Khoresh-e Khalal Badam & Zereshk - Slivered Almonds & Barberry Stew

I've been wanting to make this nutty and tangy saffron flavored lamb stew for a long time. You must try this gorgeous, flavorful and aromatic stew -- you will be very pleased with the taste. I generally use barberries to make the rice with barberries dish (zereshk polow), which has been a staple in our family, but another great use is to make this delicious stew with it. Barberries/Berberis (Zereshk) is widely grown in the north eastern part of Iran, in the region of Khorasan.

I like خورش خلال بادام khalal badam stew to be filled with slivered almonds and barberries. The more common version of  this stew is usually made without any yellow split peas but I like the addition of its flavor. If you prefer a thinner khoresh you may omit or the yellow split peas. 

Khoresh-e Khalal Badam- Slivered Almonds & Barberry Stew

Ingredients:
Serves 4-6

1 1/2 pound meat (lamb, beef ), washed and cubed
1 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
1 cup dried barberries, picked over, rinsed, can be found in most Persian grocery stores
1 cup yellow split peas, picked over, rinsed *optional
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/3 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon crushed saffron dissolved in 2 tablespoons of hot water
1-2 tablespoons rose water (optional)
 Oil
Water 
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Lightly toast the almond slivers in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes over medium to low heat. Set aside
2. In a small frying pan lightly saute the barberries in 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for a few minutes. Set aside.
3. In a small pan saute the tomato paste in a tablespoon of oil for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Set aside. This step is optional but it improves the taste of the stew.
4. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot, saute the sliced onion over medium heat until translucent, add the garlic and saute for another 2-3 minutes then add the turmeric. Stir well to blend every bit of onion and garlic with turmeric powder.
5. Add the meat and brown on all sides. Add cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste, blend well.  
6. Make some room in the center of the pot by pushing the meat and onion mixture to the side of the pot and place the split peas in the center and fry them for a few minutes. This will harden the peas and gets rid of their raw smell. You may also cook the split peas separately with two cups of water and add them to the stew half way through cooking if you prefer. 
7. Scoop in the tomato paste and pour in enough water to cover meat and to come about two inches above. 
8. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on medium to low heat, add the almond slivers, mix well, cook and cover for another 20 minutes. Add water if needed.
9. Add barberries and saffron, stir well, taste and adjust seasoning. Cook for another 20-30 minutes until meat is tender and the flavors are well blended. Pour rose water in the last 10 minutes of cooking. 

Serve warm with rice, pickles (torshi), fresh herbs and yogurt.

Enjoy!