Saland-e Nakhod (Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

Saland-e Nakhod Recipe (Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew) – High-Protein Healthy Dinner

When it comes to Persian cuisine, I can only say that it is truly amazing, and everyone will fall in love with it once they try it. That is exactly what I have brought with me today, a creamy, probiotic-rich chickpea yogurt stew from Persian cuisine that is perfect for weight loss, gut health, diabetic-friendly diets, and budget-friendly family dinners. Saland-e Nakhod is a great choice among healthy chickpea recipes.

This traditional Persian chickpea yogurt stew combines tender chickpeas, creamy yogurt, warm spices like turmeric and cumin, and heart-healthy olive oil to create a high-protein vegetarian meal that feels like comfort food but fits perfectly into a weight loss meal plan, gut health diet, or balanced diabetic meal plan.

Saland-e Nakhod (Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

Unlike heavy cream-based curries, this chickpea yogurt curry is naturally lighter, rich in probiotics and fiber, and perfect if you’re trying to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, or simply add more plant-based protein to your weekly healthy dinner recipes. It’s completely gluten-free, made with simple pantry ingredients, and ideal for anyone who wants a budget-friendly, one-pot dinner that supports better digestion and long-term health.

You can also add this Saland-e Nakhod recipe to amazing plans like weight loss recipes, PCOS diet, heart-healthy meal plan, so think about how adaptable this recipe is. So without wasting any more time, let’s check out the Iranian yogurt stew recipe that I really like.


Yield: 4 Serving

Saland-e Nakhod (Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew

Saland-e Nakhod is a traditional Persian chickpea yogurt stew made with slow-simmered chickpeas, aromatic spices, garlic, onions, and tangy yogurt. This dish is high in plant-based protein, probiotic-rich, gluten-free, heart-healthy, and diabetic-friendly, making it perfect for clean eating, weight loss meal plans, and healthy dinner recipes.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ tsp dried mint (optional but authentic)
  • ½ cup water or vegetable broth
  • Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Add the cooked chickpeas and mix well so the spices coat evenly.
  5. Pour in water or vegetable broth and simmer for 10–12 minutes on low heat.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth to prevent curdling.
  7. Reduce the heat to very low and slowly stir the yogurt into the stew.
  8. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes without boiling.
  9. Finish with dried mint and fresh herbs.
  10. Serve warm with flatbread or steamed rice.

Notes

  • Always temper yogurt with a little warm stew liquid before adding it to avoid splitting.
  • Use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and higher protein.
  • Adding lemon juice at the end boosts flavor and digestion.
  • This stew thickens naturally as it cools—add broth while reheating.

Variations

  • Vegan Version: Use unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt.
  • Spicy Version: Add green chili or red chili flakes.
  • High-Protein Version: Add paneer cubes or tofu.
  • Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat yogurt and air-fry chickpeas first.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 367mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 8gSugar: 10gProtein: 13g

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Why This Chickpea Yogurt Stew Beats Regular Chickpea Curry

For those who love comforting chickpea curries but want something lighter, healthier, and more stomach-friendly for your daily weight loss diet plan or diabetes-friendly dinner, this Saland-e Nakhod (Chickpea Curd Stew) is hands down the best choice in this space. It retains all the comforting, creamy flavors of your favorite chana masala or chickpea curry recipes, but with fewer calories, more probiotics, and improved digestive support.

1. High-Protein Comfort Food Without Heavy Cream

Most restaurant-style chickpea curries rely on cream, butter, or coconut milk for richness. This chickpea yogurt stew uses plain yogurt instead, giving you that silky texture plus extra protein and calcium without the heavy saturated fat. It’s the perfect high protein vegetarian dinner if you’re tracking macros, doing clean eating, or trying to reduce cholesterol naturally.

2. Probiotic-Rich & Gut-Healthy Compared to Regular Curry

Traditional curries often skip fermented ingredients. This stew is built around probiotic-rich yogurt, which supports gut health, digestion, and overall immunity.

3. Lower in Calories & Diabetic-Friendly

Chickpeas already have a low glycemic index, and when you pair them with yogurt instead of cream, you get a stew that’s lighter on calories and easier on blood sugar. This makes it a smart choice for a diabetes-friendly diet, PCOS diet plan, or anyone eating for balanced blood sugar.

