🍽️Stew

Persian-Style Braised Lamb Shank with Garden Vegetables (Khorak Mahicheh va Sabzijat)

Name: Persian-Style Braised Lamb Shank with Garden Vegetables (Khorak Mahicheh va Sabzijat)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Stew
Ingredients: 300 g lamb shank, cut into small pieces; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 leeks, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 4 tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup mushrooms, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 orange, halved; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 cups boiling water

"Indulge in the soul-warming elegance of a Persian garden with this succulent, herb-braised lamb that perfectly balances rich umami with a bright citrus finish."

Prep:20 min

Cook:45 min

LevelMedium

Analyzing...

● Ingredients

300 g lamb shank, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 leeks, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
4 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 orange, halved
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups boiling water

🌱 Gluten-Free🌱 Dairy-Free🌱 High-Protein🌱 Paleo-Friendly🌱 Nut-Free⚡ Medium

❤️Health88%

😋Taste92%

🥳Joy90%

👨‍🍳Difficulty45/100

📜 The Story

Khorak Mahicheh is a cornerstone of Persian celebratory dining, traditionally showcasing Iran's mastery of slow-braising techniques. This 'Sabzijat' or garden-style variation integrates a bounty of fresh vegetables and citrus, reflecting the agricultural heritage of the Iranian plateau.

🧬 Flavor DNA

🍋Sour

5/10

🧂Salty

6/10

🌶️Spicy

1/10

🍯Sweet

3/10

🍄umami

8/10

☕Bitter

2/10

✨ Sensory Profile

"A harmonious blend of succulent, melt-in-your-mouth lamb enveloped in a vibrant, herb-infused broth that carries the bright, aromatic scent of citrus and sun-ripened tomatoes. The texture is a luxurious transition from the velvet-soft vegetables to the rich, savory depth of the braised meat."

Chef's Mastery

💡

The Secret

For an authentic Persian depth, add a pinch of bloomed saffron and a teaspoon of turmeric during the lamb browning stage to enhance the golden hue and earthy aroma.

⚠️

Avoid This

Rushing the browning of the lamb; deep caramelization (the Maillard reaction) is the primary source of the stew's savory intensity.

❄️

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the flavors deepen significantly overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the lamb shank pieces and brown them evenly on all sides. This step builds a rich base flavor for the stew.

Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, celery, leeks, and carrots. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the vegetables gently release their juices and soften for about 20 minutes.

Pour in the boiling water, then add the mushrooms, parsley, basil, and orange halves. Cover and simmer over medium heat for another 20 minutes, until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Remove the orange halves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, spooning the vegetables and sauce generously over the lamb.