Khoresh Beh - Persian Quince & Plum Beef Stew

4.87 from 15 votes

Khroesh e Beh, a quince, plum, and beef stew is the most popular Persian recipe on my blog, and it will please everyone at the dinner table.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 30

Total Time1 40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Persian

Diet: Gluten Free, Kosher

Servings:

Calories: 476kcal

2 lbs. stew meat shoulder, chuck, or cow neck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 medium onion chopped or sliced in half moons
16 oz tomato sauce
3 oz tomato paste
1 tbsp pomegranate molasses see notes for store-bought
3 quinces each cut in 8 wedges (If you can't find quince, you can substitute with granny smith apples. However, do not add the apples until the last 15-20 minutes.)
¾ cup prunes
2 tbsp canola oil
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 pinch saffron ground and steeped in 2 tbsp hot water
Salt and pepper

Sautee the onion in the canola oil over medium-high heat.
1 medium onion, 2 tbsp canola oil
Add the beef, turmeric, salt, and pepper and sautee until brown on all sides.
2 lbs. stew meat, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses and 4 cups water. Bring to boil. Lower to simmer. Add the prunes and quince. Simmer for 90 minutes.
16 oz tomato sauce, 3 oz tomato paste, 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses, 3/4 cup prunes, 3 quinces
Optional: Before serving, add the saffron and mix.
1 pinch saffron
Serve with basmati rice. Noush-ie-jan!

Buy extra quince and freeze it. Just quarter, core, and seal in an airtight container. Keeps in the freezer for up to 18 months.

Can't find pomegranate molasses? Buy pomegranate juice and simmer it until reduced by 75%.

The saffron is an optional addition, but adds another depth of flavor and aroma... try not to skip this one, if possible!

Buying store-bought pomegranate molasses is usually less expensive than making your own.