Description
This Iranian Sumac Beef Stew is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender beef cubes simmered with a fragrant blend of spices including sumac, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin. The stew is enriched with beef broth and tomato paste, enhanced with hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes, and finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish. Perfect for a comforting meal with rich Middle Eastern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Broth
- 1 ½ pounds beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spices: Stir in the turmeric, cinnamon, sumac, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the onions and garlic for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to bloom.
- Combine beef and broth: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine well.
- Simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1 hour.
- Add root vegetables: After 1 hour, add the sliced carrot and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the stew and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove the stew from the heat. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Sumac adds a tangy, citrusy flavor essential to the authenticity of this stew.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes while simmering.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference, especially the black pepper and sumac.
- This stew can be served with rice, flatbread, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
