Khoresh Beh (Persian Quince & Plum Beef Stew)
This Persian quince stew (khoresh-e beh) is a cozy, slow-simmered dish where tender beef or lamb and tart-sweet quince meld into a rich, aromatic tomato base.
Servings: 6
Calories: 476kcal
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion diced or sliced in half moons
- 2 tbsp oil flavorless, like canola or vegetable
- 2 lbs. stew meat shoulder, chuck, or cow neck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses see notes for store-bought
- ¾ cup prunes
- 3 quinces each cut in 8 wedges (If you can't find quince, you can substitute with granny smith apples. However, do not add the apples until the last 15-20 minutes.)
- 1 pinch saffron ground and steeped in 2 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion in oil over medium-high heat until softened and translucent.1 yellow onion, 2 tbsp oil
- Add the stew meat, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beef is deeply browned on all sides to lock in the savory flavor.2 lbs. stew meat, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and pomegranate molasses, then pour in the water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully fold in the prunes and quince wedges. Cover and simmer for about 90 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the quince has softened.16 oz tomato sauce, 3 oz tomato paste, 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 3/4 cup prunes, 3 quinces
- Optional: Just before serving, stir in the bloomed saffron for an extra layer of floral aroma. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. Noush-e-jan!1 pinch saffron
Video
Notes
Buy extra quince and freeze it. Just quarter, core, and seal in an airtight container. Keeps in the freezer for up to 18 months.
Can't find pomegranate molasses? Buy pomegranate juice and simmer it until reduced by 75%. Buying store-bought pomegranate molasses is usually less expensive than making your own.
The saffron is an optional addition, but adds another depth of flavor and aroma... try not to skip this one, if possible!
Nutrition
Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 637mg | Potassium: 1305mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 778IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 5mg
