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| Fish: | 100 g |
| Shrimps: | 100 g |
| Coriander: | 50 g |
| Tomatoe: | 3 |
| Onion: | 1 (medium) |
| Garlic: | 1 clove |
| Curry: | 2 tsp |
Cut the onions into small cubes and fry in a pan with a little oil until translucent. Finely chop the coriander and add. Then finely chop the garlic clove and add it too. The aromas of the onions, herbs, and garlic make up the spicy base for the island Koresh.
Add the curry powder to the mixture and stir well. Traditionally, however, a special fish spice from southern Iran is used for Island Koresh, which is common in the Persian Gulf and the surrounding islands. Curry powder is an excellent alternative, as it contains a spicy mixture of cumin, paprika, and coriander and varies in intensity depending on the manufacturer.
Purée the tomatoes and add to the onion and herb mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper and mix everything well. This fresh tomato and herb sauce gives the dish a fruity note and softens the intense fish flavor, making the dish enjoyable even for those who don’t normally like fish. The flavors are softer and more harmonious as a result.
Cut the fish and shrimps into bite-sized pieces and add to the sauce. The choice of fish is flexible – herring or salmon are particularly suitable. The variety of fish makes it possible to tailor the dish to your preferences.
If necessary, add a little water until the mixture is lightly covered. Cover the pan and leave the dish to simmer on a low heat for about an hour. A good sign with Koresh is when the oil settles on the surface after stewing. Check the water level regularly and add water if necessary to prevent the dish from drying out. If the mixture is too watery, increase the heat briefly to boil it down.
Tipp: The ideal consistency for Koresh can be difficult to describe – but don’t worry! Our video tutorial shows all the steps in detail, making it easier to achieve the right consistency.Koresh is traditionally served with rice. Our blog post “10 tips for perfect rice” provides valuable tips on how to prepare rice the Persian way. If you are looking for a suitable side dish or dessert, simply enter the relevant terms in our search bar above and discover more ideas.
| Fish: | 100 g |
| Shrimps: | 100 g |
| Coriander: | 50 g |
| Tomatoe: | 3 |
| Onion: | 1 (medium) |
| Garlic: | 1 clove |
| Curry: | 2 tsp |
Recommendations from Chef of Persia
Want to know where you can try this dish? We’ve done the research and found out which restaurants have this dish (or a variation of it) on their menu.
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Island Koresh (خورش گوجه جزیره) is an aromatic Persian stew with fish and shrimp, originally from the islands of the Persian Gulf. The name “Insel-Koresh” refers to its origin in the small island communities of this region, where fresh fish and seafood are essential to the local cuisine. The unique combination of tomatoes, herbs, and spices makes this dish appealing not only to seafood lovers but also to those who usually avoid fish – its perfectly balanced flavors make it enjoyable even for skeptics.
The word “Koresh” in Persian cuisine refers to slow-cooked stews where various ingredients are simmered in a flavorful sauce. Insel-Koresh is a specialty of Iran’s southern islands, including Qeshm and Kish, where the proximity to the sea has strongly influenced local cooking. The blend of fresh fish with rich spices and aromatic herbs reflects the flavors of the Persian Gulf, distinguishing it from other fish dishes in the region.
What makes Insel-Koresh unique is its rich tomato-herb sauce, which gives the fish a deep, well-balanced taste while neutralizing any strong fishy odor or aftertaste. The combination of fresh tomatoes, coriander, garlic, and a delicate spice blend with turmeric results in a full-bodied, harmonious flavor. Thanks to this special preparation, the dish is appreciated even by those who typically avoid seafood.
Insel-Koresh is not only a culinary delight but also packed with valuable nutrients. Fresh fish provides essential omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health, while shrimp serves as a high-quality protein source that keeps you full for longer. The tomatoes and herbs are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which boost the immune system and contribute to a healthy diet.
Traditionally, Insel-Koresh is served with Persian rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs particularly well with Kateh, a simple Persian rice preparation, or Chelo, the classic steamed Persian rice with Tahdig. In some regions, the dish is also enjoyed with bread such as Lavash or Taftoon, offering a rustic yet delicious alternative. Our blog post 10 Tips for Perfect Persian Rice reveals the secrets behind fluffy Chelo and crispy Tahdig.
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