Goose Gondi Recipe (Abgoosht)

Take your taste buds on a journey of Persian Jewish food with this comforting and delicious wild game version of an Abgoosht Gondi Soup.

Here in North Dakota, our winters are long and unforgiving, making it the perfect time to explore hearty soup recipes that warm both body and soul. While Cuban-style Spanish Bean Soup has been a favorite in my household, this winter I wanted to try something new. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Persian cuisine, I created this Goose Gondi Recipe, a variation of the beloved Abgoosht.

Gondi is a classic Persian Jewish dish often enjoyed during Shabbat. It’s traditionally made with ground chicken or turkey, but my version incorporates ground goose or duck, adding a distinct flavor that perfectly complements the warm spices of turmeric, cardamom, and black pepper. If you’ve been searching for a creative way to use some of that duck and goose meat in your freezer, or simply want to learn how to make gondi, this recipe will become a winter staple for your family.

Why Goose Gondi?

The inspiration for this Persian Jewish dish came after a frigid morning of blowing snow from our driveway. Snow continued to fall, the air bitingly cold. When I finally stepped back inside, my daughter greeted me with a suggestion: “I think we should have soup tonight, Dad.” I couldn’t have agreed more.

With its tender meat dumplings and aromatic broth, Abgoosht is the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter evening. It’s filling, nutritious, and brimming with flavors that evoke the warmth of Persian hospitality. Plus, the addition of chickpeas creates a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced dumplings.

A Taste Of Persian Jewish Heritage

This Goose Gondi Recipe is a nod to Persian Jewish traditions. Gondi is deeply rooted in their cuisine, often served during special occasions. The dumplings - a mix of ground meat, chickpea flour, and fragrant spices - are simmered in a savory broth, creating a dish that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.

How to Make Gondi

1. Prepare the Dumplings: In a large bowl, mix the ground goose or duck meat, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, and chickpea flour. Form the mixture into 24 golf ball-sized dumplings. (Tip: Turmeric will stain your hands, so wear disposable nitrile gloves.)
2. Plan Ahead: If you’re serving four or fewer people, consider freezing half the dumplings for another meal. Use only 2 quarts of chicken broth for a smaller batch.
3. Simmer the Dumplings: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Gently place the dumplings into the broth and let them simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add Chickpeas: Add the chickpeas, along with their liquid, to the pot. Stir gently to avoid breaking the dumplings. Continue simmering for another 20 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the broth into bowls, adding 2 or 3 dumplings per serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Why You'll Love This Abgoosht

This Abgoosht Recipe is:

• Perfect for Winter: The combination of warm spices and hearty dumplings is exactly what you need to combat the chill.
• Unique: It’s a creative way to use ground duck and goose meat, introducing your family to new flavors and traditions.
• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting and impressive dish ready to serve.

Come Duck and Goose Hunting in North Dakota

If you are headed our way for North Dakota waterfowl season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website. And if you want me to come along with you as your camp cook, photographer, or butcher, you can find out more details here.

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DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE

If you make this Goose Gondi Soup, tag @wildgameandfish so I can share it on my Instagram stories.

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