Kharcho
Hearty Beef Stew
A rich and flavorful Georgian beef stew, traditionally made with walnuts, sour plum puree (tkemali), and a blend of aromatic spices. This version focuses on a deeply savory broth and tender beef.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 150 g Walnuts(finely ground)
- 100 ml Tkemali (sour plum sauce)(or substitute with pomegranate molasses and a squeeze of lemon)
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 1 bunch Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.5 bunch Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Utskho Suneli (blue fenugreek)
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic, coriander powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the beef to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tkemali. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until beef is very tender.
- 5
Stir in the ground walnuts and utskho suneli. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
- 6
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro and parsley.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully. The tkemali adds tartness, so balance with salt. - 7
Serve hot, garnished with remaining fresh cilantro and parsley. Traditionally served with Georgian bread (shotis puri) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can blend some of the cooked beef and onions with a little broth before returning to the pot.
- ✓If tkemali is unavailable, a mix of pomegranate molasses and a tablespoon of lemon juice can approximate the sourness.
- ✓Ensure the walnuts are finely ground to avoid a gritty texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or carrots during the last hour of simmering for a heartier stew.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a fresh chili pepper.