Khoresh Karafs - Celery Stew

خورش کرفس Celery Stew (Khoresh Karafs) is a healthy and flavorful  Iranian dish made with meat, evenly sliced celery, finely chopped fresh parsley, mint (preferably fresh), freshly squeezed lime juice, and just the right amount of seasoning. 

What makes Iranian cuisine, and particularly its stews (khoresh), so delicious is the slow cooking process. We take our time to let the food simmer gently so the flavors develop fully, or as we say in Iran, (ja biofteh). 

Like ghormeh sabzi and fesenjoon, khoresh karafs cooks through in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but it's best to let it simmer on the lowest heat to achieve a richer taste. Many Iranians agree that khoresh tastes even better the next day, so you might consider making it in advance.

Khoresh Karafs - Celery Stew

Ingredients
Serves 4-6

-1 pound beef or lamb, washed and cut into cubes
-1 large onion, peeled and chopped
-1 head of celery, washed, cut into 1-inch pieces
-2 bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
-1 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped, or 2-3 tablespoons dried mint
-2 large garlic cloves, minced
-2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (adjust to taste)
-1/2 teaspoon turmeric
-Salt and pepper, to taste
-Vegetable oil

Method

1. In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until golden. Stir in the minced garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes more. 
2. Add turmeric and the meat to the pot, and brown the meat on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.  
3. Pour in 2-3 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes.
4. In a large frying pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the celery pieces until softened. Add the parsley and mint; stir well and sauté for another 4-5 minutes.
5. Add the sauteed vegetables to the pot with the meat. Adjust seasoning and water level, if necessary. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, until the meat is tender.
6. Stir in lemon juice toward the end of cooking.

Serve with rice and salad.

Enjoy!