QUINCE STEW (CHOROSHT'E BE)

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Quince Stew (Chorosht'e Be) image

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.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 12

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

Steps:

  • 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.
  • Add water, tomato paste, lime juice, quince, prunes, and potatoes. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until meat is tender.
  • Serve hot in a casserole dish.
  • Tricks of the trade Make sure to remove the entire core of this fruit, since any remainder will cook along and harden like a rock in the inner layer of the fruit! Since quinces are often hard to find, the second I find some I buy many and freeze them already sliced in separate bags so I can use them as needed. Lamb or veal are also delicious in this recipe, or make it vegetarian-friendly by using seitan (wheat "meat") instead.
  • By the way, most Persian stews freeze really well, but don't freeze this one, because it has potatoes and potatoes don't like the freezer!
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