh karafs. The division emphasizes layering and depth in flavor.

8 Cups of Pristine Water, the liquid canvas for this savory creation: Water is the essential liquid component, serving as the canvas to meld and infuse the flavors of the dish.

2 Cups of Fresh Mint, hand-harvested and finely chopped, infusing a burst of herbaceous aroma: Fresh mint adds a burst of herbaceous aroma, contributing a refreshing and aromatic element to the khoresh karafs.

3 Cups of Fresh Parsley, meticulously chopped to contribute a vibrant green and earthy note: Fresh parsley provides a vibrant green color and earthy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and appearance of the dish.

2 Large Yellow Onions, finely diced into aromatic pearls, laying the flavor base: Yellow onions form the aromatic base, adding sweetness and depth to the khoresh karafs.

2 lbs of Tender Lamb Stew Meat, each piece a succulent bite-sized treasure, cut into 1-inch cubes: Lamb stew meat brings succulence and richness to the dish, offering tender, bite-sized treasures.

1 Teaspoon of Sunlit Turmeric, adding a golden hue and warm undertones: Turmeric adds a golden hue and warm undertones to the khoresh karafs, enhancing the visual appeal and contributing to the overall flavor profile.

1 Teaspoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper, for a hint of bold and zesty warmth: Freshly ground black pepper provides a hint of bold and zesty warmth, adding a layer of spiciness to the dish.

8 Persian Dried Limes, exotic orbs that impart a tangy and citrusy essence: Persian dried limes bring a unique and exotic tangy-citrusy essence, infusing the khoresh karafs with a distinctive flavor.

2 Teaspoons of Pink Himalayan Salt, finely milled for precise flavor enhancement: Pink Himalayan salt is finely milled to ensure precise flavor enhancement, providing the necessary seasoning to balance and elevate the taste of the khoresh karafs.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Celery

• Wash and finely chop 14-16 celery stalks into ½-inch pieces. This adds a crisp and refreshing texture to the stew.

Step 2: 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 they turn a golden brown, infusing a rich flavor into the base.

Step 3: Brown the Lamb

• Add 2 lbs of tender lamb stew meat to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, enhancing its flavor and contributing richness to the stew.

Step 4: Add Turmeric and Pepper

• Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sunlit turmeric and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the browned meat. This step imparts a golden hue and zesty warmth to the stew.

Step 5: Incorporate Herbs

• Stir in 2 cups of fresh mint and 3 cups of fresh parsley, finely chopped. These vibrant herbs bring a green and earthy note to the stew, enhancing its overall aroma and taste.

Step 6: Introduce Celery

• Add the chopped celery pieces to the pot, ensuring an even distribution among the lamb and herbs. This adds a layer of crunchiness and freshness.

Step 7: Tangy Citrus Essence

• Insert 8 Persian dried limes into the stew. These exotic additions impart a tangy and citrusy essence, elevating the flavor profile to new heights.

Step 8: Season with Salt

• Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of finely milled pink Himalayan salt into the pot. Adjust according to taste preferences, finely tuning the flavor of your savory creation.

Step 9: Add Water

• Pour 8 cups of pristine water into the pot, creating the perfect liquid canvas for your stew. This sets the foundation for a rich and hearty broth.

Step 10: 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. This allows the flavors to meld, and the meat to become tender, creating a stew of unparalleled richness.

Step 11: 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, paired with steamed rice or your preferred side.

Step 12: 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. Your culinary masterpiece is ready to be enjoyed!

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.

Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Khoresh Karafs can be stored for up to three days.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery Recipe is approximately 212 calories. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Khoresh Karafs over steamed basmati rice.
• Serve with a side of Greek yogurt and pickles.
• Serve with a side of flatbread.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
• Add cooked chickpeas for a protein boost.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Khoresh Karafs Persian Celery?

• Instead of celery, you can use other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes.
• Instead of tomato sauce, you can use canned diced tomatoes.
• Instead of tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or ketchup.
• Instead of spices, you can use other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• Instead of yogurt, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Instead of pickles, you can use other pickled vegetables such as cucumbers or cauliflower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices are used in Khoresh Karafs?

The spices used in Khoresh Karafs are turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

What vegetables can I add to Khoresh Karafs

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.

Can I freeze Khoresh Karafs?

Yes, you can freeze Khoresh Karafs. Place it in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Conclusion

Khoresh Karafs is a traditional Persian stew that is made with celery, tomato sauce, and spices. It is a simple and flavorful dish that can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.

The celery is cooked until it is tender and then served over steamed rice. Khoresh Karafs is a healthy and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

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