To make Abgoosht, the ingredients are first cooked together in water until they reach the desired tenderness, creating a flavourful broth with a deep savoury aroma. Once ready, the lamb is removed from the broth and mashed together with pulses to form a delightful, chunky purée.
This dulcet mash is then returned to the pot and mixed with the remaining water in which the ingredients were cooked. This creates a rich and creamy texture that is further complemented by the addition of diced tomatoes and extra spices for an added layer of flavour.
Served in bowls or cups, the dish is traditionally accompanied by a bowl of plain rice or flatbread, perfect for dipping into the warm and fragrant stew. In some parts of Iran, Abgoosht is also served with plain yoghurt, which helps cut through the richness of the stew and refresh the palate.
Abgoosht is an ideal comfort food; its velvety texture and peppery aroma imbue it with a soul-warming quality that can be enjoyed any time of day. A labour of love to create, it is a delectable demonstration of the culinary talent and skill of traditional Iranian cooking.
Amazing Abgoosht recipes sourced from the web.
The Zoroastrian dish Abgoosht is believed by some to have been first cooked in the utensils of Persia’s nomadic tribes, centuries ago. Potentially originating from the ancient nomads of the Central Asian steppes, its ingredients were thought to be the simplest of things: lentils, chickpeas and even pieces of bone served with a broth.
This humble meal was seen as a symbol of warmth, togetherness and selflessness, passed down through generations of Persian families and further spread amongst neighbouring nations in West Asia. Even now, Abgoosht is one of the most profoundly cherished dishes of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and the surrounding countries.
Due to its consistency and relatively inexpensive ingredients, the name Abgoosht has been interpreted to mean “meat broth,” though there is much debate as to how it came to acquire this title. Some say it comes from an ancient Persian phrase meaning "breaking (gooshid) the meat (ab)," though others contest that the word ab simply means “water” in Kurdish, and goosht stands for “meat.”
Regardless of linguistic nuances, Abgoosht is a veritable cornerstone of Persian culture, and has become a vital part of familial rituals. A traditional Persian family will often cook a large batch of Abgoosht and share it among adults and children alike. It is a celebratory meal, enjoyed during weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.
At its core, Abgoosht provides a unique representation of communal sharing and generational legacy. Its simple yet flavourful ingredients can nourish the very soul of a culture, joining loved ones in a warm embrace over a bowl of steaming goodness.
Abgoosht is an Iranian dish that has been eaten for centuries. It is a hearty stew made from a combination of beans, vegetables and meat or poultry. The origins of the word abgoosht come from the Farsi language and the literal translation is something like “thick broth”.
When it comes to the different types of abgoosht, the variations are seemingly endless. From the region of Turkish Kurdistan there is the Sis Kebab, which consists of beef and lamb pieces served over rice topped with yogurt, while in Isfahan they make Chicken Abgoosht Ghormeh Sabzi, where chicken is cooked with dried limes and herbs. In Sistan and Baluchestan, the Abgoosht is made from a combination of lamb, chickpeas and potatoes.
Each variation of abgoosht offers something unique. For example, the version from Mashhad contains a combination of fava beans and split peas, which give a creamy texture to the dish. On the other hand, the version served in Khuzestan is made with a combination of lamb, tomatoes and potatoes. In addition to these two, the version served in Yazd contains the unique ingredient of quince, which adds a sweet and fragrant taste to the stew.
No matter which variety you decide on, all abgoosht is served with either bread or rice. This delicious stew is not only nutritious and filling, but it also a great way to experience the delicious flavors and aromas of Iranian cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year or you’re just in the mood for something new, abgoosht is a great option. Try your hand at making it and you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed!