Delve into the rich culinary heritage of Iran with Gheimeh, a tantalizing stew that embodies the essence of Persian cuisine. This aromatic dish combines tender diced meat, hearty yellow split peas, and the distinctive tang of dried limes, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Tehran. Slow-cooked to perfection, each spoonful of Gheimeh offers a harmonious blend of textures and spices, promising a culinary experience that is both comforting and unforgettable. Embark on a culinary journey through Iran's cultural tapestry with this time-honored delicacy, sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients:

  - 1 cup yellow split peas

  - 1 lb diced meat (beef or lamb)

  - 2 onions, finely chopped

  - 3 dried limes (limoo amani), pierced

  - 2 tomatoes, diced

  - 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  - 1 teaspoon turmeric

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Vegetable oil

  - Water

  - Optional: fried potatoes for garnish

Instructions:

1- Rinse the yellow split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak them in water for about 1 hour.

2- In a large pot, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3- Add the diced meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

4- Drain the soaked split peas and add them to the pot with the meat and onions.

5- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6- Place the pierced dried limes into the pot. These will release their flavor as the stew cooks.

7- Pour enough water into the pot to cover all the ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the split peas are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to maintain a stew-like consistency.

8- Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the dried limes from the pot.

9- If desired, fry some potato slices in oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve the Gheimeh stew hot, garnished with the fried potatoes.

Enjoy your homemade Iranian Gheimeh stew, rich in flavors and textures that will delight your senses!

Nutritional Values :

1 Cup Yellow Split Peas:

 - Calories: About 200 kcal

 - Fat: 0.8g

 - Carbohydrates: 35g

 - Protein: 13g 

Benefits: Rich in protein and fiber, aids digestion, and stabilizes blood sugar levels.

1 lb Diced Meat (Beef or Lamb):

 - Calories: About 800 kcal (for beef)

 - Fat: About 60g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: About 60g 

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, iron, and essential nutrients.

2 Onions (finely chopped):

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 19g

 - Protein: 2g 

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

3 Dried Limes (Limoo Amani), Pierced:

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 8g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a unique tangy flavor and is rich in vitamin C.

2 Tomatoes (diced):

 - Calories: About 40 kcal

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 9g

 - Protein: 2g 

Benefits: Provides vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste:

 - Calories: About 15 kcal

 - Fat:0g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds depth to the dish.

1 Teaspoon Turmeric:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.7g

 - Protein: 0.2g 

Benefits:Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon:

 - Calories: About 3 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Adds warmth and sweetness, with potential anti-inflammatory effects.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: About 8 kcal

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

 - Protein: 0.4g 

Benefits: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and may aid digestion.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Vegetable Oil:

 - Calories:About 120 kcal per tablespoon

 - Fat: 14g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds richness and helps in cooking.

Water:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits:Used to cook the stew and hydrate the ingredients.

Optional: Fried Potatoes for Garnish

 - Calories: About 200 kcal per cup

 - Fat: 15g

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 2g 

Benefits: Adds texture and flavor. Use in moderation for added crispiness.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and cooking methods. Additionally, the values provided are for the main ingredients and do not include optional ingredients such as fried potatoes for garnish.