08/21/2025
Ghormeh Sabzi is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes of Iran, often called the country’s national dish. Its roots go back centuries and it remains a symbol of home, family, and tradition.
. The word khoresh (stew) comes from khor (to eat), describing dishes prepared with herbs, vegetables, and meat.
• The Word “Ghormeh”: In Persian, ghormeh originally meant “braised or preserved meat.” Nomadic tribes used to fry or dry meat and store it in fat so it would last for long journeys. Over time, this preserved meat became a base for hearty meals.
• Adding the Herbs: When combined with fresh aromatic herbs such as parsley, leek, fenugreek, cilantro, and sometimes spinach—along with beans and dried limes (limoo amani)—it evolved into what we now know as Ghormeh Sabzi.
Cultural Significance
• More than just a stew, Ghormeh Sabzi is a ceremonial and celebratory dish. It is often served at gatherings, weddings, holidays, and even memorials.
• For many Iranians, it represents the taste of home and mother’s cooking, since it requires patience, skill, and love to prepare properly.
• In recent years, Ghormeh Sabzi has been recognized as an element of intangible cultural heritage of Iran.
Regional Variations
• While the core ingredients remain the same, different regions of Iran add their own twist—some use red kidney beans, others black-eyed peas or white beans, and in southern Iran local herbs are sometimes substituted.