Khoresh-e Karafs - Persian Celery Stew
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Category
Dinner
Cuisine
Persian
Author:
Leyla Ashournia
Servings
4-6
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
2 hours
Calories
90
Khoresh-e Karafs is a classic Persian stew made with celery, fresh herbs, and tender meat, cooked slowly to create a balanced, aromatic dish. Perfectly tangy and full of herbal flavors, it’s a staple of Persian family meals, typically served with Persian steamed rice.
The History of Khoresh-e Karafs
Khoresh-e Karafs has deep roots in Persian cuisine, a testament to the Persian culinary philosophy of balancing flavors and using fresh ingredients. The dish celebrates the abundant use of herbs - parsley and mint being key components - which are staples in Iranian cooking. Celery, though simple, becomes a star ingredient in this stew, offering a mild crunch and earthy flavor that complement the tanginess of dried limes.
Historically, this dish evolved as a way to make the most of seasonal produce, with celery’s versatility shining in Persian households. Passed down through generations, Khoresh-e Karafs is cherished for its ability to bring out the best in simple ingredients, embodying the slow-cooked richness of Persian stews. Today, it’s served at family gatherings and everyday meals alike, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and tradition.

Ingredients
-
Beef or Lamb (boneless, cubed): 500g
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Celery Stalks: 6-8 stalks, trimmed and cut into 5cm pieces
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Parsley (fresh): 1 bunch, finely chopped
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Mint (fresh): 1/2 bunch, finely chopped
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Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
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Dried Limes (Limoo Amani): 3-4 (pierce with a fork)
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Vegetable Oil: 4 tbsp (divided for sautéing)
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Turmeric: 1 tsp
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Salt and Pepper: To taste
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Water or Beef Broth: 10-12 dl
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Fresh Lemon Juice: 1-2 tbsp
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Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (optional for richer flavor)
Directions
Prepare the Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Add the meat and turmeric, stirring until the meat is browned on all sides.
Add Water and Simmer:
Pour in the water or broth to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Sauté the Herbs:
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped parsley and mint, sautéing gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until aromatic. Be careful not to burn the herbs.
Cook the Celery:
Add the celery pieces to the same pan and sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Combine Ingredients:
Add the sautéed herbs, celery, and dried limes to the pot with the meat. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer and Finish:
Cover and let the stew simmer for another 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If desired, add fresh lemon juice or tomato paste for extra tanginess.
Recipe Note
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over a bed of fluffy Persian steamed rice (chelo).
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, crisp celery for the best flavor and texture.
- If dried limes aren’t available, substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 serving (100)
- per serving
- Calories
- 90
- Protein
- 7 grams
- Fat
- 4 grams
- Saturated Fat
- 1 grams
- Carbs
- 6 grams
- Fiber
- 2 grams
- Sugar
- 1 grams
- Cholesterol
- 20 milligrams
- Sodium
- 150 milligrams
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