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🇮🇷 Iran · Food

Abgoosht-e Nokhod

90 min
A recipe worth the effort
🔥 450 kcal
Hearty helping
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Abgoosht-e Nokhod🇮🇷 IRAI-generated image

A comforting, slow-cooked Persian chickpea and lamb stew. This rustic dish develops deep flavors through patient simmering and is traditionally served with bread.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Dice 600g of lamb into 3cm cubes and finely chop the 2 large onions.

  • 2

    Heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and sauté the onions until they turn translucent and golden.

  • 3

    Add the lamb cubes to the pot, stirring frequently until the meat is browned on all sides, usually taking about 8 minutes.

  • 4

    Stir in 1 tsp of turmeric, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated and the spice becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.

  • 5

    Pour in enough boiling water to cover the meat by 5cm, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

  • 6

    Add the 200g of soaked chickpeas and simmer for 60 minutes until the lamb is fork-tender.

  • 7

    Crush the 1/4 tsp of saffron with a pinch of sugar, dissolve in 2 tbsp of hot water, and stir into the stew.

  • 8

    Season with 1 tsp of salt, adjust the liquid level, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abgoosht-e Nokhod?+

Abgoosht-e Nokhod is an Iranian meat stew primarily made with lamb, chickpeas, onions, turmeric, and saffron. It serves as a hearty main course typically consumed as a midday meal.

Can I use canned chickpeas?+

Yes, but add them only in the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Which lamb cut is best?+

Lamb shoulder is ideal as it has enough fat and connective tissue to stay succulent during the long simmer.

What should the consistency be?+

The stew should be rich and slightly thickened, not watery like a soup.

Is there a vegetarian version?+

Yes, substitute the lamb with extra chickpeas or mushrooms, though the depth of flavor will differ.

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