Abgoosht Recipe – Delicious Persian Stew You Must Try
If you love hearty Persian stews, don’t miss this easy Ghormeh Sabzi recipe perfect for beginner., flavorful Iranian dish that showcases the country’s rich culinary history, Abgoosht (also known as Dizi) is the perfect choice.
This traditional Persian stew is not only a staple of Iranian households but also a beloved dish for those who appreciate authentic comfort food.
In this post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step Abgoosht recipe, explain its cultural significance, and even address common questions about this delicious dish. Let’s get cooking!
What is Abgoosht (Dizi)?
Abgoosht (آبگوشت), which literally means “meat broth” in Persian, is one of Iran’s most traditional comfort foods. Often cooked in a clay pot called a dizi, this dish combines lamb, chickpeas, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and Persian spices into a flavorful stew that’s both hearty and nourishing.
The magic of Abgoosht is that it’s enjoyed in two parts:
- First, the broth is served as a soup.
- Then the solid ingredients are mashed into a paste (goosht koobideh) and eaten with bread, fresh herbs, and pickles.
It’s more than just food—it’s a cultural ritual that represents hospitality, family gatherings, and Iranian tradition.
Abgoosht Recipe (Authentic Dizi)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (approx.): 450 per serving
Ingredients
- 500g lamb shank or bone-in lamb (for rich flavor, nutritional value of lamb)
- 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight, nutritional value of legumes)
- ½ cup white beans (soaked overnight)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, halved
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried lime powder (limoo amani) or 2 whole dried limes
- Salt to taste
- 6–8 cups water
- Persian flatbread (lavash or sangak), for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Legumes
Soak the chickpeas and white beans overnight (8+ hours). Drain and rinse.
2. Cook the Meat
In a large pot, add lamb shank, onion, garlic, turmeric. Sauté lightly until fragrant. Add 6–8 cups of water and bring to boil. Skim off any foam.
3. Add Legumes and Tomatoes
After ~45 minutes, when the lamb softens, add chickpeas, beans, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well.
4. Add Potatoes and Spices
After another 30 minutes, add potatoes + dried limes (or lime powder). Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours until meat and beans are tender.
5. Separate Broth and Mash the Solids
Once cooked, pour the broth into a separate bowl and serve as soup. Mash the solid mixture (meat, beans, potatoes) with a masher → this is called goosht koobideh.
6. Serve Traditionally
Enjoy with flatbread, torshi (pickled vegetables), and fresh herbs like basil, mint, parsley.
How to Eat Abgoosht the Traditional Way
- Dip flatbread into the hot broth as a starter soup.
- Mash and enjoy the goosht koobideh as the main dish.
- Pair with fresh herbs, yogurt, and pickles for the authentic Persian table experience.
Where to Find Abgoosht Near Me
Not ready to cook at home? Search “Abgoosht near me” and look for Persian restaurants in your city. Cities like Los Angeles, Houston, phoenix ..often have Iranian eateries serving authentic Dizi in clay pots.
For a truly authentic experience, choose restaurants that serve it with sangak bread, torshi, and sabzi khordan (fresh herbs).
FAQs About Abgoosht (Dizi)
1. What is the difference between Abgoosht and Dizi?
They are the same dish. Abgoosht means “meat broth,” while Dizi is the clay pot used to cook it.
2. Can I make Abgoosht without lamb?
Yes. Substitute with beef or make a vegetarian version with more beans and vegetables.
3. How do you eat Abgoosht?
First enjoy the broth as a soup, then mash the solids into goosht koobideh and eat with bread.
4. Is Abgoosht gluten-free?
The stew itself is gluten-free. Just swap Persian flatbread with a gluten-free option.
5. What bread goes best with Abgoosht?
Traditionally sangak or lavash, but pita or gluten-free bread works too.
6. Can I freeze Abgoosht?
Yes! Store cooled Abgoosht in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Abgoosht isn’t just a stew—it’s a journey into Persian tradition, a dish that unites people at the table. You can also try other traditional Persian stews like Fesenjan. Whether you cook it at home or order it at a Persian restaurant, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Ready to explore more Iranian flavors? Visit Our website to:
- Find Persian restaurants serving authentic Abgoosht near you
- Discover Iranian grocery stores and ingredients
Support Iranian-owned businesses and taste the culture.