Spit peas Stew (Gheymeh)

 

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds of beef stew meat, tiny cut

1 large onion, chopped

3 table spoon of corn oil

1 can of tomatoes, petite cut or diced

1 cup of yellow spit peas 

(Do not use the regular split peas because they tend to cook fast and mash easily. Instead use the "chana dal" that you may find in Indian or Persian stores)

1 table spoon of tomato paste

3 dried limes, with holes poked in them (to release the flavor)

1 table spoon cinnamon powder

1 table spoon of salt

1/2 table spoon of black pepper

1 table spoon of lime or lemon juice

Dash of hot sauce (optional)

4 seeds of cardamon crushed (optional) 

Fried potatoes (French fries) or shredded potato chips for topping

How to make it:

Saute' the onions in oil

Add turmeric powder

Add meat and stir until they get brown

Add the diced tomatoes

Add the spit peas

Add salt, pepper, cinnamon powder and dried limes

Cook until the meat & split peas are tender (8-10 minutes in pressure cooker)

(If you want the spit peas don't mash cook them separately and add later)

Leave on low heat for 20-25 minutes

Add the lime or lemon juice

Serve on the top of plain fluffy basmati rice

( A side of Torshi "Picked Vegetables) or fresh herbs are recommended)

 Enjoy!