Persian Lamb Shank Stew
Persian Lamb Shank Stew, known as Khoresh-e Mahicheh, is a rich and aromatic slow-cooked dish from Iran featuring tender lamb shanks simmered in a thick, flavorful sauce. Its typical ingredients include lamb shanks, onions, turmeric, saffron, tomato paste, and often dried limes or plums for a tangy depth. It's a celebratory and comforting centerpiece of Persian cuisine, often served over steamed basmati rice.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat from the lamb, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates depending on the added fruits and serving size. It's a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, and a typical serving (without rice) can range from 400-600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of dried limes (limoo amani) provides a unique, musky citrus tang that is a hallmark of Persian cooking, balancing the richness of the meat. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking process helps break down collagen in the shanks, making the protein more digestible and the dish exceptionally tender.
