Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp saffron
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried lima beans, soaked overnight
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent.
2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
3. Add turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron to the pot and stir well.
4. Add chopped spinach and soaked lima beans to the pot and stir well.
5. Add water and tomato paste to the pot and stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
7. Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. After 1 hour, remove the lid and continue to simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened.
9. Serve hot with rice or bread.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total fat: 15g
- Total carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef
- Fresh lima beans can be used instead of dried lima beans
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach
Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the mixture for a more tomato-based flavor
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier dish
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the lima beans overnight to reduce cooking time
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture to prevent the meat from sticking to the pot
- Adjust the spices to your preference for a more or less flavorful dish
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with rice or bread on the side
- Garnish with chopped herbs or a dollop of yogurt
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro
- A dollop of yogurt
Pairings:
- Serve with rice or bread
- Pair with a side salad for added freshness
Suggested side dishes:
- Persian rice
- Naan bread
- Greek salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add more water until desired consistency is reached
- If the mixture is too thin, simmer for longer until liquid has reduced
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat
- Soak lima beans overnight to reduce the risk of foodborne illness
Food history:
- Chegdermeh is a traditional Persian dish that originated in Iran
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, and aromatic
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or bread
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Region: Iranian