4. Heart-Healthy Fats & Clean Ingredients

Instead of ghee-laden gravies, this Persian chickpea yogurt stew uses olive oil, yogurt, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and black pepper that are known for their anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. It naturally aligns with a low cholesterol diet and heart healthy recipes while still tasting like comfort food.

5. Budget-Friendly & Meal-Prep Ready

Chickpeas, yogurt, and spices are some of the most budget-friendly ingredients you can cook with. This stew is perfect for a cheap healthy dinner idea, a weekly meal prep for weight loss, or feeding a family on a budget without compromising on nutrition. It’s a recipe that’s useful for both student cooking and family meal planning.


What Is Saland-e Nakhod?

A creamy, high-protein Persian chickpea yogurt stew perfect for weight loss meal plans, gut health, and vegetarian high-protein dinners. Saland-e Nakhod is a traditional Persian chickpea yogurt stew made with soft-cooked chickpeas, sour yogurt, onions, garlic, and warm spices like turmeric and cumin. It’s a comforting, home-style dish from Iranian cuisine that combines the creamy taste of yogurt with the nutty flavor of chickpeas to create a healthy, filling, and budget-friendly dinner.

In Simple Words…

Saland-e Nakhod is like a lighter, tangier version of chickpea curry – but instead of heavy cream or coconut milk, it uses yogurt for a gut-friendly, heart-healthy, low-cholesterol stew.


Related: Italian Timballo Recipe


Health Benefits of Chickpea Yogurt Stew (Saland-e Nakhod)

Saland-e Nakhod isn’t just a cozy chickpea yogurt stew – it’s a smart choice for weight loss meal plans, gut health, and a balanced high-protein vegetarian diet. Below you’ll find clear, real-life health benefits in simple language, so you can decide if this healthy chickpea recipe fits your daily clean eating, diabetic diet plan, or heart-healthy lifestyle.

💪

High-Protein Vegetarian & Super Satisfying

This chickpea yogurt stew combines protein from chickpeas and yogurt, making it a naturally high-protein vegetarian meal. Protein helps you stay full longer, supports muscle recovery after workouts, and reduces random snack cravings – exactly what you want in a healthy dinner recipe for weight loss or a high-protein meal prep idea.

🦠

Good for Gut Health & Digestion

Because this stew uses real plain yogurt, it can provide probiotic-rich goodness that supports a healthy gut microbiome. When combined with fiber-packed chickpeas, you get a gentle boost for digestion and bowel regularity – ideal if you’re focusing on gut health foods or a digestive-friendly diet.

🩸

Supports Stable Blood Sugar (Diabetic-Friendly Option)

low gi meal • diabetic friendly recipes

Chickpeas are a low-glycemic index (low GI) food, which means they release energy slowly and help avoid sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar. When paired with yogurt’s protein and fat, this stew can be a smart option for a diabetic-friendly dinner or a PCOS-friendly meal, especially when served with portion-controlled whole grains or salad.

❤️

Heart-Healthy Fats & Cholesterol-Friendly Choice

Saland-e Nakhod uses a small amount of olive oil, chickpeas, and yogurt instead of heavy cream or deep-fried ingredients. That makes it a good fit for many heart-healthy diet plans and a low cholesterol dinner idea when enjoyed in sensible portions.

🧡

Anti-Inflammatory Spices & Immune Support

Classic spices like turmeric, cumin, garlic, and black pepper don’t just add flavor – they are often linked with anti-inflammatory benefits and basic immunity support as part of an overall clean eating lifestyle. Combined with plant protein and good carbs, this stew can fit nicely into an anti-inflammatory meal plan.

💸

Budget-Friendly & Meal Prep Approved

Chickpeas, yogurt, onion, and basic spices are affordable pantry staples. That makes this one-pot vegetarian dinner a smart pick if you’re trying to save money and still eat well. It reheats nicely, which is perfect for weekly meal prep, office lunches, or simple budget-friendly high-protein meals.

Note: These are general wellness benefits of ingredients like chickpeas, yogurt, and spices and are shared for educational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes to your diet, especially if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or food allergies.


