September 7, 2022

Persian herb, red bean & lamb stew

Ingredients


  • 100g dried red kidney beans
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 lamb shoulder shanks (roughly 900g)
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 6 Persian dried limes (available in some supermarkets and online)
  • 100g coriander
  • 400g parsley
  • 1 leek, trimmed and finely chopped
  • 1 ½ tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • 100g chives, finely sliced
  • squeeze of lime juice, to taste (optional)



Method

STEP 1

Put the dried red kidney beans in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water and leave to soak for 1 hr.


STEP 2

Heat a flameproof casserole over a medium-low heat for a few minutes before adding 2 tbsp oil. Season the lamb and sear on all sides until golden brown, then remove to a plate. Fry the onions over a low heat for 8-10 mins until soft and translucent.


STEP 3

Drain and rinse the soaked kidney beans, then add them to the onions along with the turmeric and dried limes. Stir to coat in the spiced oil, then return the lamb to the casserole. Pour over 1 litre water, or enough to cover the lamb, and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid, then turn down to a simmer. Leave the lamb to gently braise for 1 hr.


STEP 4

Put the coriander and parsley in a food processor and blitz to chop finely (you can also do this by hand, but the finer the herbs, the better the stew’s flavour and consistency).


STEP 5

In a separate frying pan over a medium heat, fry the leeks in the remaining 1 tbsp oil for 6-8 mins until softened. Stir in the fenugreek leaves, blitzed herbs and chives – it is sometimes easier to add these in batches. Fry for 5 mins until the herbs are dark green (this removes moisture and deepens the flavour).


STEP 6

Once the lamb has braised for 1 hr, add the leek and herb mixture along with 250-500ml hot water to loosen, stirring well. Braise for a further 2 hrs, or until the lamb is completely tender and falling off the bone. Add a dash of hot water to loosen if the sauce has thickened too much – I prefer it to be almost broth-like, but that is personal preference. Season to taste (a good pinch or two of sea salt is essential) and, depending on the acidity from the dried limes, add a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.


Preparation and cooking time


  • Prep:30 mins
  • Cook:3 hrs and 30 mins - plus 1 hr soaking
  • Serves 4
  • Serve with sliced red onion and steamed rice

Chicken liver Meatballs with Avocado & Grapefruit Salad

May 7, 2025
Chicken liver Meatballs with Avocado & Grapefruit Salad 4 servings | 30 minutes  INGREDIENTS 3 tbsps Avocado Oil (divided) 1/2 Yellow Onion (medium, finely chopped) 1/4 cup Sauerkraut (drained) 6 ozs Chicken Liver (finely chopped) 1lb Lean Ground Beef 1 tsp Sea Salt (plus more for garnish) 1/4 cup Basil Leaves (chopped, plus more for garnish) 2 Avocado (medium, sliced) 2 Grapefruit (peeled, cut into sections)  METHOD Heat 1/3 of the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauerkraut and cook for six to eight minutes or until starting to brown. Let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked onion mixture, liver, beef, salt, and basil. Use your hands to thoroughly mix. Roll into balls a little larger than the size of a golf ball. Add the remaining oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium. Add the meatballs, pressing on each side to create mini patties. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook for a total of five to seven minutes, or until cooked through. Divide the avocado, grapefruit, and patties onto plates. Season with basil and salt as desired. Enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. Refrigerate the patties in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze the patties for up to three months. Serving Size: One serving is approximately four mini patties, and half of each an avocado and grapefruit. More Flavor: For the best flavor and texture, rinse the liver under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a shallow dish and pour in enough milk to cover. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes maximum. Place in a colander and rinse the milk off. Pat dry. No Chicken Liver: Use beef liver instead.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  641 calories  50g fat  21g carbs  9g fiber  11g sugar  30g protein  227mg cholesterol  761mg sodium  7mg iron

One Pan Salmon & Fennel with Lime

By Zina Stone • May 1, 2025
 One Pan Salmon & Fennel with Lime 2 servings | 35 minutes  INGREDIENTS 1 bulb Fennel (medium, thinly sliced) 3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet 2 Lime (divided) 1/4 tsp Fennel Seed (ground)  METHOD Preheat the oven to 400oF (205oC). Place the fennel in a baking dish. Drizzle with half of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Zest some lime over the top and sprinkle with the fennel seed. Slice half of the lime and set aside. Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the salmon on top of the fennel. Drizzle with the remaining oil. Scatter the lime slices around. Place back in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until cooked through, depending on thickness. Quarter the remaining lime. Divide fennel and salmon onto plates and serve with the quartered lime, squeezing more lime juice on if needed. Enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately 3/4 cup of fennel and one salmon fillet. More Flavor: Season the salmon with ground coriander or cumin.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  450 calories  29g fat  12g carbs  4g fiber  5g sugar  39g protein  87mg cholesterol  195mg sodium  2mg iron

Chicken & Broccoli Stew

By Zina Stone • April 22, 2025
 Chicken & Broccoli Stew  2 servings | 30 minutes  INGREDIENTS 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 10 ozs Chicken Breast (cut into cubes) 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided) 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 1 1/2 pints Bone Broth 2 cups Broccoli (chopped into florets) 1/2 cup Canned Coconut Milk (full fat) 1/2 Lemon (juiced)  METHOD Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with half of the salt. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for about five minutes or until browned on all sides. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the broth, cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli and coconut milk and add the remaining salt. Stir and cover the pot again. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until everything is cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze for up to two months. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 1 1/2 cups. More Flavor: Add carrot and celery.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  515 calories  27g fat  15g carbs  4g fiber  4g sugar  49g protein  156mg cholesterol  1285mg sodium  3mg iron
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