Kharcho
Kharcho is a rich, long-simmered Georgian beef soup thickened with walnuts and rice, offering a perfect balance of sourness and depth.
Contents (2 sections)▾
Ingredients
- 800 g beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 100 g rice, rinsed
- 150 g walnuts, finely ground
- 200 g tomatoes or 100 ml tkemali sauce
- 1 tbsp blue fenugreek, dried
- 1 tsp coriander, ground
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 liter water
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- fresh coriander for garnish
Steps
In a large pot, brown the beef chuck over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it has a nice color. This step intensifies the meat's flavor.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1.5 hours, skimming any foam that forms on the surface.
Stir in the rice, ground walnuts, tomatoes or tkemali, blue fenugreek, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the soup thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.
Why this works
Kharcho relies on a long simmering process to develop deep flavors from the beef and spices, allowing the natural gelatin in the chuck to create a rich, hearty broth. The addition of walnuts not only thickens the soup but also infuses it with a nutty richness that complements the beef beautifully. Tkemali or tomatoes add acidity, balancing the fat from the meat and creating a well-rounded dish. If the soup breaks or separates, try whisking in a bit more ground walnut to help emulsify the broth. The choice of blue fenugreek is traditional, providing a unique aromatic profile; however, if unavailable, regular fenugreek can be used, though the flavor will differ slightly. Consistency is key; if it seems too thick, simply adjust with more water or broth until you reach your preference. This soup is a wonderful showcase of Georgian flavors and offers a satisfying, warm dish for any gathering.
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