Related: Authentic Pernil Recipe


Step-by-Step Saland-e Nakhod Recipe Card | Persian Chickpea Yogurt Stew

This Saland-e Nakhod recipe is a simple, step-by-step Persian chickpea yogurt stew that’s perfect for a healthy dinnerweight loss meal plan, and high-protein vegetarian diet. Follow these easy cooking instructions to make a creamy, probiotic-rich, gluten-free chickpea curry with yogurt.

Step 1: Prep the Aromatics

Chopping onion and preparing garlic for Persian chickpea yogurt stew

Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. This step builds the flavor base for your Persian chickpea yogurt stew. Prepping everything before turning on the stove makes the whole cooking process smoother and stress-free, especially for busy weeknight healthy dinners.

The smaller you chop the onion, the creamier and smoother the final chickpea curry with yogurt will feel.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic sautéing in olive oil in a pan

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. This slow sautéing unlocks the flavor of the aromatics, giving your Saland-e Nakhod recipe a deep, restaurant-style taste without using cream or butter.

Step 3: Add Anti-Inflammatory Spices

Adding turmeric and cumin to a pan with sautéed onions

Sprinkle in the turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir the spices into the onion–garlic base and let them toast gently for 20–30 seconds. This step brings out the natural oils in the spices and adds powerful anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly benefits to your healthy chickpea recipe.

Using olive oil keeps this stew heart-healthy and suitable for low-cholesterol diets.

Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Coat in Spices

Adding cooked chickpeas to the spiced onion mixture in a pan

Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir well so each chickpea is coated in the flavorful, spiced onion mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes. This helps the chickpeas absorb all the aromatics, making your chickpea yogurt stew taste richer without adding extra fat or calories.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Chickpeas simmering in vegetable broth in a pan

Pour in the water or low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir gently, bring it just to a light simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 8–10 minutes. This softens the chickpeas slightly and concentrates the flavor, turning this into a cozy, one-pot vegetarian dinner that feels comforting yet light.

Step 6: Whisk the Yogurt Until Smooth

Whisking yogurt in a bowl before adding to stew

While the chickpeas simmer, add the yogurt to a bowl and whisk it until completely smooth and lump-free. This is crucial for preventing the yogurt from splitting when it hits the hot stew. A silky yogurt base is what gives Saland-e Nakhod its traditional creamy texture without using heavy cream.

Step 7: Temper the Yogurt Gently

Tempering yogurt with a ladle of hot chickpea stew

Turn the heat to low. Take 2–3 tablespoons of the hot chickpea mixture and slowly whisk it into the yogurt bowl. Repeat this once more. This process, called tempering, brings the yogurt closer to the stew’s temperature, so it doesn’t curdle. Then, slowly pour the tempered yogurt back into the pot while stirring constantly.

Step 8: Simmer Until Creamy

Creamy chickpea yogurt stew simmering gently in a pot

Let the stew simmer on the lowest heat for another 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil. The yogurt will thicken slightly and coat the chickpeas, turning your Persian chickpea yogurt stew into a rich, comforting, yet light high-protein vegetarian meal.

Step 9: Finish with Herbs and Mint

Garnishing chickpea yogurt stew with dried mint and fresh herbs

Turn off the heat and stir in the dried mint (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley. This final touch lifts the flavor and gives that authentic Middle Eastern stew aroma that makes this dish stand out from regular chickpea curry recipes.

Serve warm with steamed basmati rice, quinoa, or whole wheat flatbread for a balanced clean eating dinner.


Related: Turkey Brine Recipe


Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking with Yogurt (So Your Chickpea Yogurt Stew Never Splits)

Mistake #1

Adding Yogurt Directly to Boiling Stew (Instant Curdling!)

This is the classic reason yogurt curry splits. When you pour cold yogurt straight into a boiling chickpea stew, the sudden heat shock makes the yogurt curdle and separate. You lose that creamy, restaurant-style texture that people love in a high-protein vegetarian dinner.

Pro Tip for Smooth, Creamy Yogurt Stew

Turn the heat down to low, wait until the stew is gently simmering (not bubbling hard), and then slowly whisk in the yogurt. You can also mix 1–2 tablespoons of the hot stew into the yogurt first to “temper” it before adding it back. This simple step keeps your Persian chickpea yogurt stew silky and glossy.

Mistake #2

Using Ice-Cold Yogurt Straight from the Fridge

Cold yogurt + hot stew = recipe for curdling. It’s one of the most common cooking with yogurt mistakes.

