Persian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked dishes that bring comfort and warmth to any meal. One such dish is the Persian Beef and Bean Stew, a delightful fusion of tender beef, hearty beans, and a blend of traditional Persian spices. This Iranian recipe is perfect for those who love nutrient-rich meals packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean stew or a fan of homemade stews, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your family recipes.
Ingredients for Persian Beef and Bean Stew
To prepare this savory stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup dried or canned kidney beans (or pinto beans)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 dried lime (limoo amani) or juice of half a fresh lime
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Persian Stew
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This helps to seal in the juices and build flavor.
- Incorporate the Spices: Sprinkle in turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing them to cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the beef broth or water, add salt, and drop in the dried lime (or squeeze fresh lime juice). Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Add Beans: If using dried beans, cook them separately and add them during the last 30 minutes of simmering. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them before adding.
- Final Touches: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Persian Beef and Bean Stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve with warm rice or bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Persian flavors: The use of traditional spices in Persian cooking makes this dish uniquely flavorful.
- Nutritious and hearty: Packed with protein from beef and fiber from beans, this meal is both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
- Perfect for slow cooking: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes.
- Great for meal prep: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it with rice, bread, or even on its own as a comforting stew.
My Tips for the Best Persian Beef and Bean Stew
- Use high-quality beef: Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck or shank for maximum tenderness.
- Soak dried beans overnight: This reduces cooking time and enhances their texture in the stew.
- Don’t skip the dried lime: It adds a subtle citrusy depth, characteristic of cultural dishes of Iran.
- Allow time to simmer: The longer the stew cooks, the more the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust spices to taste: Persian cuisine offers a balance of flavors, but feel free to tweak the seasoning based on your preference.
Enjoy Your Delicious Persian Beef and Bean Stew!
This slow-cooked, savory stew is a true representation of Persian cuisine, bringing together cultural dishes of Iran with a Mediterranean twist. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this Iranian recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let the warm, comforting flavors fill your home!
Flavorful Persian Beef and Bean Stew – A Hearty Mediterranean Dish
Description
Discover the rich flavors of Persian Beef and Bean Stew. You’ll love how tender beef and hearty beans create a comforting, aromatic dish.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 336kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 138mg46%
- Sodium 188mg8%
- Potassium 957mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 76g152%
- Vitamin A 673 IU
- Vitamin C 21 mg
- Calcium 23 mg
- Iron 6 mg
- Vitamin D 1 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 4 mcg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Vitamin B12 7 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.1 mg
- Phosphorus 462 mg
- Magnesium 58 mg
- Zinc 11 mg
- Selenium 69 mcg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Cooking Time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (including prep)
- Cooking Temperature: Simmer on low heat
- Estimated Cost: Budget-friendly (varies based on beef cut and ingredient availability)
- Number of Servings: 4-6 servings
