Persian Lamb Shank
Shank-e Khoresh is a rich and aromatic Persian stew featuring slow-braised lamb shanks, typically simmered with onions, saffron, dried limes, and sometimes tomatoes or plums. It is a beloved comfort food from Iran, where it's often served over fluffy steamed rice (chelow) for a hearty, celebratory meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat from the lamb, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with rice. It provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a typical serving (excluding rice) containing around 400-600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 8.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.8 mcg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 9.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Selenium | 32 mcg |
Per 1 shank with sauce (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of dried limes (limoo amani) gives the stew a distinctive tangy, slightly floral flavor that's unique to Persian cuisine. Nutritionally, the slow cooking method helps break down tough connective tissues in the lamb, making it tender while potentially increasing the bioavailability of certain minerals.