Pro Tip for Temperature Control

  • Let the yogurt sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  • Whisk the yogurt until completely smooth before adding.
  • Always add yogurt over low heat for best results.

This tiny habit not only protects the texture, but also helps preserve some of the probiotic benefits that make this chickpea yogurt stew great for gut health and digestion.

Mistake #3

Not Whisking or Stabilizing the Yogurt

Lumpy yogurt goes in lumpy, comes out grainy. If you skip whisking, small clumps can turn into bigger ones when heated, making even a healthy chickpea recipe for weight loss look unappetizing.

Pro Tip for Restaurant-Style Finish

Before adding to your chickpea yogurt stew:

  • Whisk the yogurt until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
  • Optionally, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of chickpea flour or all-purpose flour to stabilize it.
  • Then slowly add tempered yogurt to the stew while stirring constantly.
Mistake #4

Adding Too Much Salt Too Early

Salt hardens the proteins in yogurt. If you add too much salt before the yogurt is fully blended, the mixture can separate and become grainy – especially in low-fat yogurt stews.

Pro Tip for Perfectly Seasoned Stew

Season lightly at first, then adjust the salt at the end once the yogurt is mixed and the stew has simmered. This keeps the texture smooth while still giving you a flavorful, satisfying, heart-healthy chickpea dinner that works for weight loss and diabetic-friendly meal plans.

Mistake #5

Using Flavored or Sweetened Yogurt

It sounds obvious, but it happens a lot: using vanilla or sweetened yogurt in savory dishes. This instantly changes the flavor profile of your chickpea yogurt curry and can mess with your clean eating, low sugar, weight loss diet.

Pro Tip for Clean, Savory Flavor

Always use plain, unsweetened yogurt – preferably full-fat or Greek yogurt for a richer, more satisfying high-protein vegetarian meal. If you need a little tang, adjust with fresh lemon juice instead of flavored yogurt.

Mistake #6

Reheating Chickpea Yogurt Stew on High Heat

You made a big batch for meal prep (smart move!) — but then you reheat it on high heat and the yogurt splits. This is a common issue for people using this stew in office lunchboxes, weight loss meal plans and diabetic-friendly dinner prep.

Pro Tip for Safe Reheating

  • Reheat on low to medium-low heat.
  • Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick.
  • Stir gently and avoid boiling.

Slow, gentle reheating keeps your Saland-e Nakhod creamy and makes it perfect for weekly meal prep, healthy budget dinners, and even gut-friendly, high-fiber diets.

Mistake #7

Ignoring Yogurt Quality (Low-Fat, Watery or Old Yogurt)

Thin, watery, or slightly old yogurt can turn a beautiful Middle Eastern chickpea stew into a sour, separated mess. And if you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prep, that’s the last thing you want.

Pro Tip for Best Texture & Nutrition

For the best balance of taste and health:

  • Choose fresh, plain yogurt with a clean, mildly tangy smell.
  • Go for Greek yogurt or strained yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
  • If your yogurt is very watery, strain it for 15–20 minutes before using.

You’ll instantly upgrade the look, taste, and nutritional value of your chickpea yogurt stew for weight loss, gut health, and heart-healthy meal planning.


Suggested: Copycat Wendy’s Chili Recipe


Delicious Variations of Saland-e Nakhod (Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

One of the best things about Saland-e Nakhod is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations of the yogurt stew recipe to help you adapt it to your lifestyle and eating habits.

Vegan Saland-e Nakhod (Dairy-Free Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

Want a plant-based high-protein dinner? Turn this traditional Persian stew into a vegan chickpea yogurt stew by swapping regular yogurt with unsweetened coconut yogurt or plain cashew yogurt. You still get a creamy, probiotic-rich texture without dairy, perfect for lactose-intolerant or vegan weight loss meal plans.

  • Use vegan yogurt (coconut, almond, or cashew based).
  • Cook with olive oil or avocado oil for heart-healthy fats.
  • Use vegetable broth to keep it 100% plant-based.

Spicy Indian-Style Chickpea Yogurt Stew

If your family loves Indian curry recipes, this variation gives your Saland-e Nakhod a familiar feel—like a lighter, tangier version of chana masala with yogurt. It’s amazing with basmati rice or roti.

