Horhog-Inspired Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew inspired by the traditional Mongolian Khorkhog, featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with root vegetables, onions, and a hint of smoky flavor from the incorporation of hot stones (simulated in this recipe).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(roughly chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 cups Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika(for smoky flavor)
- 0.25 cup Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender beef. - 2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- 4
Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- 5
Bring the stew to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover the pot tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- 6
Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh dill.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more authentic Khorkhog flavor, you can add a few clean, smooth stones heated in a fire to the stew during the last hour of cooking (ensure they are food-safe and handled with extreme caution).
- ✓If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
- ✓Allowing the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- Include a tablespoon of soy sauce for added umami.
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.