Anar Bij: Homemade Pomegranate Stew Recipe

Anar bij is one of the traditional and famous foods of northern Iran, especially Gilan Province, which is less well-known internationally. The unique combination of pomegranate paste and walnuts gives the food a sour and sweet flavor that is an attractive and special experience for lovers of traditional foods. If you are looking for a different and delicious recipe, Pomegranate is a great choice for you.

Yummcook always tries to provide you with the best traditional Iranian recipes with simple and step-by-step explanations, and Pomegranate is one of these attractive recipes.

What is Anar bij?

Anar bij is a food that is very similar to Fesenjan but has its own differences. This food is usually prepared with minced meat, ground walnuts, fresh pomegranate paste, and aromatic herbs and has a sour, sweet, and colorful taste. Anarbij is a popular dish at parties and family meals, and is usually served with Iranian rice. Pomegranate is a symbol of blessing and happiness in Iranian culture, and its use in traditional dishes creates a special and memorable flavor.

Ingredients for making Anar Bij

To make a delicious Anar bij dish, you will need the following ingredients:

Note: If you don’t have fresh pomegranate paste, you can use packaged pomegranate paste, but the taste of the dish will be slightly different.

How to make Anar Bij meatballs step by step

Preparing the meatballs

1. Mix the ground meat with salt, pepper, and turmeric.
2. Make small walnut-sized balls from the meat mixture.
3. Fry the meatballs in oil until their surface turns brown, then set aside.

Preparing the walnut and pomegranate sauce

1. Finely chop the onion and fry it in oil until golden.
2. Add the chopped garlic and fry for a few seconds.
3. Add the ground walnuts and fry over low heat until the walnut aroma is released.
4. Add pomegranate paste and a little water to the mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.

Combining the meatballs with the sauce

1. Place the fried meatballs in the walnut and pomegranate sauce.
2. Reduce the heat and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 30 to 40 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Finally, add the aromatic vegetables and let them cook for another minute.

Anar Bij (Persian Pomegranate and Walnut Stew)

Anar Bij is a traditional Persian stew from Northern Iran made with minced meat, ground walnuts, and pomegranate paste. This rich, tangy, and sweet dish is a true taste of Gilan’s cuisine.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Persian (Iranian)

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 400 g minced meat lamb or beef
• 150 g ground walnuts
• 3-4 tbsp pomegranate paste preferably fresh
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp aromatic herbs mint, savory, parsley
• Salt pepper, and turmeric to taste
• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• Water as needed

Method

 

1. Prepare the meatballs: Mix minced meat with salt, pepper, and turmeric. Form small walnut-sized balls and fry until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Make the sauce: In a pan, sauté onion in oil until golden, then add garlic. Add ground walnuts and toast gently to release aroma.
3. Add pomegranate paste: Stir in pomegranate paste and a little water to form a thick sauce.
4. Combine: Place fried meatballs into the sauce. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until flavors blend.
5. Finish: Add aromatic herbs, stir gently, and cook for another minute. Serve hot.

Golden tips for better taste

• Reduce or increase the amount of pomegranate paste depending on your taste.
• For a more beautiful color, you can add a little natural pomegranate juice to the sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little hot water to reach the right consistency.

Nutritional properties of AnarBij

In addition to its great taste, pomegranate has many health benefits:

• Walnuts: rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
• Pomegranate paste: a source of vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Aromatic vegetables: help with digestion and give a pleasant aroma to the food.

Disadvantages of AnarBij

• High-calorie content of the dish due to the use of walnuts.
• Long cooking time to achieve the right taste and consistency.
• The sour taste of pomegranate may be a bit strong for some people.

Serving suggestion

Anar Bij can be served with Iranian rice, fresh bread, or even some greens, and for a better experience, you can serve it with Shirazi salad or condensed yogurt.

Conclusion:

Anar Bij, with its unique combination of walnuts and pomegranate paste, is one of the best traditional Iranian dishes worth trying. If you are looking for a delicious and different recipe, be sure to prepare this dish at home and share your experience with your friends and family.

For more recipes of traditional Iranian dishes, visit Yummcook and enjoy the world of Iranian flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions about Anar Bij:

1-What is an Anar fruit called in English?

Anar is called pomegranate, a red fruit with sweet and tangy seeds.

2-What do we call Anar in English?

We call the pomegranate anar, a delicious and nutritious fruit.

3-What is Anar in Persian?

Anar means pomegranate fruit in Persian culture.

4-What do you do with pomegranate seeds?

You can eat them fresh, add them to salads, or use them as a garnish.

5-Is Anar bij good for health?

Yes, it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support heart health.