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Traditional Iranian Kale Pache served hot

Kale Pache

3.25 from 4 votes
A traditional Iranian breakfast made with sheep’s head and lamb trotters, slowly cooked with onion, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper until the meat becomes tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Iranian, Persian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole sheep’s head
  • 4 lamb trotters
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 8 cups water

Method
 

  1. Clean the ingredients:
  2. Clean the sheep’s head and lamb trotters thoroughly. Pay special attention to the ears and other hard-to-reach areas, and remove any remaining hair carefully.
  3. Cook the onion and garlic:
  4. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil, then cook the chopped onion until soft and lightly golden. Add the garlic and stir briefly.
  5. Add the spices:
  6. Add turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir gently for a few seconds until the spices become aromatic.
  7. Add the meat:
  8. Place the cleaned sheep’s head and lamb trotters into the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
  9. Remove the foam:
  10. Bring the water to a boil. Once foam appears on the surface, carefully remove it with a spoon.
  11. Slow cook:
  12. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 5 to 6 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
  13. Season the Kale Pache:
  14. Add salt toward the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning to taste. Add lemon juice during the later stages of cooking.
  15. Serve:
  16. Serve the Kale Pache hot with fresh bread, lemon juice, fresh herbs, or traditional pickles.