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Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew

Savory Ghormeh Sabzi: Easy Persian Herb Stew You’ll Love

Ghormeh Sabzi is a beloved Persian herb stew filled with aromatic herbs, earthy beans, and tangy limes, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 1 bunch Fresh Parsley Base herb that provides fresh flavor; can substitute with additional cilantro.
  • 1 bunch Cilantro/Coriander Adds a citrusy aroma and depth; use more parsley as substitution if unavailable.
  • 1 bunch Fresh Spinach Contributes a mild taste and vibrant green color; substitute with Swiss chard if desired.
  • 4 stems Green Onions/Scallions Provides a mild onion flavor; use regular onions if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Dried Fenugreek Leaves Essential for authenticity, adding distinct earthiness; omit if necessary.
  • 1 large Onion Base flavor for the stew; diced for even cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder Adds earthy warmth; no direct substitute, but curry powder can work.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Liquid base for stewing; low-sodium is recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cooking fat that adds richness; can substitute with any neutral oil.
  • 1 can Red Kidney Beans Provides protein and texture; use chickpeas as variation.
  • 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms Adds umami and bulk; replace with chopped eggplant for a different texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Adds brightness; substitute with lime juice if desired.
  • 2 pieces Dried Limes (Limoo Amani) Contributes signature tang; if not available, increase lemon/lime juice.
  • to taste Salt Basic seasoning to enhance flavors.
  • to taste Black Pepper Basic seasoning to enhance flavors.
  • 1 pinch Ground Saffron (optional) Elevates the dish’s aroma and taste; can omit for a simpler flavor.

Equipment

  • saucepan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, spinach, and green parts of the scallions. Set them aside to keep your cooking area organized and efficient.
  2. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cremini mushrooms, season with salt, pepper, and turmeric, and sauté until golden brown, then set aside.
  3. In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until it's translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the remaining turmeric to enhance the flavor of the base.
  4. Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, spinach, and fenugreek leaves to the pan. Sauté for 15-20 minutes until the herbs are dark green and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Poke holes in the dried limes with a fork to allow their tangy flavor to infuse the stew. Set them aside for the next step.
  6. Once the herbs are ready, pour in the vegetable broth along with 2 cups of water. Add the dried limes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer on low heat and let it cook for 30 minutes.
  7. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, red kidney beans, lemon juice, and saffron if using. Cover and simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes, checking the consistency and seasoning halfway through to ensure it's just right.
  8. Enjoy this comforting Ghormeh Sabzi hot, served over fluffy Persian rice with a side of crisp Shirazi salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 15gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 4000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Adjust seasoning just before serving to suit your taste.

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