  • Add garam masala, coriander powder, and red chili powder for more heat.
  • Temper with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in hot oil.
  • Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Low-Carb Saland-e Nakhod (Portion-Controlled Chickpea Stew)

Chickpeas are naturally higher in carbs, but you can still enjoy this stew on a lower-carb or diabetic-friendly diet by smart portioning and adding more non-starchy vegetables. This makes the recipe more balanced for blood sugar management and PCOS-friendly diet plans.

  • Use ½ cup chickpeas + extra spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower.
  • Choose full-fat yogurt for better satiety and stable energy.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

High-Protein Saland-e Nakhod for Gym & Meal Prep

Turn this cozy stew into a serious high-protein meal prep bowl by adding extra protein sources. It works beautifully for gym-goers, busy professionals, and college students who want a budget-friendly, protein rich vegetarian lunchbox.

  • Add paneer cubes, tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • Use Greek yogurt to increase protein while staying creamy.
  • Serve with quinoa or millet for a complete protein meal.

Instant Pot Saland-e Nakhod (One-Pot Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

For busy nights, make this one-pot chickpea yogurt stew in an Instant Pot or traditional pressure cooker. It’s faster, hands-off, and perfect for weeknight family dinners and batch cooking.

  • Pressure cook soaked chickpeas with onions, spices, and broth.
  • Let the pot release pressure, then whisk in yogurt on sauté-low setting.
  • Use the “keep warm” mode for easy serving throughout the evening.

No Onion, No Garlic & Sensitive Stomach Version

If you follow a no onion no garlic diet, have IBS, acidity, or a very sensitive stomach, you can still enjoy this probiotic chickpea yogurt stew by keeping the flavors gentle yet satisfying.

  • Skip onion and garlic; use more ginger and asafoetida (hing) for flavor.
  • Use homemade fresh yogurt for better gut health support.
  • Season with roasted cumin powder, black pepper, and dried mint.

Related: Salisbury Steak Recipe


What to Serve with Chickpea Yogurt Stew (Saland-e Nakhod)

Not sure what to serve with chickpea yogurt stew? Here are the best side dishes, breads, salads, and low-carb options that turn your Saland-e Nakhod into a balanced, high-protein, gut-friendly dinner.

Comfort Carbs

1. Rice & Whole Grains

  • Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
  • Brown rice for weight loss & fiber
  • Quinoa for extra plant-based protein
  • Millet or barley for gut health and slow energy

For a healthier plate, fill half your plate with veggies, one quarter with rice or grains, and one quarter with Saland-e Nakhod – perfect for clean eating and low-cholesterol diet plans.

Bread Lovers

2. Breads & Flatbreads

Pair this Persian chickpea yogurt stew with warm, soft bread.

  • Fresh naan, roti, or chapati
  • Whole wheat pita or Arabic khubz
  • Homemade garlic naan for comfort-food dinners
  • Gluten-free flatbread for celiac-friendly meals

Using whole wheat flatbread instantly makes this a more balanced, diabetic-friendly and weight-loss-friendly dinner idea.

Light & Fresh

3. Fresh Salads & Veggie Sides

Because Saland-e Nakhod is creamy and comforting, pairing it with something fresh and crunchy keeps the meal light, hydrating, and gut-friendly.

  • Cucumber–tomato–onion salad with lemon
  • Simple green salad with olive oil
  • Roasted or air-fried veggies (carrot, broccoli, cauliflower)
  • Middle Eastern salad with herbs and sumac
Low-Carb

4. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Options

For low-carb sides for chickpea stew or want a lighter blood-sugar-friendly dinner, these options are perfect.

  • Cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
  • Butter sautéed spinach or kale
  • Grilled zucchini or eggplant slices
  • Simple stir-fried green beans with garlic

Pairing this stew with low-carb vegetables works well for PCOS, insulin resistance, and low-glycemic meal plans.

5. Protein Boosts & Toppings

Turn your chickpea yogurt stew into a full high-protein vegetarian meal with these add-ons.

  • Grilled or pan-fried tofu
  • Lightly sautéed paneer cubes
  • Extra spoon of Greek yogurt on top
  • Roasted seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame

6. Drinks, Pickles & Condiments

Small extras can quietly upgrade your meal and make it feel like a restaurant-style healthy dinner at home.

