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Kharcho (Spicy Beef and Rice Soup)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 minutes
Prep
90 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 700 g (1.5 lb) beef shin or chuck, cut into chunks
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) long-grain rice
  • 100 g (3/4 cup) walnuts, ground
  • 2 tbsp tkemali (sour plum sauce) or 2 tbsp tomato paste plus 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground blue fenugreek (utskho suneli)
  • 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
  • 1.5 litres (6 cups) beef stock or water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Place the beef in a large pot with the stock or water, bring to a boil, then skim and simmer covered for 1 hour until tender.
  2. Add the onion and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in the rice and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender.
  4. Add the ground walnuts, tkemali, garlic, fenugreek and chili flakes, and simmer for a further 10 minutes to let the flavours meld.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Stir through fresh coriander just before serving.

Introduction: Kharcho is a thick, tangy beef soup from western Georgia, built on a base of sour plum sauce (tkemali) or ground walnuts and rice, spiced generously with garlic and blue fenugreek.

Cultural Background: Kharcho is a thick, tangy beef soup from western Georgia, built on a base of sour plum sauce (tkemali) or ground walnuts and rice, spiced generously with garlic and blue fenugreek. It is warming winter fare, traditionally served as a starter at a long supra meal.

Tips: For the best texture, grind the walnuts finely and add them a little at a time, stirring well to avoid clumping.

Variations: A leaner version uses chicken instead of beef; some regions swap tkemali for a handful of dried sour cherries simmered into the broth.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the soup thickens further on standing.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen, for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition: Approx. 340 kcal, 24 g protein, 18 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What is tkemali?

A: It is a tangy Georgian sauce made from sour wild plums, garlic and herbs, used both as a condiment and cooking ingredient.

Q: Can Kharcho be made vegetarian?

A: Yes, replace the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable stock, adjusting simmering time accordingly.

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