Quick Cooking: How Tehran and Shiraz Style Artichoke Stews Differ + Photos

Thursday, October 23, 2025

SAEDNEWS: Artichoke stew is a delicious dish with distinct recipes in Tehran and Shiraz, each offering its own unique flavor.

Quick Cooking: How Tehran and Shiraz Style Artichoke Stews Differ + Photos

Iran’s diverse cultures and regions give each dish a unique twist. Take Kangaroo Herb Stew (Khoresh Kanger) — a traditional, seasonal spring stew — which is made differently across the country.

Shiraz Style:

  • Sauté onions with meat, spices, and pepper, then simmer in a little water.

  • Clean and chop kanger (wild artichoke), partially cook over low heat, then fry with a bit of oil.

  • Sauté chopped mint and parsley.

  • Combine the semi-cooked meat, fried kanger, and herbs, then add salt, sour grape juice, and brewed saffron. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.

  • Some use ghorme sabzi herbs instead; it’s also delicious.

  • Serve with steamed or Persian-style rice.

Tehran Style:

  • Soak split peas for 1 hour.

  • Chop and clean kanger.

  • Fry finely diced onions with turmeric until golden, then sauté with meat and spices.

  • Add saffron and tomato paste, cooking until the raw smell disappears.

  • Add split peas and a little boiling water, simmer until tender.

  • Sauté kanger with oil, add to the stew in the last 15 minutes with sour grape juice (or fresh grapes).

  • Some replace grape juice with dried limes.

  • Season with salt once the stew thickens and serve with rice.