  • Refreshing mint lassi or salted buttermilk
  • Lemon wedges for extra tang
  • Mild pickles or achar
  • Fresh coriander, mint, or dill on top

These add-ons increase satisfaction without adding too many calories, perfect for portion control and weight loss.

Goal Best Side Why It Works
Weight loss dinner Brown rice + green salad High fiber, balanced portion, keeps you full longer.
Diabetic-friendly meal Cauliflower rice + sautéed greens Low glycemic impact, steady blood sugar support.
Comfort food night Naan or chapati + basmati rice Warm, cozy, and perfect for family-style sharing.
High-protein vegetarian Quinoa + grilled tofu/paneer Boosts protein for gym-goers and active lifestyles.
Gut health focused Simple salad + extra yogurt topping Probiotics from yogurt + fiber from veggies = happy digestion.

Related: Oyster Stuffing Recipes


FAQs About Saland-e Nakhod (Chickpea Yogurt Stew)

Yes, Saland-e Nakhod is a great weight loss dinner. This Persian chickpea yogurt stew is naturally high in plant-based protein and fiber, which keeps you full for longer and helps curb late-night snacking.

Compared to heavy cream-based curries, this chickpea yogurt stew uses yogurt for creaminess, making it lower in calories and saturated fat. If you serve it with a small portion of brown rice, quinoa, or a bowl of salad, it easily fits into most healthy weight loss meal plans.

Yes, this recipe is very gut-friendly. The chickpeas provide prebiotic fiber, while the yogurt adds natural probiotics. Together, they support a healthier gut microbiome and smoother digestion.

Turmeric, cumin and garlic in the stew are also known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, which makes this a smart choice for people dealing with bloating or sensitive digestion – as long as they tolerate chickpeas well.

In many cases, yes – with portion control. Chickpeas have a lower glycemic index than white rice or bread, and the protein plus fat from yogurt slows down the absorption of carbs. That makes this Persian chickpea yogurt stew a smart option for many people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

For a more blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair the stew with non-starchy vegetables (like salad, roasted veggies or sautéed greens) instead of a big portion of bread.

Yes, and it’s easier than you think. The key is to control heat and temperature:

  • Always lower the flame before adding yogurt.
  • Whisk the yogurt until smooth so there are no lumps.
  • Temper the yogurt: mix a few spoons of hot stew into the yogurt first, then add it back into the pot.
  • Do not let the stew boil after adding yogurt – just gently simmer.

Absolutely, both Greek yogurt and low-fat yogurt work really well. Greek yogurt makes the stew extra creamy and adds more protein, which is perfect for high-protein vegetarian meal prep.

Yes, you can easily make a vegan version. Replace regular yogurt with unsweetened coconut yogurt, soy yogurt or cashew yogurt. Try to choose a thicker, plain dairy-free yogurt with no added sugar.

A bowl of Saland-e Nakhod pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed basmati rice or brown rice (for a satisfying comfort meal)
  • Whole wheat naan, pita, lavash or any flatbread
  • Simple cucumber–tomato salad with lemon and olive oil
  • Roasted or air-fried vegetables for a low-carb plate

Yes, this recipe is meal-prep friendly. You can store the chickpea yogurt stew in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days.

Reheat it gently on low heat with a splash of water or broth and avoid boiling so that the yogurt stays smooth. It’s an excellent high-protein vegetarian meal prep option for busy work weeks.

Yes, this chickpea yogurt stew is naturally gluten-free as long as your yogurt and spices are gluten-free and not cross-contaminated.

Saland-e Nakhod is Persian, milder and more yogurt-forward. It usually has a simpler spice profile with turmeric, cumin and herbs, while many Indian chickpea curries use tomatoes, more spices and sometimes cream.

Compared to Indian kadhi, this stew is thicker with more chickpeas and less gram flour, making it feel like a complete high-protein main course rather than just a side dish.

Yes, with one important rule: Pressure cook only the chickpeas, onions and spices – not the yogurt.

After pressure cooking, switch to sauté mode, let the mixture cool slightly, then slowly stir in the whisked yogurt and gently heat without boiling. This gives you a quick, weeknight-friendly Persian chickpea stew with the same creamy finish.


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