Ghormeh Sabzi

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Ghormeh Sabzi
Dive into the heart of Persian cuisine with this Ghormeh Sabzi recipe, featuring succulent chicken thighs amidst a lush green sea of herbs. Revered as Iran's national dish, this stew is celebrated for its depth of flavor, achieved through slow cooking and a symphony of herbs, pinto beans, and the sourness of dried limes. Whether it's your first time trying Persian food or you're a seasoned enthusiast, this version of Ghormeh Sabzi promises a comforting and memorable meal.

Ingredients

For the Herb Mixture:

  • 3 cups sliced scallions
  • 3 cups cut parsley
  • 2 cups cut cilantro
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • ½ large yellow onion, in one piece
  • 1½ large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup cooked pinto beans
  • 1½ cups water
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 crushed limoo amani
  • 4 whole limoo amani
  • 2 roma tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herbs: Clean and slice the herbs and sauté them with vegetable oil until they darken slightly, set aside.

  2. Cook the Chicken: Combine chicken thighs, turmeric, pepper, half an onion, and water in a pot. Cook until chicken is tender, about 25-35 minutes.

  3. Fry the Onions: While the chicken is cooking, in a separate pan, fry the sliced onions in the vegetable oil until they are crispy.

  4. Combine and Simmer: Mix the cooked chicken with fried onions, herb mixture, tomato paste, salt, whole and crushed dried limes, and pinto beans. Simmer until flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

  5. Add Tomatoes: Incorporate quartered Roma tomatoes, if using, and continue to simmer gently, preserving their shape.

  6. Serve: Garnish with additional fried onions and serve over steamed Persian rice for an authentic dining experience.

A National Treasure

Ghormeh Sabzi is not just a stew; it’s a journey through centuries of Persian culinary tradition, embodying the very soul of Iran’s rich gastronomic heritage. Renowned as the national dish, its preparation and enjoyment are deeply woven into the fabric of Iranian culture, symbolizing the unity and warmth of family gatherings. This chicken thigh version of Ghormeh Sabzi maintains the integrity and spirit of the original, inviting you to partake in a shared human experience that transcends borders and time.

Serving Suggestions and Historical Insight

Traditionally served over a fluffy bed of Persian rice, Ghormeh Sabzi is a dish that invites experimentation. Pair it with a side of Mast-o-Khiar for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy it with a piece of warm, freshly baked flatbread. Its history dates back over a thousand years, evolving with each generation to reflect the tastes and traditions of the Persian people, yet always retaining its essence as a symbol of Persian hospitality and culinary excellence.

Whether enjoyed in a grand feast or a simple family dinner, Ghormeh Sabzi is a celebration

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Servings Per Recipe: 5-6
  • Calories: 350

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 22gg (28% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 6gg (30% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 140mgmg (47% DV)
  • Sodium: 300mgmg (13% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13gg (5% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 4gg (14% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 5gg
  • Protein: 25gg

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.