Gheymeh (Persian Beef Stew)

1. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add stew meat, split peas, limes, tomato paste, salt, curry powder, turmeric, and black pepper; add just enough water to fully cover mixture. Simmer, covered, until beef is cooked through and no longer pink in the center and split peas are tender, 2 to 3 hours.

2. Just before stew is ready, heat 2 inches oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Slice potatoes into thin pieces, 2-inches long. Lower potatoes carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until soft, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining potatoes. Line a separate plate with paper towels; set aside.

3. Increase heat until oil reaches 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lower potatoes carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to the separate paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining potatoes.

4. Top stew servings with fried potatoes.

Cook's Notes:

The dried lime isn't a regular lime but a unique Iranian lime that, so far as I know, has no English name. Ask for it in the nearest Persian market, or add lemon juice as a substitute.

If desired, substitute ground red pepper for black pepper. To save time, use the packed French fry-like potatoes found in some stores.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.