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Recipes · Kurdistan (Qeli traditionally associated with Akre, Iraqi Kurdistan)

Kurdish Fried Meat in Broth (Qeli)

Qelî / Qeliya bi Şorbe

Qelî (قلي) traditionally means meat (lamb or kid goat) long-braised and confited in its own fat to preserve it, classically served with rice and a dried-apricot sauce (qeysî) and strongly associated with the town of Akre and Newroz feasts. This documented recipe is the fried-then-braised-in-broth style; for true confit Qeli, cook the fatty meat until the water evaporates, then store it submerged in its own rendered fat.

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Kurdish Fried Meat in Broth (Qeli)
Prep
60 min
Cook
60 min
Serves
6-8
Difficulty
Medium

Method

  1. Cut the meat into 2-inch pieces; rub with the salt and lemon juice and refrigerate 1-2 hours.

  2. Remove the meat, reserving the marinade.

  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the meat in batches 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

  4. Transfer the meat to a large pot with the grated onions, reserved marinade, and just enough water to barely cover.

  5. Bring to a boil, stir in the cumin and turmeric, then simmer uncovered 40-45 minutes.

  6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro and serve with flatbread or rice.

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