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Quince Stew (Chorosht'e Be)

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Quince Stew (Chorosht'e Be)Marina Karassellos

My mother-in-law makes this stew almost every Shabbat because it is my sister-in-law's favorite! Whenever I buy quinces, I have to hide them because my children love to eat them raw! This fruit is not really meant to be eaten raw…it is meant for jams and stews. I guess my kids must be "hard-core" Persians!

The quince tree originates from Iran and Caucasus. The Romans used its oil for perfume, while the Greeks enjoyed it cooked.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8-10 servings

Ingredients

1

large onion, chopped

3

garlic cloves, pressed

1

/4 cup olive oil

2

pounds stew meat

2

teaspoons salt

1

teaspoon pepper

3

cups water

1

(6-ounce) can tomato paste

2

quinces, do not peel; just slice like an apple (make sure to remove the entire core)

1

/4 cup lime or lemon juice or the juice of 3 limes

3

/4 cup pitted prunes

2

potatoes, peeled and cut into medium dice

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1. In a 6-quart saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion starts to become translucent (about 1 minute). Add the meat; cover and cook until meat no longer looks red, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    2. Add water, tomato paste, lime juice, quince, prunes, and potatoes. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until meat is tender.

    Step 3

    3. Serve hot in a casserole dish.

Reprinted with permission from Persian Food From the Non-Persian Bride by Reyna Simnegar, © 2011 Reyna Simnegar