Gheymeh Naari - Tangy Pomegranate and Lamb Polo

Iranian cuisine is a tapestry of rich flavours, ancient traditions, and regional specialities, many of which have been passed down through generations. One such dish, deeply rooted in the history of Old Tehran, is Gheymeh Naari—a beautifully fragrant and flavourful Persian stew cooked with fresh pomegranate juice. This unique version of Gheymeh, also known as Gheymeh Polo Mehdi Khan, stands apart from the classic Khoresh Gheymeh thanks to its tangy-sweet pomegranate broth, which lends it an irresistible depth of flavour. The dish traces its origins back to the native villagers of Tehran, long before the city transformed into the bustling metropolis it is today. It is said that Mehdi Khan, one of the last original residents of Old Tehran during the Qajar era, preserved and passed down this treasured recipe, ensuring its legacy lived on.