Kazakh Kuyrdak Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Kuyrdak is a traditional dish often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lamb fat
- 3 medium Large onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 large Carrots(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 500 ml Beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 0.5 cup Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the meat helps it brown better. - 2
Heat the oil or fat in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth (or water), and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure liquid covers most of the ingredients. - 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender meat. - 7
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the stew is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley.
💡 Tip: Traditionally served with flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb fat for browning.
- ✓Don't rush the simmering process; low heat and long cooking time are essential for tender Kuyrdak.
- ✓If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid will work.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.