Entree: Iran – Kurdish Iran – خورشت ریواس ➤ Khoresht-e Rīvās (A slow-simmered lamb stew flavored with tart rhubarb and fresh herbs)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 1 hr 15 min

Total 1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, about 10 oz (280 g), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp (9 g) salt, or to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 10 oz (280 g) rhubarb stalks, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium potatoes, about 12 oz (340 g), peeled and halved (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef or lamb broth (or water)
- 1 tsp (4 g) sugar
- 1 cup (packed) (about 30 g) mixed fresh parsley and cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and softened, about 12–15 minutes.
2. Add the lamb pieces and increase heat to medium-high. Brown the lamb on all sides, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, black pepper and tomato paste; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
4. Add the broth (or water) and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 35–40 minutes until the lamb is tender.
5. If using potatoes, add them now along with the chopped rhubarb, stir gently, and simmer uncovered another 20–25 minutes until the rhubarb has broken down and the sauce has thickened. If not using potatoes, add rhubarb and simmer 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in the sugar, chopped parsley, cilantro and mint. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and lemon juice to balance the tartness.
7. Simmer 2–3 minutes more to marry flavors, then remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
8. Serve hot over steamed saffron or plain basmati rice, garnished with extra herbs if desired.