Gheimeh Polo ba Salade Shirazi

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 whole dried limes (loomi), pierced several times
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 cups white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, bloomed in 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 large cucumbers, finely diced
• 3 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice