Authentic Abgoosht Recipe: Slow-Cooked Persian Lamb Stew

Am I the only one who finds the very sound of the name (Abgoosht) so comforting? I swear, this Persian classic will take you on a delightful tour of traditional Iranian home cooking if this is the first time you've heard of it. Abgoosht, meaning "meat broth" in Arabic, is a one-pot miracle of slow-cooked, hearty goodness. It's a perfect blend of beans, potatoes, and tender lamb with rich spices. More than just food, this dish tells a tale. Each generation has its own unique take on the classic dish, and today, I'm passing along a recipe with a special touch courtesy of our wonderful friend Marcia K.

Okay, so when you hear "Persian stew," you might picture a multi-hour culinary extravaganza. Now listen up: if you have the correct equipment and a slow cooker, you're about to do more than just make life easier; you're about to create something truly remarkable. Get ready for some impressive dinner party wows, immune system boosters, and warm and fuzzy nights with this authentic abgoosht recipe!

A Little History of Abgoosht

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about where this beauty of a dish comes from. Abgoosht, also known as "Dizi," is a traditional Iranian dish with a history as rich as its flavor. Persian culture considers it a "peasant food"—humble, simple, and filling. The idea was to make the most out of affordable, accessible ingredients like lamb, beans, and potatoes while giving them maximum flavor.

What makes Abgoosht unique is the way it’s typically served. Traditionally, the liquid is strained and served separately as a soup after slow-cooking the stew. At the same time, the remaining solid ingredients (meat, beans, potatoes) are mashed together to make a dish called Goosht Koobideh. Talk about getting the most out of your ingredients! This versatility makes Abgoosht so special, and while we’re not following the Koobideh method here, we’re definitely embracing its slow-cooked, flavor-packed goodness.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

• Lamb: The star of the show. We’re using ground lamb for the meatballs in this recipe. If you’ve never cooked with lamb before, don’t worry—it’s flavorful and tender, and when cooked slowly, it practically melts in your mouth.
• Chicken wings: Yes, you read that right! Adding chicken wings not only adds another layer of protein but alsodeepens the broth's flavor.
• Beans: The trio of chickpeas, white beans, and green beans gives this stew a variety of textures and heartiness.
• Tomato Sauce and Paste: These form the base of the broth, adding richness and depth.
• Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms, and Kale: All these veggies work together to boost the nutritional value and provide layers of flavor.
• Turmeric, Thyme, Oregano: These spices bring warmth, a touch of earthiness, and anti-inflammatory benefits to the dish.
• Potatoes: What’s a hearty stew without potatoes? These soak up all the goodness of the broth and practically melt into each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground lamb (for the meatballs)
• 1 small package of chicken wings (optional but recommended for added flavor)
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can green beans
• 2 cans of tomato sauce
• 2 cans tomato paste
• 2 red or yellow onions (diced)
• 1 full bulb of garlic (pressed with the Zulay Garlic Press)
• 2-3 potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 4 cups baby kale leaves
• 1½ cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 tbsp thyme
• 2 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp ground garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp turmeric
• Chicken broth (about 2 cups)

How to Cook Authentic Abgoosht?

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Meatballs

First things first, let’s get those lamb meatballs ready. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ground lamb with thyme, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Once everything is well combined, use a tablespoon to scoop the mixture into your hands and form small meatballs. Set these aside for now.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Next, rinse all your veggies—kale, mushrooms, and green beans. Lightly pat them dry. Then, grab your Zulay Kitchen Swivel Peeler and do quick work peeling your potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. Dice the onions and set everything aside.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain the Beans

Open all the cans of beans (chickpeas, white beans, and green beans), drain them, and give them a quick rinse. This helps to remove any excess sodium and keeps your stew tasting fresh.

Step 4: Assemble in the Crockpot

Now comes the fun part—assembling everything into the crockpot! Start by pouring in your tomato sauce and tomato paste. Press all the garlic into the mixture using your Zulay Kitchen Garlic Press, then add the diced onions, mushrooms, potatoes, beans, and baby kale. Carefully place your meatballs and chicken wings into the mix. Stir everything lightly to distribute the ingredients.

Step 5: Add Spices and Stock

Now, it’s time to flavor this stew to perfection. Add in your turmeric, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir. Finally, pour in about 2 cups of chicken broth to create the perfect soup base.

Step 6: Let it Slow Cook

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. If you're using a stockpot, you’ll want to simmer the stew on low heat for a few hours until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

The Result: A Bowl of Pure Comfort

By the time your Abgoosht is done cooking, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly. The broth will be a bright, beautiful orange from the turmeric, and each bite will be packed with flavor from the tender lamb, earthy beans, and rich tomato broth. Whether you're serving it up for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish defines comfort. Combining aromatic herbs, spices, and soft meat is divine. And, as Marcia K. pointed out in a lighthearted manner, her husband—who tends to break the rules—liked this version so much that it became a household mainstay very quickly.

And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy a meal that only needs to be cooked in one pot with minor cleanup? The added benefit is that this Abgoosht recipe's kale, garlic, and turmeric strengthen the immune system. You could almost serve health on a spoon with all the goodness simmering away in the pot.

Zulay's Recommendation: Abgoosht Serving Tips

• Traditional Style: For a more authentic experience, strain some of the liquid into a bowl and serve as soup, while mashing the solid ingredients into a flavorful mixture called Goosht Koobideh.
• Garnish: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten upthedish.
• Side of Lavash or Pita: Scoop up your stew with some soft, warm flatbread for a complete meal.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

This Abgoosht Recipe is not only a tasty, hearty meal that will fill you up but also a great example of how beautiful slow-cooked, home-style meals can be. Every bite, from the soft lamb to the hearty broth, is full of love and tradition. 

And remember that this dish is easy to make and a lot of fun with the Zulay Kitchen Garlic Press and Swivel Peeler. Once you have all the ingredients, turn on your crockpot and get ready to enjoy the comforting tastes of Persia in your own home!