Sabzi Chalau

Name: Sabzi Chalau
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Afghan
Ingredients: 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 300g lamb, cubed; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper; 2 cups basmati rice; 3 cups water for rice; 1 tbsp butter

سبزی چلو (SAB-zee chah-LOW)

Spinach Stew with White Rice

⏱ Prep Time 50 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 460 kcal

A vibrant green spinach stew enriched with lamb and aromatic spices, served alongside perfectly steamed white basmati rice. This everyday Afghan classic transforms simple greens into a deeply satisfying meal.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 28.0g

Carbs 42.0g

Fat 20.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ none

Equipment Needed

large pot medium saucepan strainer

Ingredients

500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
300g lamb, cubed
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper
2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water for rice
1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1
Heat oil in a large pot. Brown lamb cubes on all sides over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2
In the same pot, saute diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, coriander, and turmeric. Cook one minute.
3
Return lamb to the pot, add just enough water to cover the meat. Simmer covered for 30 minutes until lamb is tender.
4
Add chopped spinach to the pot. Stir to wilt the greens into the stew. Cook for 10 more minutes until spinach is fully incorporated.
5
Meanwhile, rinse basmati rice thoroughly. Cook in 3 cups of salted water with butter, covered, on low heat for 18 minutes until fluffy.
6
Serve the green spinach stew ladled alongside a mound of white rice on each plate.

💡

Did You Know?

Afghan mothers test their daughters' cooking skills by how well they prepare sabzi — a dish that looks simple but reveals technique in every bite.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
medium saucepan
strainer

The Story Behind Sabzi Chalau

Sabzi chalau is the everyday backbone of Afghan home cooking, a dish that appears on family tables several times a week across the country. The pairing of a rich, spiced stew with plain white rice (chalau) is the fundamental structure of the Afghan meal. Spinach and other greens have been cultivated in Afghanistan for centuries, and this dish reflects the practical wisdom of transforming affordable, nutritious ingredients into something deeply flavoring through slow cooking and careful spicing.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed everyday lunch or dinner 📜 Origins: Traditional Afghan home cooking

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Sabzi Chalau

Nutrition & Info

Dietary

Allergen Warnings

Equipment Needed

Instructions

Did You Know?

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

The Story Behind Sabzi Chalau

Comments (0)

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