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.
Khoresh-e Rivas – Lamb Rhubarb Stew
It’s rhubarb season, which means it's time for Khoresh-e Rivas! This exquisite lamb and rhubarb stew is one of my favourite Persian dishes. The savoury richness of the lamb and herbs, combined with the fresh tang of rhubarb, creates a delightful harmony of flavours!
When I was a child, every summer my family and I would journey to Mahalat, my dad's hometown. One of our favourite activities was rhubarb picking. It was a joyful tradition, with my dad, uncles, aunts, and cousins spreading out to find nice young rhubarb. Although it was hot and dry, we loved it so much.
Khoresh-e Goje Sabz (Aloocheh) – Persian Green Plum and Herb Stew
Khoresh-e Goje Sabz is a flavourful lamb and herb stew with mouthwatering Persian green plums. As you may know, us Iranians love all things sour and so one thing many of us are obsessed with are Goje Sabz, Persian green plums. These are plums that are harvested unripe and therefore they are wonderfully crunchy and sour. In the stew they become soft but they give it a refreshing sour taste. You can find them in Middle Eastern and Turkish grocery stores and they are in season now.
Khoresh-e Bamieh – Persian Lamb and Okra Stew
Khoresh-e Bamieh is a tasty lamb and okra stew from southern Iran. If you’re familiar with Persian food, you know, that we love a hint of sourness in our stews. In this dish the sourness comes from tamarind paste. This is an ingredient, that is used quite a lot in southern Iran.